|
|
Last
Modified on
Feb 09, 2026
Phoenix recorded 38,311 total vehicle crashes in 2022, with 282 being fatal, making it the highest in Arizona by a significant margin. The city accounts for nearly half of the state’s vehicle accidents and motor vehicle fatalities, with 10,668 crashes resulting in personal injuries and 1,297 being alcohol-related. Traffic fatalities have risen for three consecutive years, with 2022 marking the second-highest fatality rate in state history, primarily due to speeding and failure to use safety devices.
When a city like Phoenix, Arizona, experiences rapid population growth, it is typically a good thing for residents and local businesses alike. However, more people usually means more cars on the road. With more cars on the road, there is an increased number of car accidents likely to happen. The number of car accidents in Phoenix has increased each year over the past three years. There are some Phoenix car accident statistics that are key for all residents to know.
Phoenix is the state’s most populous city, and it accounts for almost half of the state’s total number of vehicle accidents and motor vehicle fatalities.
Choose an Experienced Car Accident Attorney to Represent Your Unique Case
If you’ve survived a car accident in Tucson, you need an empathetic lawyer with years of professional experience to help guide you through legal proceedings. Marc Bleaman of Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., has spent over 23 years helping residents of Arizona seek compensation after being injured by another party.
He knows the difficulties that come with recovering from a car accident and is dedicated to helping his clients easily understand state laws and what the steps of their case will look like.
Number of Collisions in Phoenix Between 2022 and 2024
The Arizona Department of Transportation’s 2022 annual crash report detailed 38,311 total vehicle crashes in Phoenix, with 282 of them being fatal, resulting in 301 people killed. The number of people killed tends to be higher than the number of fatal crashes, as more than one person can pass away in a fatal crash.
Of the total accidents, 10,668 of them, or 27.8%, resulted in personal injuries. Phoenix had the highest number of accidents in the state by a wide margin. The second-highest place was the greater Maricopa County, with 7,020 total crashes and 105 fatalities.
It is important to note that of the total accidents, 1,297 were reported to be alcohol-related. Phoenix made up roughly 38% of all alcohol-related vehicle accidents in Arizona and almost half of all alcohol-related vehicle deaths.
In 2023, it was reported that there were 36,927 total crashes in Phoenix, with 298 fatal crashes and 307 people killed. That year, there were 1,354 alcohol-related crashes.
The 2024 annual crash report had an increase in crashes but a decrease in fatalities. There were 37,472 crashes, with 265 fatal crashes and 278 people killed. Alcohol-related crashes remained at a consistent high, with 1,351 alcohol-related crashes in 2024.
Fatalities On the Rise
Residents of Phoenix use the 10, the 101, and the 17 for daily commuting. These major highways see thousands of drivers every day, making the likelihood of a crash high.
Traffic fatalities rose each year until they reached a peak year in 2022, in which Phoenix recorded in the state’s history. These fatalities include motorcyclists, bicyclists, rideshares, and pedestrians.
The fatalities are driven mostly by speeding and a failure to use safety devices, such as helmets and seatbelts. Also, dangerous roads and intersections in Phoenix, AZ cause most of the fatalities.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer and Engage the Legal Help You Need
If you have been involved in a car accident in Phoenix, it is important that you engage the help of a qualified Phoenix car accident lawyer for help. An experienced accident attorney can review your case and represent you in court. Having the help of an attorney could increase your chances of successfully resolving your case.
They can also help you gather any necessary evidence. To prove your side of what happened during the crash, you’ll need as much proof as possible to provide clarity to the court. This can include:
- Testimony. This includes eyewitness testimony about what was seen during the crash and testimony from professionals about what they believe caused the crash.
- Footage of the crash. This includes footage from surveillance cameras, dash cams, and traffic cameras that caught the crash on video.
- Records and reports. This includes transcripts of the initial 911 call, copies of the crash incident report, and copies of your medical records.
- Documentation of losses. This includes proof of your financial losses, such as lost income due to missing work from your recovery and medical bills, as well as proof of your emotional losses, such as notes from a therapist or a journal detailing your mental health since the accident happened.
