Arizona Car Accident Statistics

Statistics on car accidents show that getting behind the wheel in Arizona can be dangerous. If you were injured in a car accident, contact Phoenix attorney John Kelly to discuss your case.

Motor Vehicle Crash Facts

If you have been injured in a car accident, you are not alone. There are more than 125,000 motor vehicle crashes in Arizona annually. Those accidents produce tens of thousands of injuries, many of them serious, along with thousands of fatalities. In addition to the cost in human lives and suffering, those accidents lead to billions of dollars in economic losses. To see if you are entitled to damages, call the Kelly Law Team to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Injury and Fatality Facts

Here are some of the facts concerning injuries and fatalities resulting from auto accidents in Arizona as compiled by the Arizona Department of Transportation:

• There are almost 3 fatalities each day from car crashes. This amounts to about 1,000 traffic deaths per year in Arizona.

• There are over 150 people injured each day in Arizona auto accidents which totals more than 55,000 injuries annually.

• Alcohol Related Statistics. While less than 4% of all crashes are alcohol-related, alcohol is involved in more than 30% of all fatal car accidents.

• Single Vehicle Crashes. Accidents involving a single vehicle comprise around 15% of all crashes, and almost a third of all fatal crashes.

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities. Approximately 13% of pedestrian crashes, and more than 2% of bicycle accidents, lead to fatalities.

While most car crashes do not result in fatalities, many cause serious, life-changing injuries. When you view the statistics as a whole, it presents a picture that is not encouraging. Even safe drivers run a substantial risk of getting into an auto accident, and more than 40% of Arizona car crashes lead to an injury.

Why are there so many car accidents?

There are as many reasons for car accidents as there are licensed drivers. Certain causes, however, contribute more than others. They include:

• Distracted Driving. Whether it’s texting while driving, talking to passengers, tuning the radio, eating, or anything else that takes your eyes and/or your attention off the road, distracted driving is the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents.

• Drunk Driving. Intoxicated drivers, whether the intoxication is due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two, are not able to focus properly, maintain a safe speed, or take the kind of precautions that a prudent and sober driver would take. The fact that a drunk driver gets a DUI after causing an accident provides little solace to those injured in the crash.

• The faster you are going, the quicker your reaction time must be if you are going to prevent an accident.

• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs. Failure to stop at a red light or at a stop sign is an easy way to cause an accident. In addition, because these types of accidents tend to be side-impact crashes, the chance of a serious injury increases significantly.

• Night Driving. Despite 60% fewer cars on the roads, over 40% of all fatal accidents occur at night.

• Improper Turns. Whether it’s failure to yield the right of way, or turning into oncoming traffic, an improper turn can lead to serious injuries.

• Tailgating. Following too closely is the one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions.

• Design and Manufacturing Defects. There is no such thing as a perfect design or perfect manufacturing. Cars, trucks and other vehicles have hundreds of components, and a defect in the design or manufacturing process of any of them can lead to a crash. Rollovers, acceleration problems, air bag defects and other issues are just some of the more recent examples.

• Improper Lane Changes. Moving from one lane to another can be hazardous. Failure to check a blind spot, failure to signal properly, and changing lanes too quickly can all lead to serious accidents.

• Weather Conditions. Rain, snow, and ice all make the roadway slick. This means it’s easier to skid, safe stopping distances increase, and spin-outs are more likely.

• Highway Conditions. From potholes to deadly curves, some road conditions make it easy for a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. The result is often a crash and accompanying injuries.

These are some of the common, but by no means the only, causes of car accidents.

Car Accident and Injury Statistics in Arizona

If you are one of the many thousands of people injured in Arizona car crashes, you may be entitled to damages from the person or persons who caused the accident. Phoenix personal injury lawyer John Kelly can provide you with a realistic estimate of the value of your case, and he will do what it takes to maximize your settlement. Contact us today to learn more about your case and what our firm can do for you.

Call the Kelly Law Team at 602-283-4122