Phoenix Accident Statistics

Alcohol a Factor in 4.56% of 2020 Crashes

Statewide (September 16, 2021) – According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 4.56% of traffic accidents last year were alcohol-related. There were more than 4,500 potential drunk driving accidents in 2020, including nearly 1,900 injury crashes and 163 fatal crashes. Although there were fewer overall alcohol-related crashes in 2020 compared to 2019, the percentage of suspected drunk driving accidents rose from 3.79% to 4.56%.

More than 73% of drivers involved in alcohol-related crashes were men. For fatal alcohol-related accidents, that number jumped to more than 80% (For context, male drivers were involved in roughly 55% of all recorded statewide car crashes). ADOT also found that over 32% of drivers involved in these crashes were between the ages of 25 and 34, the highest of any age group. Source: ADOT

Speeding the Most Common Cause of 2020 Crashes

Statewide (August 26, 2021) – According to ADOT’s 2020 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, the most common cause of traffic accidents in Arizona last year was driving at a speed too fast for conditions. About 16.8% of all injury accidents and 10.8% of all fatal accidents involved a speeding motorist.

Contrary to what you might assume, most of these drivers were not going over the posted speed limit—in fact, less than 1% were reported as exceeding lawful speed. This surprising statistic highlights the importance of adjusting your speed to changing conditions.

The Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind Arizona motorists to slow down in response to inclement weather (like rain, snow, or dust storms), heavy or bottlenecked traffic, construction zones, and sharp curves. Source: ADOT

Driver Ran Red Light, Caused Fiery Crash

Phoenix (August 5, 2021) – Police are saying that a fiery car crash that happened on Monday was caused by one of the drivers running a red light. The car accident occurred early in the morning near the intersection of 71st Avenue and Indian School Road.

The driver of a Chevy Trax reportedly ran a red light on Indian School Road before plowing into a Chevy Silverado pulling a trailer. Both cars then caught fire. The driver and six other passengers in the Silverado, who ranged in age from 17 to 28, all sustained injuries, including a 26-year-old man who had life-threatening injuries.

The unidentified driver of the Trax who caused the accident died at the scene. It is unclear whether he died in the collision or from the resulting fire. Source: 12 News

Speeding Likely to Blame for Deadly Tolleson Crash

Tolleson (July 22, 2021) – A 29-year-old woman has died and two others were seriously injured after a car accident in Tolleson, Arizona last Saturday. According to police officers, Amanda Sue Wunderlee, an out-of-state visitor, was the only fatality in a two-car crash near 91st Avenue and Garfield Street.

Leading up to the collision, a Nissan Titan truck was speeding northbound on 91st Avenue. The driver crossed into the southbound lanes and hit the Ford vehicle in which Wunderlee was traveling as a passenger. Wunderlee was killed, while the drivers of both vehicles were injured and hospitalized with serious injuries.

Investigation into the accident is ongoing, although Tolleson police do not suspect impairment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Amanda Sue during this difficult time. Source: AZ Family

Witness Says Man Intentionally Ran Over Bicyclists

Show Low (June 24, 2021) – Seven people have been seriously injured after being run over by a truck in Show Low, Arizona. According to police, multiple bicyclists were hit by a vehicle while participating in the city’s 13th annual Bike the Bluff racing event on June 19.

Witness Tony Quinones of Santa Fe told reporters that the driver of the truck, 35-year-old Shawn Michael Chock, appeared to have intentionally crossed over three lanes of traffic and plowed into a group of bicyclists. Quinones said the driver continued to accelerate until he hit a telephone pole.

The suspect fled the scene and was shot by police trying to apprehend him. Chock—along with five of the bicyclists he ran over—remains in the hospital with critical injuries. Source: Fox 10 Phoenix

Fiery Crash May Have Been Caused by Excessive Speed

Phoenix (June 10, 2021) – Multiple fatalities and injuries were reported in an overnight multi-car collision on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway. The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the crash occurred in the eastbound lanes near 52nd Street just after 10:00 p.m.

