According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 122,247 total car crashes statewide in 2023, with a majority in Maricopa County.
In Phoenix, accidents happen daily on major roads like Interstate 10, Loop 101, and US-60. Understanding common causes of car accidents can help you stay safer on the road and protect your rights in the event of a crash.
At Shapiro Law Team, we have extensive experience representing Phoenix car accident victims and understand how Maricopa County courts determine fault. Here are the most common causes of car accidents and how to protect your legal rights.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
Most crashes are the result of negligent or preventable driver behavior. The most common causes of car accidents in Phoenix include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, using a GPS, eating, or interacting with passengers.
Arizona law specifically prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving. Under A.R.S. § 28-914, a driver who violates this statute and causes a crash is typically found negligent.
In most distracted driving cases, the distracted motorist is liable for resulting injuries and damages. However, if a commercial driver caused a crash, their employer may also share liability if the driver was working at the time of the collision.
Speeding
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the impact during a crash. Arizona’s basic speed law, A.R.S. § 28-701, requires motorists to travel at a speed that is reasonable for existing traffic, weather, and roadway conditions.
When a speeding driver causes an accident, they are typically responsible for the damages that follow. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic cameras, and vehicle data can help establish liability. In some cases, hazardous road conditions may also contribute.
Impaired Driving (Alcohol and Drugs)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. Slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced coordination all significantly increase the risk of a serious collision.
Under A.R.S. § 28-1381, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by drugs. The impaired driver is typically liable for damages. In some cases, a bar or restaurant may also be liable under Arizona Dram Shop Laws if alcohol was unlawfully served.
Failure to Yield and Running Red Lights
Failure-to-yield and red-light accidents are common at busy Phoenix intersections. These crashes often happen when a driver ignores a traffic signal, turns left without yielding, or rushes through an intersection after a light changes.
Under Arizona law, the driver who runs the red light or fails to yield is usually at fault. Police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and traffic camera recordings can help prove liability. However, Arizona’s comparative fault rules may apply if both drivers contributed to the crash.
Drowsy and Fatigued Driving
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. Fatigue slows reaction times, affects judgment, and increases the likelihood of serious accidents.
A fatigued driver who causes a collision can be held liable for resulting damages. In commercial truck accidents, liability may also extend to the employer if federal Hours of Service rules were violated.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, file a police report and contact a car accident lawyer in Phoenix right away to protect your safety and rights.
How Arizona’s Fault Rules Determine Who Pays
Once the cause of a crash is identified, Arizona law determines who is financially responsible. The state follows a fault-based system, meaning negligence must be proven to recover compensation.
A Phoenix car accident lawyer can gather evidence, establish liability, and help pursue compensation for your injuries.
Arizona Is an At-Fault State — What That Means for Your Claim
Arizona is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for paying damages through their insurance coverage. Injured drivers typically file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer, not their own.
Arizona drivers must also carry minimum coverage under the state’s Arizona auto insurance requirements.
Pure Comparative Fault in Arizona
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault and the other driver is 80% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%. Because fault percentages directly impact your recovery, strong evidence is essential after any crash.
When Multiple Parties Share Liability
Some accidents may involve more than one at-fault party. Liability may extend beyond another driver in cases involving:
- A trucking company that violates safety regulations
- A manufacturer that produces a defective vehicle part
- A government agency that fails to maintain safe road conditions
Identifying all responsible parties is important because it can significantly affect the total compensation available to an injured victim.
Speak to a Phoenix car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, understanding what caused the accident is only the first step. Determining liability, gathering evidence, and dealing with insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming while you’re trying to recover.
At Shapiro Law Team, we provide the superior representation Phoenix accident victims deserve. Our attorneys can investigate your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue full compensation under Arizona law.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs — Common Causes of Car Accidents in Phoenix
What is the most common cause of car accidents in Phoenix?
Distracted driving is consistently one of the most common causes of car accidents in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Cell phone use, texting, and other distractions continue to contribute to thousands of preventable crashes each year. Speeding and intersection-related violations are also leading causes of car accidents.
Who is liable if another driver runs a red light and hits me in Phoenix?
In most cases, the driver who ran the red light is liable for the accident. Running a red light violates Arizona traffic laws and can serve as strong evidence of negligence. Police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage often help establish fault.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Yes. Arizona follows pure comparative fault under A.R.S. § 12-2505, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation, so if you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your total damages.
What if a road defect contributed to my Phoenix car accident?
If poor road design or maintenance contributed to your crash, a government entity or the City of Phoenix may share liability. However, you must file a written notice of claim within 180 days of the crash under A.R.S. § 12-821.01. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim against the government.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations generally gives injured victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. For claims against a government entity, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days. Consulting an attorney promptly protects these deadlines.
