Cottonwood, AZ – Jody Makuch Killed in Motorcycle Crash on SR 89
Cottonwood, AZ (September 9, 2020) – Officers with the Cottonwood Police Department reported that an officer was killed in an off-duty crash on Monday.
According to officials, Commander Jody Makuch was riding his motorcycle on State Route 89 through Cottonwood when an SUV crossed the center line, causing a head-on collision. Local EMTs responded to the scene of the accident shortly after it occurred and rushed Commander Makuch, age 49, to the hospital. However, he was later pronounced dead at the area medical center.
The other driver involved in the accident, identified as 41-year-old Jason H. Engel, was booked into jail on manslaughter charges. Impairment is suspected to be a factor in the crash, and officers say that other charges are pending at this time.
The accident remains under investigation.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Commander Jody Makuch.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona
Per reports from local authorities, motorcycle accidents were responsible for nearly 14% of all traffic fatalities nationwide over the past several years. In fact, motorcycle wrecks are on the rise and have more than doubled in the last 25 years. Data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that one in seven fatalities on the road occurred on a motorcycle.
And despite a general decline in the number of crashes and injuries on Arizona roads last year, traffic deaths were at their highest level in more than a decade.
Tragic consequences may befall victims after a motorcycle accident. Crash victims may suffer from long-term physical issues, costly medical bills, and even job loss or death. It is crucial for the victims and their families affected by these motorcycle wrecks to know that they can contact a Phoenix motorcycle crash lawyer for help. In some cases, a skilled lawyer can help victims get justice and a fair settlement from a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our knowledgeable and compassionate Arizona motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG have years of experience advocating for victims and their families after motorcycle crashes.
At ELG, when we represent a client and an adverse insurance company asks us to allow for a recorded statement from our client, 99% of the time the answer is a definitive no. Our recommendation is to tell them you will seek out counsel first, then call us at ELG.
We will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case. Plus, every consultation is free and there is no obligation to retain us. So at worst, you get free advice. We won’t cut corners or use intake specialists to talk or meet with you. At ELG, we guarantee your consultation will be with one of our experienced injury attorneys that only handle accident matters, so you can feel confident and rest assured that we will answer all of your questions.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle wreck that occurred through no fault of your own or your loved one has died in a motorcycle wreck, contact our motorcycle crash lawyers in Arizona at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation today.
Note: As a result of the secondary sources that were used to complete this post, the information included within has not been independently verified by our own staff and may include misinformation. If you read something that, to your knowledge, is incorrect, please contact us as soon as possible and we will correct the inaccuracy.
Disclaimer: As members of the local Phoenix and broader Arizona community, we hope everyone in our community is safe and protected. We cover the events included in this blog as a way to offer support to the victims in similar circumstances and to provide relief during these difficult times. However, this information should not be misconstrued as legal advice, and you should speak with a trained legal professional for more information regarding your situation.