According to police, a semi-truck may have been driving too fast for conditions (traffic was heavily congested at the time) when it slammed into several vehicles in front of it. A tanker the truck was hauling detached from the semi and crossed over into the westbound lanes, leaking diesel fuel and eventually catching fire.

Seven cars in the eastbound lanes were involved in the accident, including one car that caught fire. In all, four people died and nine were injured, six critically. Source: AZ Family.

Wrong-Way Driver Causes Three-Vehicle Crash

Gold Canyon (May 20, 2021) – Four people were injured in a car accident involving three vehicles on U.S. Route 60 at milepost 207 east of Phoenix. The crash occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday night and resulted in four people, including three drivers and one passenger, being admitted to area hospitals.

According to Department of Public Safety (DPS) spokesperson Jimmy Chavez, a wrong-way driver headed west in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 crashed into another vehicle. A pickup truck then narrowly avoided hitting one of the other vehicles and overturned on the highway.

It has not been revealed whether the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Source: AZ Central

Phoenix Among Top 10 Cities with Recalled Vehicles

Statewide (April 29, 2021) – According to data compiled by Carfax, there are 1.3-million cars on Arizona roads with open recalls. Although potentially defective vehicles are on the decline overall, Phoenix still has the 9th highest number of recalled vehicles still on the road compared to other U.S cities.

Recalled vehicles or car parts can have devastating effects if consumers aren’t properly notified of a recall. Faulty brakes, defective airbags, or engine problems can easily lead to a car accident or vehicle fire, which can result in serious burn injuries or death.

If you or a loved one was injured due to a defective or recalled vehicle or product, you could be entitled to significant compensation. Contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. Source: AZ Family

High Speed Led to Deadly Rear-End Collision

Litchfield Park (April 15, 2021) – Excessive speeding caused the deaths of two men on Sunday after their car collided with the back of a pickup truck, swerved off the roadway, and rolled over into a canal on Loop 303.

24-year-old Victor Manuel Guzman and his 18-year-old passenger Victor Fernando were both ejected from a Nissan Altima and died at the scene. The impact of the rear-end collision caused the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck to spin onto the Bethany Home Road off-ramp before coming to a complete stop. No injuries were reported for the driver of the pickup truck.

It is unknown whether additional factors, such as drug or alcohol impairment, may have contributed to this tragic car accident. Source: ABC15

Illegal Passing Led to Fatal Crash in Cochise County

Sierra Vista (March 25, 2021) – Three motorcyclists died and several car passengers were injured last Friday in a multi-car crash involving two motorcycles and two SUVs. Now the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) says the accident was caused by illegal passing.

The car versus motorcycle accident occurred Friday night on State Route 90, near the city of Sierra Vista. Reportedly, a motorcycle in a no-passing zone attempted to pass a car and collided head-on with an SUV. Another motorcyclist was also passing illegally and lost control, ejecting both himself and his passenger. A second SUV then rear-ended the first SUV.

Unfortunately, car and motorcycle accidents are all too common in southern Arizona. If you need legal help after a wreck, contact a Tucson personal injury lawyer. Source: AP News

2020 Motorcycle Accidents in Arizona

Statewide (September 9, 2021) – According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 2,317 reported motorcycle accidents throughout Arizona in 2020. This number represents a 13.4% decrease in overall motorcycle crashes compared to the previous year.

In total, 160 motorcyclists were killed on Arizona roads last year, representing just under 7% of all motorcycle accidents. Another 1,921 people were injured, which accounts for 78.1% of all reported crashes. The remaining 14.9% of motorcycle accidents resulted in property damage only.

ADOT also found that motorcycle registrations skyrocketed to more than 275,000 in 2020, 31.4% more than in 2019. And, although the percentage of fatal crashes stayed more or less the same, overall fatality rates dropped by 28.5%. Source: ADOT

2020 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crashes

Statewide (August 12, 2021) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has released its annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for 2020. According to the report, there were 98,778 motor vehicle crashes throughout the state last year, including fatal accidents, injury accidents, and property damage only accidents.

In total, 1,057 people were killed on Arizona roads in car accidents, motorcycle wrecks, semi-truck accidents, pedestrian crashes, and bicycle accidents. An additional 41,350 people suffered injuries. The report also found that alcohol was a factor in about 17% of all fatalities and about 7% of all injuries.

