Traffic accidents in Phoenix present unique challenges due to the city's rapid growth, desert climate, and complex road network. Major contributing factors include distracted driving, particularly on busy corridors like I-10 and Loop 101, excessive speeding on surface streets, and impaired driving which peaks during evening hours. The combination of intense summer heat affecting vehicle performance, sudden monsoon conditions reducing visibility, and high-volume tourist traffic creates additional risk factors. These accidents often result in serious injuries requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation, forming the basis for personal injury claims. Understanding how these factors contribute to accidents is crucial for establishing liability and securing fair compensation.

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system for car accidents, meaning victims can pursue compensation even if partially at fault. The state's minimum insurance requirements include $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. Victims have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit under Arizona's statute of limitations (A.R.S. § 12-542). Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Multiple parties may share liability, including other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance. An experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

The top ten causes of serious injury accidents are:

• Distracted Driving: Phone use, eating, grooming while driving causes approximately 25% of serious accidents in Phoenix, with increased risk during rush hour periods on major highways.
• Speeding: Excessive speed, particularly on I-10 and Loop 101, leads to severe crashes with higher fatality rates, accounting for 30% of fatal accidents.
• Impaired Driving: DUI incidents peak between 10 PM and 2 AM, causing 27% of fatal crashes in Maricopa County.
• Running Red Lights: Phoenix ranks among the top U.S. cities for red-light violations, with high-risk intersections along major arterials.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Common on multi-lane highways, particularly during peak commute times on I-17 and US-60.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating incidents increase during rush hour, leading to severe rear-end collisions.
• Weather-Related Accidents: Monsoon storms and dust storms reduce visibility, particularly affecting East Valley corridors.
• Drowsy Driving: Most prevalent on long stretches of Loop 202 and I-10, often involving commercial vehicles.
• Vehicle Malfunction: Tire blowouts and brake failures increase during extreme summer temperatures, particularly affecting older vehicles.
• Aggressive Driving: Road rage incidents concentrate around busy intersections and highway merges, leading to high-speed collisions.

Click the links below to learn how an experienced injury lawyer can help with your type of accident or injury:

• Phoenix car accident attorney;
• Phoenix DUI accident lawyer;
• Phoenix distracted driving accident lawyer;
• Phoenix rear-end accident law office;
• Phoenix hit-and-run accident lawyer;
• Phoenix uninsured driver accident attorney;

Related Resources:

• Maricopa County Superior Court - Civil Division
• Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Crash Reports
• Banner Health Trauma Centers
• Arizona State Bar Association Referral Service
• Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28 (Transportation)
• ADOT Monsoon Safety Guide
• Governor's Office of Highway Safety

Return to the Phoenix accident information page