Arizona Car Accident Statistics and Facts - Wyatt Injury Law
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Arizona Car Accident Statistics

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Arizona’s vast road networks and growing population make it a hotspot for car accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are serious public safety issues in Arizona, with rising numbers of fatalities, injuries, and economic costs. With a clear understanding of the statistics, causes, and trends behind these crashes, motorists can follow safer driving practices and reduce the risk of accidents.

Here’s a detailed overview of car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents in Arizona as outlined in the 2022 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

Arizona Vehicle Accident Statistics

According to the ADOT, there were 119,991 reported crashes in the state during 2022. Of these, 1,178 were fatal, and 35,878 caused injuries. These statistics highlight a significant number of accidents that cause damage, injury, or even death on Arizona roads each year.

Breakdown of Crash Data

  • Total Crashes: 121,345
  • Fatal Crashes: 1,163
  • Total Number of Fatalities: 1,294
  • Injury Crashes: 36,091
  • Total Number of Persons Injured: 52,411

Car crash data in Arizona shows that fatalities and injuries are increasing year over year. From 2021 to 2022, the number of fatalities rose by nearly 10%, illustrating growing concerns about road safety in Arizona. 

If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident, a proven Arizona personal injury law firm can provide you with strong legal representation to recover compensation.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona

Awareness of the primary causes of car accidents can help drivers and policymakers take preventative measures. The leading causes of accidents in Arizona include:

Speeding 

According to the ADOT, speeding was a factor in 35% of all fatal crashes in Arizona. Speeding remains one of the most preventable causes of accidents, contributing significantly to both injury and death.

Distracted Driving 

The ADOT reports that distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, and other in-vehicle distractions, is a growing issue in Arizona. In 2022, distracted driving was involved in over 10,000 accidents across the state, making it one of the leading causes of crashes.

Alcohol Impairment 

Impaired driving continues to be a deadly issue. Approximately 4.5% of all crashes involved alcohol, but 27% of fatal crashes involved a driver who was impaired by alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also highlights that Arizona sees a higher-than-average rate of alcohol-related fatalities compared to the national average.

Phoenix car accident statistics reveal negligent driving behavior as the cause behind so many car accidents. A skilled and resourceful Phoenix car accident lawyer can find the evidence to prove the liability of the negligent motorist and fight for the largest possible compensation for the injured victims. 

Peak Times and Locations for Car Accidents in Arizona

According to traffic accident reports published by the ADOT, certain times of day and specific locations are more prone to car crashes in the state.

Time of Day 

Most accidents occur during the late afternoon and early evening, particularly during rush hour between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This timeframe accounted for nearly 30% of all accidents. Accidents at night, especially between midnight and 3:00 a.m., were also more likely to be fatal accidents or result in serious injuries, typically due to impaired driving.

Locations 

Urban areas, particularly in Phoenix, Tucson, and along major highways such as Interstate 10 and Interstate 17, see the highest number of accidents. Maricopa County consistently leads the state in terms of accident volume, accounting for over 70% of Arizona’s total crashes. Rural areas, while having fewer auto accidents overall, usually see more severe traffic accidents or fatal crashes due to high-speed travel and longer response times from emergency services.

Who Is Most Affected?

Car accidents in Arizona disproportionately affect younger drivers and certain demographic groups. According to the ADOT’s report:

Age Groups 

Drivers aged 16-24 are involved in the highest number of crashes, primarily due to inexperience and riskier driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. This age group accounts for over 20% of all crashes in the state.

Motorcyclists and Pedestrians 

Vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists and pedestrians, are frequently involved in severe accidents. In 2022, there were 323 pedestrian fatalities and 160 motorcyclist fatalities in Arizona, marking an alarming trend in fatality rates in motorbike and pedestrian crashes.

Economic Impact of Car Accidents in Arizona

The economic toll of car accidents in Arizona is immense. The ADOT estimates that the cost of all motor vehicle crashes in the state during the year was approximately $10 billion. This figure includes medical bills, lost wages, legal fees, and costs associated with emergency services.

  • Fatal Crashes: Each fatal crash is estimated to cost around $11.4 million, which includes the loss of life, healthcare costs, and productivity loss.
  • Injury Crashes: Crashes that result in accidental injuries also carry significant financial burdens, averaging $240,000 per injury accident.

The economic losses from car accidents have a ripple effect on Arizona’s economy, impacting everything from healthcare costs to insurance premiums.

Safety Initiatives and Prevention Efforts

In response to the rising number of accidents, Arizona has implemented several road safety initiatives. Programs such as “Driving Arizona Safely Home” aim to reduce impaired and distracted driving by increasing enforcement and public awareness.

  • DUI Enforcement: The state has ramped up DUI checkpoints and patrols, especially around holidays when impaired driving spikes.
  • Distracted Driving Laws: In 2019, Arizona passed a law banning the use of handheld devices while driving, making it a primary offense. Since then, the state has seen a slight reduction in distracted driving incidents.
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Why Choose Our Phoenix Car Accident Lawyers for Your Injury Claim?

At Wyatt Injury Law, PLLC, our founding attorney Justin Wyatt brings his seasoned trial expertise to every car accident case, ensuring top-tier legal representation. Here’s why clients choose our Phoenix car accident attorneys to pursue maximum damages in personal injury claims.

Proven Record of Settlements and Verdicts 

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers have a history of achieving large settlements and verdicts for injured victims. Our legal team will leave no stone unturned to recover the largest compensation you deserve for your injuries and financial losses.

Aggressive Negotiation Skills and Trial Capabilities 

We are skilled negotiators with the ability to maximize settlements based on strong evidence. In cases where a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for maximum damages in court.

Recognition and Honors from the Legal Community 

Our firm has earned prestigious honors, including:

  • Rising Stars by Super Lawyers
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers
  • Best Car Accident Lawyers by Expertise.com
  • Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
  • Justia 10.0 Lawyer Rating

To schedule your free consultation, call (480) 660-8047 or contact us online.

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Client Testimonials

Real Clients, Real Success Stories

Justin Wyatt represented my husband after a motorcycle accident. He and his staff were personable, professional, and so hard working. He cared about us, and it showed. It was a difficult time for us, but we were able to focus on my husband's recuperation, knowing that Justin was taking care of everything else for us. Thank you so much!

- Sara Hendrickson

I was referred to Wyatt Injury Law by a friend after an accident with uninsured driver who ran a red light. After feeling pretty hopeless and being turned down by 3 other attorneys (one flat out told me cases like mine are a pain the a** and he just wants to retire), I almost gave up on the whole thing. After getting off the phone with Justin, I instantly knew I was in good hands. He and his team were excellent at communicating every step of the process to me and keeping me in the loop. His team made a very well organized effort in getting me the rightful reimbursement for my injuries, pain and suffering. I was very happy with the outcome of my case and would not hesitate to refer Wyatt Injury Law to my friends should any one of them need such personal injury representation in the future.

- Irene Amrine

Justin is incredible! I can't say enough wonderful things about him! He helped me through a very difficult time in my life and career. He provided guidance, understanding, and moral support. I never hesitate to refer any of my clients to Justin! I know he will take excellent care of any person who calls, visits, or meets with him! He is a wonderful human being!

- Donna Fendon

I, my husband, and my best friend from college were all involved in a horrific car accident on one of the local freeways. We were rear ended by a pickup truck and we all suffered significant injuries. Justin Wyatt was recommended to us by a trusted friend. From the moment we first spoke to Justin, we knew we were in the right hands. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and tenacious. He and his team worked tirelessly to settle our case and exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Wyatt Injury Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney.

- Tracey Sahnow

The group at Wayatt Injury Law truly went above and beyond in handling my personal injury claim. They diligently explained every situation in detail to me and answered all of my questions. I had the pleasure of dealing with Justin, who from the very start, was upfront and realistic regarding the situation and expectations. In the end the Wyatt Injury Law maximized my claim for which I am very grateful. I was very fortunate to fall into the care of the Wyatt Injury Law, PLLC, and I would strongly recommend them to anyone in need of a law firm to handle a personal injury matter.

- Maria Bosovski

Justin took care of my husband & I after we were rear ended on the freeway and our vehicle was totaled. We were referred to him by a friend. He took great care of us and we just finished our case. He and his staff were great always there to help and answer any questions we had. He walked us through the whole process. Justin is very knowledgeable and will fight for you. He truly cares about his clients and is always a phone call or text away. While we were in the middle of our case with him our son was in a serious motorcycle accident and he is also taking care of him as well. We will definitely recommend Justin at Wyatt Injury Law to anyone in need! Thank you Justin!!!

- L Vail

Justin and his team were amazing. I started my claim with another attorney and for over a year there was no movement on my case. Justin came recommended by a friend and from the first appointment with him it was night and day compared to my dealings with a previous attorney. Expectations were set early on and he was able to close out my injury claim within 3 months! Justin Wyatt and his office did an outstanding job and they were able to secure an awesome settlement.

- Blanca Garcia

Justin Wyatt and his associates are professional, proactive, informative, and kind. They kept me up to date on the status of my case, communicated professionally with all parties involved, and resolved the matter completely and efficiently. Most important to me, Justin is a friendly, honest, engaging guy who was kind from start to finish. He explained every aspect of the case in layman's terms, making it easy for someone without a legal background to understand. If you want quality legal representation from an honest and ethical attorney, contact Just Wyatt. I'm happy I did and wouldn't hesitate to work with Justin again.

- Mindy K

Justin and his team have helped me immensely after I was a victim of a T-Bone car accident. I was hesitant to bring in a lawyer into my case, but Justin and his team reassured me that everything would be taken care and has gone above and beyond what I could have asked for. Justin handled everything very professionally, communicated with my party and I very often, and saw that everything went as smoothly as possible for me. I cannot recommend him enough, so if you're looking for the best injury lawyer, Justin and his team with Wyatt Injury Law is the route you want to go. Thank you, Justin!

- Cori

The whole team at Wyatt Injury Law was fantastic. They handled everything and made the process easy for me. I had contacted many personal injury attorneys (the big names you see on billboards and buses) and no one would take my case. If it wasn't for my cousin convincing me to pursue this personal injury case I wouldn't have followed through. It took months to find Wyatt Injury Law but well worth it. Don't hesitate to give them a call.

- Shelley Reynolds

From day one of having Justin & his team was such a comfort. They gave me the needed confidence to stay focused and positive, on such a difficult case. More importantly, they treated me as a friend and not a client. You and the team did such a wonderful job in all aspects of the case. Ya'll worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome on my behalf, and I can't thank you enough, and will always be grateful for all of your efforts.

- Luis Avila

Whenever anyone of my friends or family is in need of a personal injury attorney, I don't hesitate to recommend Wyatt Injury Law. Justin and his team are fair-minded, professional, and do everything in their power to ensure a good outcome for their clients. Don't take on an insurance company yourself, call Wyatt Injury Law FIRST. You won't regret it!

- Jim Summers

I found Wyatt's group by searching through Korean Times pages. My husband is more comfortable with speaking Korean, but Justin Wyatt helped my husband with his best work, start to end. He and his staff were personable, very knowledgeable and so hard-working. He cared about us, and was easy to talk to. It was not a fun time for us to go through all that, but we were able to get it done in a short time, Justin took care of everything in time and went through the steps with us. Thank you so much me and my husband really appreciate you!!

- Julie Cha

Justin's counsel was extremely beneficial to me and my situation. I was dealing with a situation involving car accidents and insurance and he helped me understand what I should do. You can tell he has acute judgement and a good character. Highly recommend

- Spencer

Justin and his whole team did an amazing job with my case I can't thank them enough, professionalism, high quality, responsive. I would highly recommend if you or your loved one looking for the best injury lawyer. Contact with Wyatt injury law firm PLLC. Thank you Justin.

- Samuel

I was referred to Wyatt Injury Law through another referral in May of 2022. Upon first speaking with Justin and his team I knew that I was going to be taken care of and that is exactly what happened! This process took a little over 2 years to complete, and there were numerous hurdles to jump over, but Justin never took his foot off the pedal. I would highly recommend Justin Wyatt and his team to take care of any of your injury law needs!

- Jacob Knudson

I had the opportunity to work with Justin’s firm over the last year. Justin is an exceptional legal professional and assisted me with an injury settlement case. His level of professionalism and expertise was apparent from the very beginning, and I felt confident that I was in capable hands. Justin and his team kept me updated on the progress of the case every step of the way. He handled this case with sensitivity and tact. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by Wyatt Injury Law firm. They demonstrated exceptional communication skills and were able to effectively represent my needs and concerns throughout the process. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you for your outstanding service Justin!

- Edward Appiah Boateng