In addition, the data indicated that the day of the year with the highest number of traffic accidents was February 14, 2020, with more than 500 crashes reported on that day alone. Source: ADOT

Chandler PD Issues 700+ Distracted Driving Citations

Chandler (July 15, 2021) – Chandler Police Department is leading the charge to curb distracted driving in Arizona. The agency reported that it has issued 710 citations to distracted drivers from January to May, more than any other city except for Phoenix.

The crackdown comes at the heels of a 2019 traffic law that went into effect at the beginning of the year and which prohibits handheld use of an electronic device while driving. Violation of the law can result in a $75 to $149 fine for the first offense, and a fine of up to $250 for subsequent offenses.

The Chandler personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorney applaud the efforts made by Chandler Police Department to prevent accidents and deaths from distracted driving. Source: Ahwatukee Foothills News

Speeding-Related Fatalities, 2010 to 2019

Statewide (June 3, 2021) – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,990 traffic fatalities caused by speeding in the state of Arizona between 2010 and 2019. This represents about 34% of all deadly traffic accidents during the same time period.

When it comes to car accidents, many road safety advocates focus on issues like distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While these behaviors certainly cause a significant number of crashes, speeding remains an often-overlooked contributor to accidents—particularly those that result in serious injury or death.

In combination with other factors, speeding increases both your risk of getting into and dying in an accident. For this reason, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers remind Arizona drivers to slow down and stay safe. Source: NHTSA

Arizona Pedestrian Fatalities, Jan to Jun 2020

Statewide (May 13, 2021) – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has released a preliminary report on pedestrian accident fatalities for the first six months of 2020. According to its analysis, approximately 106 Arizona pedestrians were killed in accidents from January to June of 2020.

Of all 50 states, Arizona ranked the 6th highest when it comes to the number of pedestrian deaths last year. The state also ranked 4th in the highest pedestrian fatality rate, at 1.43 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents, exceeded only by New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

In the report, the GHSA states several proposed measures to decrease pedestrian fatalities, including adjustments to traffic flow, enforcement of existing motorist laws, and increased pedestrian safety education. Source: GHSA

Top 5 High Crash Corridors in Phoenix

Phoenix (April 1, 2021) – According to a Safety Analysis and Strategies Report, the City of Phoenix has zeroed in on five major high crash corridors. Each corridor was selected based on serious and fatal traffic accidents that occurred between 2014 and 2018.

The top five priority roads include Indian School Rd. (from 83rd Ave. to 67th Ave.), McDowell Rd. (from 51st Ave. to 35th Ave.), Broadway Rd. (from 16th St. to 24th St.), 19th Ave. (from Grovers Ave. to Greenway Rd.), and 7th St. (from Deer Valley Rd. to Utopia Rd.).

Many of these corridors suffer from systemic problems that have led to increased risk of car, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents. Suggested improvements include reduction in speed limits, additional crosswalks, sidewalk buffers, and repositioning of bus stops for easier pedestrian access. Source: City of Phoenix

Rear-End Collisions Plague Arizona Roads

Statewide (March 11, 2021) – According to the most recent data released by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the most common type of car accidents are rear-end collisions.

In 2019 alone, there were almost 48,000 of these crashes across the state—about 43% of all reported multi-vehicle accidents. (The second most common car accident in Arizona are left-turn crashes, which account for more than 39% of all accidents.)

To help reduce your risk of being injured in a rear-end car accident, ADOT recommends sticking to the posted speed limit and leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. You should also eliminate distractions, use your turn signal, and always buckle up. Source: ADOT

Arizona Has Thousands of Work Zone Accidents Annually

Statewide (February 11, 2021) – Work zone accidents continue to be a concern in Arizona. Due to the state’s temperate weather, highway and road construction is feasible throughout the year. This means that there’s a potential for work zone car accidents 365 days a year in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) notes that from 2017 to 2019, 3,540 collisions in work zones resulted in 49 fatalities on Arizona roadways.