- Photos and videos. This includes photos and videos taken at the time of the crash of your visible injuries, the crash site, and damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings.
- Timeline of events. This includes a written, detailed timeline of events and your resulting losses.
When and Where to File Your Phoenix Car Accident Claim
An attorney can assist in preserving evidence and filing your legal claim at the Superior Court of Maricopa County, located at 201 West Jefferson Street. Survivors of car accidents generally have two years from the date of the crash to file their legal claim.
While this may seem like a long time, filing as quickly as possible is key to increasing your chances of success. Evidence, such as witness memories and surveillance footage of the crash, tends to alter and fade quickly. The longer you wait, the more your financial and personal losses will continue to pile up.
If the two-year deadline passes without your filing, the court will likely dismiss the case, leaving you unable to seek compensation for your pain.
A personal injury attorney’s knowledge and skills, combined with their negotiation experience, can secure a settlement that can help you recover your losses and give you the resources you need to heal.
Phoenix Car Accident Statistics FAQs
Why Are There So Many Car Accidents in Phoenix?
There are so many car accidents in Phoenix because of the high volume of traffic in the city. The city of Phoenix is growing, and people are rapidly moving there. With the influx of people, there’s an increased likelihood of car accidents. Also, with the increase in population, there is potentially more construction, which can cause more road hazards. Phoenix is also home to both the I-10 and the 17, which can be dangerous roads with a lot of interstate traffic.
How Many Accidents Happen a Day in Phoenix?
There are roughly 105 car accidents a day in Phoenix. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported a total of 38,331 car accidents in Phoenix in 2022. That adds up to about 105 accidents a day. In 2024, it was reported that there were 37,472 car crashes in Phoenix. While this is a decrease from 2022, the whole state of Arizona has seen a steady increase in accidents since 2020.
Which Vehicles Cause the Most Accidents?
The vehicles that cause the most accidents in Arizona are four-door sedans. Vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Impala, Tesla Model 3, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are a few examples. These cars are among some of the most popular vehicles on the road so, statistically speaking, they are likely to be involved in more crashes than not. Behind the four-door sedans are light pickup trucks, such as the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and the GMC Canyon. Together, four-door sedans and light pickup trucks account for most of the accidents in Phoenix.
What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents?
The leading cause of car accidents in Arizona is speeding. Speeding, especially during inclement weather conditions or poor visibility, is very dangerous, and it puts everyone on the road in harm’s way. Another leading cause is distracted driving. Texting while driving, eating, talking to other passengers, or doing anything else that may take your eyes off the road is dangerous and should be avoided at all times while operating a vehicle. It is important that all drivers be completely aware and attentive while on the road.
How Many People in Arizona Are Killed in Motor Vehicle Collisions Every Day?
Every day, there are roughly three to four people who lose their lives in motor vehicle collisions in Arizona. This amounts to over 1,000 people killed each year from motor vehicle collisions. These statistics are according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s most recent report. Arizona is one of the highest-ranking states in terms of motor vehicle fatalities. It is important to note that while there is a high fatality rate in the state of Arizona, most car accidents result in no injuries.
A Law Firm You Can Trust
Phoenix is a growing city. While that is generally a good thing, it does mean that there is a greater possibility of being involved in a car accident. While there are several factors that can contribute to a car accident, it is important to understand the statistics of car accidents in Phoenix, especially if you are a native.
These can be traumatic events, and they can often leave people filled with questions. If you’ve suffered a car accident, be sure to hire a car accident lawyer to help explain your legal rights and options under state law. An experienced accident attorney can be a great resource.
The legal team at Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., can help answer any questions you may have and provide the feedback that you need in relation to car accidents in Phoenix. Our firm has the passion, knowledge, and experience necessary to provide you with the aid you need. We have a demonstrated history of helping individuals throughout the state of Arizona. Contact us today to speak with a legal representative for assistance.
Phoenix Car Accident Resource:
