Every day, Phoenix drivers share busy roads, freeways, and intersections that can quickly become dangerous when even one person is careless. Understanding the top causes of car accidents in Phoenix helps residents stay safe — and when collisions do occur, it helps determine who’s legally responsible.
At Orange Law, our Phoenix car accident attorneys have represented hundreds of victims across Arizona. We know that behind every crash statistic is a real person facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. This guide explains what causes most car accidents in Phoenix, what Arizona law says about liability, and what steps you can take if you’ve been injured.
Why Car Accidents Are So Common in Phoenix
Phoenix consistently ranks among the highest in Arizona for traffic collisions due to its large population, long commutes, and growing freeway network. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Maricopa County sees more than 100,000 vehicle crashes every year, accounting for nearly 75% of the state’s total.
The city’s combination of dense traffic, extreme heat, distracted driving, and complex intersections contributes to a perfect storm of risk. But understanding the specific causes can help victims pursue compensation and help prevent future crashes.
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Phoenix is distracted driving — any activity that diverts attention away from driving.
Common Distractions Include:
- Texting, calling, or checking apps while driving
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Adjusting GPS or car controls
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at billboards or roadside activity
Even a five-second distraction while driving at 55 mph covers the length of a football field — enough time for a devastating collision.
Arizona’s Hands-Free Law
Since 2021, Arizona Revised Statutes §28-914 prohibits the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. Drivers can use hands-free technology but cannot hold or type on their phones. Violating this law can result in fines — and in an accident claim, it can serve as evidence of negligence.
At Orange Law, our attorneys use phone records, dashcam footage, and witness statements to prove when distracted driving contributed to a crash.
2. Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed is another top contributor to serious collisions. In Phoenix, where wide roads and long stretches of highway invite fast driving, speeding often results in catastrophic injuries.
Why Speeding Is So Dangerous
- Reduced reaction time: Drivers can’t stop in time to avoid hazards.
- Increased impact force: Higher speeds cause more severe injuries.
- Longer braking distance: Vehicles require more space to come to a full stop.
According to ADOT, over one-third of fatal crashes in Arizona involve speeding or aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes.
Legal Perspective
Under A.R.S. §28-701, drivers must operate at a “reasonable and prudent” speed given current road and weather conditions. This means even driving below the posted limit can be negligent if it’s unsafe for the circumstances (e.g., during rain or construction).
A trusted Phoenix car accident attorney can reconstruct the scene to show whether excessive speed was a factor.
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Despite years of awareness campaigns, driving under the influence remains one of the top causes of car accidents in Phoenix.
Arizona’s Strict DUI Laws
Under A.R.S. §28-1381, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs (including prescription medication). Arizona enforces some of the toughest DUI penalties in the U.S., including mandatory jail time and license suspension.
Still, intoxicated driving leads to thousands of injuries annually. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, delay reaction times, and reduce coordination — often resulting in devastating head-on collisions and fatalities.
If a drunk or drug-impaired driver caused your injuries, Orange Law’s Phoenix attorneys can pursue both compensatory and punitive damages on your behalf.
4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Phoenix intersections, especially along Camelback Road, Bell Road, and I-10 exits, are notorious for red-light violations.
The Dangers of Intersection Collisions
Running a red light often leads to T-bone or side-impact crashes, which can cause serious injuries due to minimal vehicle protection on the sides. Common injuries include spinal trauma, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
Under A.R.S. §28-645, drivers must obey all traffic control signals. Violations are strong evidence of negligence and can make the at-fault driver fully liable for resulting damages.
Our attorneys use intersection cameras and traffic light data to prove liability in these complex cases.
5. Weather and Road Conditions
Although Phoenix is known for its sunshine, monsoon season and sudden dust storms create dangerous conditions. Slick roads, poor visibility, and hydroplaning often contribute to multi-vehicle pileups.
Common Road Hazards Include:
- Flash flooding on low-lying roads
- Blowing dust reducing visibility to near zero
- Tire blowouts caused by extreme heat
- Oil and debris accumulation after long dry periods
Legal Angle
While weather itself isn’t “negligent,” drivers must adjust to it. Failing to slow down or turn on headlights during dust storms can constitute negligent behavior under Arizona law.
Local agencies, including Phoenix Public Works, are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. If poor maintenance contributed to your crash, your attorney may pursue a government liability claim, which follows strict notice and filing deadlines.
6. Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Long commutes across Phoenix’s sprawling metro area make fatigued driving a serious threat. According to the National Safety Council, driving after 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a BAC of 0.08%.
Warning Signs of Fatigued Driving
- Drifting between lanes
- Difficulty focusing
- Missing traffic signs
- Nodding off or frequent yawning
Arizona law doesn’t classify drowsy driving as a separate offense, but it’s still negligent if fatigue leads to an accident. Commercial truck drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA), which limit hours behind the wheel — violations can establish liability in truck accident cases.
7. Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Despite state requirements, some Phoenix drivers lack proper insurance coverage. Arizona mandates minimum liability coverage under A.R.S. §28-4009:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
If you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may still recover through your own UM/UIM policy. A knowledgeable Phoenix accident lawyer can review your policy and negotiate directly with insurers to ensure fair compensation.
Understanding Negligence in Arizona Car Accident Law
To succeed in a car accident claim, you must prove negligence, meaning the other driver failed to use reasonable care. Arizona uses a comparative negligence system under A.R.S. §12-2505, meaning fault can be shared between parties.
Example:
If you were found 20% at fault for speeding but the other driver was 80% at fault for texting, you could still recover 80% of your damages.
This system emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and skilled representation from an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix
Taking the right steps after a crash can make a major difference in your recovery and your case.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Get medical help and ensure an official police report is filed.
- Get medical help and ensure an official police report is filed.
- Exchange information.
- Get names, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
- Get names, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
- Document the scene.
- Take photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Take photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Provide facts but avoid admitting fault.
- Provide facts but avoid admitting fault.
- Seek medical evaluation.
- Some injuries (like concussions or whiplash) show symptoms later.
- Some injuries (like concussions or whiplash) show symptoms later.
- Contact a Phoenix car accident lawyer.
- Legal guidance helps protect your rights and build a strong claim.
- Legal guidance helps protect your rights and build a strong claim.
At Orange Law, we handle every aspect — from investigating the scene to negotiating with insurers — so you can focus on healing.
Why Working With a Local Phoenix Attorney Matters
Choosing a local law firm like Orange Law gives you more than legal representation — it gives you home-court advantage.
Advantages of Local Representation
- Knowledge of Arizona law: We understand state statutes, insurance rules, and court deadlines.
- Experience with Phoenix courts: Our attorneys regularly appear before local judges in Maricopa County.
- Familiarity with local investigators and experts: We work with trusted medical and accident reconstruction professionals.
- Personal accessibility: You can meet with us in person, not just over the phone.
Local clients trust Orange Law because we combine professional strength with compassion and community roots.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Step 1: Consultation and Case Review
Your attorney will assess your accident, injuries, and damages. Initial consultations are typically free.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Collection
Lawyers gather crash reports, photos, witness statements, and expert opinions.
Step 3: Demand and Negotiation
A settlement demand is sent to the at-fault driver’s insurer, outlining damages and evidence.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary)
If negotiations fail, your attorney may file a civil lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Step 5: Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle, but our team is ready to go to trial when needed to protect your rights.
At Orange Law, we maintain constant communication so clients always understand what’s next.
Compensation Available After a Car Accident
Victims of car accidents in Phoenix may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence like drunk driving)
Our attorneys evaluate every possible category of damages to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Common Questions About Top Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
1. What are the most common causes of car accidents in Phoenix?
Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and red-light running are leading causes. Fatigue, bad weather, and uninsured drivers also play major roles.
2. How do I prove another driver was at fault?
Evidence like police reports, witness statements, phone records, and traffic camera footage can establish negligence. An attorney can gather and present this effectively.
3. How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. §12-542, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
4. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule — you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.
5. How can a Phoenix car accident lawyer help me?
A lawyer handles every legal and insurance detail, ensures timely filing, and fights for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself and Know Your Rights
Car accidents are often preventable. The top causes of car accidents in Phoenix — from distraction to speeding — stem from avoidable choices. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, understanding these causes is only the first step; securing justice is the next.
At Orange Law, we’re proud to help Phoenix residents stand up to insurance companies and negligent drivers. Our personal injury lawyers combine local experience, legal precision, and genuine care for every client we serve.If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact Orange Law today for a free consultation and let our team fight for the compensation you deserve.