Lerner and Rowe reminds you to use caution while driving in or near work zones. Narrower roads, construction debris, and confusing signs are just some of the reasons why work zones can be more dangerous than clear roads. If you or a loved one get into an accident near a construction zone, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: ADOT

Arizona One of the Worst States for Pedestrian Accidents

Statewide (January 13, 2021) – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has reported that Arizona is one of the five deadliest states for pedestrian accidents. The agency found that 47% of U.S. fatal pedestrian accidents occurred in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. One reason for the higher concentration in these states is that their warmer climates lead to more people walking year-round.

Lerner and Rowe reminds pedestrians to keep an eye out for traffic and to follow our pedestrian safety tips. Our team also reminds motorists to be mindful of pedestrians and to show them proper consideration. If you or a family member have suffered an Arizona pedestrian accident, our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Source: GHSA

Get Ready for Winter Driving

Statewide (December 18, 2020) – Winter is coming to Arizona, with temperatures already dipping to the mid-teens in some parts of the state. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that there were 715 car accidents in the state caused by snow in 2019. This included a record-breaking snowstorm in February. The upcoming winter is expected to be similarly harsh.

Lerner and Rowe urges you to drive cautiously when there’s snow on the roads. Always check road conditions before you drive and be mindful of snowbird migration. Please follow our winter driving safety tips for additional measures. If you or a loved get into a car accident or suffer a winter injury, our team of legal professionals is available to assist you 24/7. Source: ADOT

1 Killed, 2 Injured in Tucson Car Accident

Tucson (September 23, 2021) – A woman was killed and two others were injured yesterday after a car accident in midtown Tucson. 82-year-old Amelia J. Guzman died after her Toyota Camry was hit by a Dodge Challenger at the intersection of Swan Road and Camp Lowell.

The other two victims were the driver and passenger of the Challenger, who were both hospitalized but are expected to recover. According to Tucson police, both drivers were partially at-fault for the collision. The Challenger was reportedly speeding at the time of the crash, while the Camry failed to yield the right of way while making a U-turn. Intoxication was not a factor, and no arrests have been made. Source: KOLD

Three Hospitalized, 1 Killed After 8-Car Crash

Phoenix (September 2, 2021) – Four people were rushed to the hospital after a car accident involving eight vehicles in Phoenix. The collision occurred on August 22 at the intersection of Central Avenue and Camelback Road.

Police say an unnamed female driver of a Toyota Camry ran a red light at the intersection, causing a fiery crash involving eight cars. The passenger of the Camry, 35-year-old Jesus Padilla, died of his injuries. The at-fault driver reportedly exhibited signs of impairment at the scene, but is now in a coma and has not been charged.

Two women in their 40s were also critically injured in the crash. A witness to the accident said the Camry appeared to be traveling around 60 miles per hour as it plowed through the solid red traffic light. Source: AZ Family

Arizona Traffic Fatalities Hit 12-Year High

Statewide (August 19, 2021) – Arizona traffic fatalities hit their highest point since 2007 last year, according to the latest data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). Although the overall number of auto accidents decreased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns, the number of people who died in collisions jumped by nearly 8% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Put into context, the number of people killed per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased by 15.6% between 2019 and 2020. Interestingly, the number of people injured per 100 million VMT decreased by 18% during the same time period. This indicates that although fewer accidents and fewer injuries occurred last year, the accidents that did occur were far more serious. Source: ADOT

Wing May Have Fallen Off Plane Before Deadly Crash

Wikieup (July 29, 2021) – A preliminary report and witness testimony point to the possibility that one of the wings of a Beechcraft King Air C-90 aircraft plummeted to the ground shortly before it crashed outside Wikieup, Arizona. The deadly July 10 accident involved two Arizona firefighters who were helping direct aviation resources over the Cedar Basin Fire.

62-year-old Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura and his pilot, 48-year-old Matthew Miller, were both killed in the plane crash. According to a local woman, she witnessed the plane going down at a steep angle before it hit the ground. She says that Arizona Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials at the scene told her she’d seen the wing fall off the aircraft. Federal authorities continue to investigate. Source: KTAR

33-Year-Old Man Killed in Bullhead City Boat Crash

Bullhead City (July 8, 2021) – A 33-year-old man from Ontario, California died on July 4 after a boating accident on the Colorado River. According to the Bullhead City Police Department, Timothy Randall David Lee was sitting on the back of the boat’s swim deck when a jet ski crashed into the boat around 1:30 p.m.

The jet-ski boat collision was powerful enough to knock Lee’s mother-in-law and baby into the river, although the police statement said the two were unharmed. Unfortunately, Lee suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, where he died.

The operator of the jet ski, a 16-year-old from Avondale, Arizona, reportedly left the scene of the accident but was apprehended and cited by boating officers. A police report regarding the accident was to be forwarded to the Mohave County Attorney’s Office for review of additional charges. Source: AP News

North Phoenix Collision Seriously Injures Four

Phoenix (July 1, 2021) – Four people were taken to trauma centers after a head-on car accident on Tuesday night. The crash occurred around 11:00 p.m. near the intersection of 27th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

According to officials, one vehicle traveling straight struck another vehicle as it was turning left onto 27th Avenue. The car then ricocheted and collided head-on with a Phoenix Police Department patrol car. Two police officers, a 20-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old man were all hospitalized in serious condition.

The occupants of the third vehicle involved were not reportedly injured. Phoenix Police are investigating and believe that impairment and speeding were factors in this accident. Source: Fox 10 Phoenix

Police Arrest Suspect Who Caused Multi-Car Crash

Phoenix (June 17, 2021) – 33-year-old Raymond Montogomery has been arrested and is facing three counts of first-degree murder after causing a multi-car crash last week that killed three people. The accident occurred in the area near 7th Ave and Missouri Ave on June 10 around 4:00 p.m.

Police say Montgomery was traveling at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour when he slammed into a car driven by 45-year-old Courtney Lonergan. The force of the crash caused Lonergan’s vehicle to hit a pickup truck, which then struck a city bus. Montgomery continued driving and hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk and a car waiting at a red light.

Lonergan and her two teenage children died in the accident. Six others suffered injuries. Source: 12 News

Left-Turn Accident Kills 1, Injures 4

Phoenix (May 27, 2021) – A man was killed and four occupants of another vehicle were injured on Tuesday night in a car accident on Cactus Road near 43rd Avenue.

59-year-old Robert Mullen was driving his pickup truck east on Cactus Road and attempting to turn left onto 43rd Avenue when he failed to yield the right of way to another truck transporting another driver and three passengers. The two trucks collided, resulting in injuries to all five people involved. Mullen was the only casualty, and died at the hospital. None of the other injuries were considered serious.

Investigators have ruled out intoxication as a cause of this fatal accident, but have not yet determined what other factors may have led up to the crash. Source: AZ Central

ADOT Reminds Drivers to Use Caution During Wildfire Season

Statewide (May 6, 2021) – As May begins to heat up and summer approaches, it can only mean one thing: brush fire season is descending upon much of Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) encourages drivers to perform the following safety checks before traveling to help prevent wildfires:

• Don’t park in tall grass. Heat from beneath your vehicle can lead to a fire.
• Check your tire pressure regularly. Exposed wheel rims from an underinflated tire can cause friction, spark, and break out in a fire.
• Fasten chains before towing anything. Dragging chains on the roadway can cause sparks.
• Vehicle fires from car accidents may also contribute to wildfires and burn injuries. Drive safe, and always contact the fire department in the event of a vehicle fire. Source: ADOT

Two Killed in Buckeye Motorcycle Crash

Buckeye (April 22, 2021) – Two motorcyclists were killed while riding on Sunday after they each crashed into a guardrail. Both riders were headed north on Tuthill Road towards Beloat Road at a high rate of speed alongside a third motorcyclist when they crashed around midnight.

Although both motorcyclists were wearing helmets, both succumbed to their injuries. Police say a white pickup truck was seen in the same area when the accident occurred and hit one of the victims already in the road. The driver of that vehicle left the scene.

The fatal accident occurred on a curved stretch of road, which may have also contributed to the crash. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Source: Fox 10 Phoenix