Phoenix Accident Statistics

Study Shows Traffic Cameras Decrease Crashes

Phoenix (October 26, 2023) – Red light cameras may return to Phoenix after the program was discontinued in 2019. A city council subcommittee is looking at the possibility of reinstating the cameras as a way to improve traffic safety. The cameras were controversial yet effective when they were in use until 2019. A study from that year showed that they reduced crashes caused by drivers running a red light by 31%, as well as injuries and fatalities from red light running by 30%.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: ABC15

Maricopa County Approaching Record for Heat-Related Deaths

Phoenix (August 18, 2023) – This week, Maricopa County officials announced there have been 89 heat-related fatalities in 2023, compared to 66 that were reported by this time in 2022. So far, the number of heat-related fatalities in 2023 is outpacing the record of 425, set in 2022.

Lerner and Rowe strongly advises everyone to take extra precautions during extreme heat and to follow our tips for preventing heat illness. If you’ve suffered from heat illness due to the negligence of another party, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys. Source: AZ Central

Fatal Accident Caused by Intoxicated Driver

Phoenix (May 30, 2023) – The driver who caused a fatal wrong-way accident on a Phoenix highway on May 23 had a blood alcohol percentage more than four times the legal limit, according to court documents. Allen Michael Johnson was arrested at Chandler Regional Medical Center and charged with second-degree murder. A 10-year-old died in the accident and another woman and a 5-year-old were seriously injured.

Our sympathies are with the victims and their families. If you or a loved one have been injured by an impaired driver, contact the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KTAR News

Driver Fatigue Cause of Deadly 2021 Tanker Crash

Phoenix (April 28, 2023) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has attributed the cause of a fatal tanker crash in Phoenix, Arizona in 2021, which killed 4 people and injured 11 others, to driver fatigue. The crash occurred when the truck crashed into cars that were stopped for a road closure. The tanker separated from the truck, which hit a concrete median and caught fire along with another car.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact the Phoenix injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: AP

Deadly Crash Likely Caused by Faulty Steering Wheel

Goodyear (March 10, 2023) – A Goodyear, Arizona car accident in late February that killed two cyclists was likely caused by a faulty steering wheel. The driver claimed his steering wheel locked, causing him to enter the bike lane. Police claim that there is no evidence of an intentional act, speeding, or impairment at the time of the crash.

Our sympathies go out to the victim and their loved ones. If you’ve experienced the wrongful death of a loved one due to no fault of their own, or if you’ve been injured by a defective product, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: AP

Top Causes of Arizona Fatal Accidents and Catastrophic Injuries in 2021

Statewide (January 2, 2023) – According to the 2021 Arizona Trauma System Snapshot, falls caused over 600 adult fatalities and close to 30,800 injuries. Car accidents and gun-related accidents were the other top causes of catastrophic injuries and deaths for both Arizona adults and children in 2021. Overall, the rate of catastrophic injuries increased by 19% in the state that year.

If you’ve suffered from a catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, contact the Arizona personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: AZ Family

Thanksgiving Weekend Speeding, DUI, and Distracted Driving Arrests and Citations

Statewide (November 30, 2022) – During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, police in Arizona reported speeding, DUI, and distracted driving were the main causes of traffic citations. According to information made public by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 323 DUI arrests, 78 citations for distracted driving, and 209 criminal citations issued for speeding. Additionally, there were 145 citations issued for not wearing a seatbelt.

The Arizona personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe can help if you were injured in a car accident or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Source: 12 News

Causes of Arizona Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (September 11, 2022) – Arizona experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities in the first quarter of 2022 by 31.4%. In the first quarter of 2022, there were 277 traffic deaths in Arizona, compared to 190 in 2021. While traffic fatalities are down, Alberto Gutier, executive director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, says that speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving (DUI) are the main causes of Arizona traffic fatalities.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an Arizona car accident, contact Lerner and Rowe today. Source: Mesa Tribune

Top Causes of Arizona Fatal Work Accidents

Statewide (August 19, 2022) – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 97 work-related fatalities in Arizona in 2020. Transportation-related accidents caused 30 out of the 97 fatal work injuries in Arizona, while there were 25 total fatalities related to hazardous substances or environments. 57% of all Arizona fatal workplace injuries fell into these two primary groups.

Violence and injuries caused by people and animals were the third most common cause of fatal workplace accidents in Arizona, totaling 17. Contact Lerner and Rowe if you’ve been injured in a workplace accident due to your employer’s negligence. Source: BLS

Truck Accidents Increase in Phoenix

Phoenix (July 13, 2022)- Truck accidents are on the rise in Phoenix. These accidents often end in death or catastrophic injuries. The rise of Phoenix truck accidents are due to a variety of reasons, including an increase of trucks on the road.

The number of trucks on the road increased by 85% in the past decade. With this increase of trucks and increased demand, companies have been short-cutting safety measures.

Due to inflation, many truck companies have cut costs by decreasing maintenance and overloading trucks. Faulty and malfunctioning parts, mainly worn breaks, as well as overloaded vehicles can easily cause a deadly accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, call Lerner and Rowe today. Source: Legal Reader

Motor Vehicle Crashes a Leading Cause of Child Fatalities

Statewide (November 30, 2023) – The annual Arizona Child Fatality Review Program published by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) found that car accidents were the leading cause of preventable death among Arizona children, ages 0-17. In 2021, there were 875 total child deaths. Out of those, 45% were preventable. Motor vehicle crashes claimed the lives of 21% of children aged 0-17 in Arizona, making them the leading cause of preventable death in this age group. This is followed by firearm injuries (15%) and suffocation (16%).

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or lost a loved one due to negligence, contact the Arizona personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: ADHS

Heat Deaths in Phoenix Reach New Record High

Phoenix (October 25, 2023) – According to Maricopa County public health officials, there were a total of 425 heat-related deaths confirmed as of October 2023 with another 199 deaths under investigation. Based on these numbers, Maricopa County will break the record of heat deaths set in 2022.

Lerner and Rowe strongly advises everyone to take extra precautions during extreme heat and to follow our tips for preventing heat illness. If you’ve suffered from heat illness due to the negligence of another party, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys. Source: AZ Family

Valley Metro Sees Increase in Rail Crashes

Phoenix (June 30, 2023) – According to CBS5, there have been approximately two dozen collisions involving Valley Metro light rail and cars or trucks since the service launched in 2008. The addition of the light rail trains along with regular traffic has led to an increase in traffic accidents. Valley Metro records indicate that there were 35 collisions in 2020, 27 in 2021, and 20 reported in 2022.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another, contact the Phoenix car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: CBS5

Bicycle Deaths in Phoenix Decline

Phoenix (May 30, 2023) – According to data from the League of American Bicyclists via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2017 and 2021, the average number of fatal bicycle accidents in Phoenix decreased to five per one million. Among major cities, Phoenix ranked 13th in terms of bicycle fatalities. Overall, the number of fatal bicycle accidents in Phoenix decreased 12% from 2012 to 2016.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: League of American Bicyclists

Arizona Traffic Fatalities Increase Over 11%

Statewide (April 28, 2023) – According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in Arizona increased 11.1% from 2021 to 2022. The Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2022 report showed the state had 1,180 traffic fatalities in 2021 and 1,311 in 2022, an increase of 10.4%.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact the Phoenix car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA

Arizona Ranked 15th in Nation for Distracted Driver Deaths

Statewide (January 2, 2023) – Data gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that Arizona had 152 distracted driving deaths from 2019-2020. This puts Arizona at 15 out 50 for the number of distracted driving deaths in the country.

Contact the Arizona personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe if you were injured by or experienced the wrongful death of a loved one due to a distracted driver. Source: MoneyGeek

Arizona Traffic Deaths Decrease in First Quarter of 2022

Statewide (August 26, 2022) – According to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of traffic fatalities in Arizona decreased by about a third in the first quarter of 2022. According to the data, 190 people died on Arizona roads in the first three months of this year, a 31.4% decrease from the 277 fatalities recorded in the same period in 2021.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to a car accident, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: Cronkite News

Phoenix Ranked Worst Large City for Traffic Deaths

Phoenix (August 18, 2022) – Phoenix saw 185 traffic fatalities in 2020 compared to 177 in 2019. In the first half of 2021, 114 persons lost their lives in collisions. 52 were pedestrians, 58 involved drivers or passengers, and 4 involved bicycles.

Phoenix experiences 83 collisions each day on average, with 1 fatality daily. The city experienced a rise in collisions over a 5-year period that was higher (4.4%) than the city’s annual population growth of 1.5%. Source: KJZZ

Heat-Related Deaths In Maricopa County Hit Half-Year Record High

Phoenix (July 28, 2022)—With 17 heat-related fatalities confirmed through the first week of July and another 126 under investigation, heat-related deaths in Maricopa County have reached a half-year record. The number of heat-related deaths in the first half of 2022 is significantly higher than it was during the same time last year. There were 11 fatalities in Maricopa County due to heat illness in the first half of 2021.

Those who work outdoors are the most susceptible to the extreme heat and are likely to experience heat-related injuries. If you or a loved one have experienced heat-illnesses or wrongful death due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact Lerner and Rowe to explore your legal options. Source: Fox10

Arizona Home to Third Deadliest US Interstate Highway

Arizona (April 26, 2022)-Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2020 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) found that I-40, which runs through Arizona, is the third deadliest interstate in the country. A total of 270 fatalities on I-40 happened in 2020, including a crash caused by faulty tires that killed two.

Data collected and analyzed showed that there were 10.6 fatalities per every 100 miles in 2020. Speeding is one of the main causes of fatal accidents on I-40. Source: NHTSA

GOHS Gives Grant to ADOT For Truck Safety

Statewide (February 27, 2024) – The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) awarded two grants to the Arizona Department of Transportation Enforcement and Compliance Division (ECD) to improve commercial vehicle safety on state highways. One grant will fund DUI enforcement efforts, including overtime pay for officers and new breath testing devices. The second grant will fund the purchase of equipment to measure window tint and following distance of commercial vehicles in order to prevent unsafe following distance that can indicate driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment.

Large truck accidents can end in death or catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, call the Arizona truck accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe today. Source: ADOT

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Eloy Hot Air Balloon Crash

Phoenix (January 25, 2024) – A fatal Eloy, Arizona hot air balloon crash may have involved a deflated envelope before the impact, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The January 14 crash claimed four lives and left one critically injured. The report found the balloon’s envelope was already deflated, and no longer inflated, despite the burner being on, before it hit the ground. The balloon carried 13 people at takeoff, including eight skydivers who jumped out before encountering problems.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hot air balloon accident, contact the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: AZ Central

Parts of Arizona Under Winter Weather Advisory

Statewide (November 30, 2023) – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of Arizona from 5:00 p.m. Thursday through 5:00 a.m. Saturday morning. During this time, expect high winds and hazardous driving conditions. Elevations above 7,000 feet could see up to 6 inches of snow, with up to a foot possible in areas above 7,500 feet.

Lerner and Rowe advise everyone to prepare for winter in Arizona by driving carefully and using extreme caution when walking in winter weather to avoid a slip and fall accident. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to negligence during severe weather, contact the Phoenix personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NWS

I-17 Speed Limit in Phoenix Increasing to 65 mph

Phoenix (October 26, 2023) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is raising the speed limit on a stretch of Interstate 17 south of Peoria Avenue from 55 mph to 65 mph. The new speed limit is expected to take effect by the end of October. The decision to raise the speed limit was based on a study conducted by the ADOT, which found a 65 mph speed limit to be appropriate. Nearly 75% of respondents in a public survey supported raising the speed limit to 65 mph.

The Phoenix car crash attorneys at Lerner and Rowe hope everyone practices safe driving. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: ADOT

Workers Comp Available for COVID-19 Victims

Statewide (September 29, 2023) – Arizonans can now receive workers’ compensation benefits for contracting COVID-19 on the job. This decision was made after a widow successfully sued for workers’ comp benefits after her husband died from COVID-19. The court ruled that workers who contract COVID-19 at work are entitled to file for workers’ compensation. This includes financial support for the worker’s next of kin if the worker dies from the virus.

Claims must be filed within one year of contracting COVID-19. Source: KOVA

Hurricane Hilary to Bring Heavy Rain to Arizona

Statewide (August 18, 2023) – Heavy rains from Hurricane Hilary, a Category 4 hurricane, will hit Phoenix and parts of Arizona this weekend. Look for thunderstorms, high winds up to 35 mph, and dust storms. Flash flooding is a possibility in areas with heavier rainfall.

Lerner and Rowe hopes Arizonans stay safe during the storms and encourages everyone to follow our safety tips for monsoon season in Arizona. If you are injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys. Source: NWS.

Dust Storm Driving Dangers

Statewide (July 28, 2023) – It’s that time of year again; monsoon season. As Arizonans know, dust storms can reduce visibility to zero, creating a hazardous scenario that can lead to car accidents. The Arizona Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay vigilant with their “pull aside, stay alive” campaign. ADOT offers dust storm safety tips to drivers such as pulling off the road as soon as possible.

The Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage drivers to follow the tips outlined by the ADOT. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: ADOT

Heat Wave Headed for Phoenix

Phoenix (June 30, 2023) – Phoenix’s first heat wave of the season starts this weekend extending until the Fourth of July. Temperatures in excess of 110°F and potentially dangerous heat have been forecasted for the holiday weekend. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the Valley and the western deserts of Arizona, spanning from Saturday through Tuesday.

Lerner and Rowe urges everyone to exercise extra caution in the face of intense, near-record heat by following these tips to prevent heat illness. If you’ve suffered from heat illness due to the negligence of another party, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys. Source: NWS

Buckle Up Arizona Aims to Increase Seat Belt Use

Statewide (May 30, 2023) – Several agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), have received a $20,000 grant to enforce seat belt compliance among drivers and passengers. The program, “Buckle Up Arizona”, hopes to improve seat belt usage to prevent fatal accidents. Drivers can expect a stronger police presence on Arizona roads. The campaign ends June 4.

The Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe hope everyone wears a seat belt and practices safe driving. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: AZDPS

ADOT Issues Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory

Phoenix (April 28, 2023) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a travel advisory for this weekend. ADOT asks drivers to plan alternate routes in order to avoid work zone accidents due to various freeway closures for improvement projects during the upcoming weekend (April 28-May 1).

Accidents often increase during highway maintenance in work zones due to road debris, drivers not paying attention to signs, and equipment on the road. If you’ve been injured in a car accident during a highway improvement project, contact the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: ADOT