Arizona Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a leading cause of death and injury across the United States, and Arizona is no different. Each year, thousands of people are injured, suffer vehicle damage, or lose their lives in Arizona car accidents.

Statistics don’t predict individual crashes, but they do unveil important patterns that can help drivers make safer choices regarding when, where, and how they drive. Not only is this data useful for making safe choices, but it can also help you evaluate your legal options after a serious accident. The 2024 Motor Vehicle Crash Facts for the State of Arizona was released by the Arizona Department of Transportation in July of 2025, with 2025 numbers expected to be released in 2026. This report comes out each year to provide insight into Arizona collisions.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an Arizona car accident, it’s time to talk to the team at Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

How common are car accidents in Arizona?

Unfortunately, car accidents remain a major problem for Arizona drivers and passengers. In 2024, there were 121,107 car accidents in Arizona, including 82,614 resulting in property damage, 37,376 causing reportable injuries, and 1,117 fatal crashes.

While this number is high, it does represent a slight (1.74%) decrease from accident numbers in 2023.

Fatal car accidents in Arizona

Fatal car accidents are often avoidable, and every single one represents a significant loss. There were 1,228 people killed in crashes on Arizona roads in 2024, a 6.12% decrease from 2023. While the decrease is good news, it’s important to remember that there is still work to be done. On average, more than three people die every day, with one fatality occurring every seven hours and nine minutes. When you break it down like that, it’s easier to see fatalities for what they are—devastating incidents resulting in heartbreak and loss for Arizona families.

Leading causes of car accidents in Arizona

A number of issues can lead to Arizona collisions, but human error is often at the root of an accident. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in 2024 include:

• Speeding too fast for conditions
• Speeding above the speed limit
• Failing to yield right-of-way
• Following too closely
• Running stop signs
• Disregarding traffic signals
• Improper turning
• Driving left of the center line
• Failing to stay in your own lane
• Changing lanes unsafely

 A driver’s physical condition also comes into play in many Arizona collisions. For example, 5,520 crashes were alcohol-related, resulting in 3,576 injuries and 347 deaths. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 4.56% of all crashes and 27.93% of all fatal crashes. You’ll find similar disparities for drivers under the influence of drugs. Other conditions that can increase risk include fatigue and illness.

Another important risk factor is distracted driving, which can increase the likelihood of an accident when drivers engage in activities inside the vehicle, such as texting.

Who is most at risk in Arizona car crashes?

When we talk about who’s at risk in Arizona car crashes, we have to look at both drivers who are more likely to be involved in collisions and those who are victims of these accidents.

In terms of fatalities, the Arizona Department of Transportation crash data shows that fatalities occur most frequently among adult drivers, with numbers staying relatively similar from approximately 20 to 54. Injuries follow roughly the same trend, although those aged 20 to 44 are at the highest risk of injury. Males are more likely than females to suffer injuries or die in motor vehicle accidents.

It’s important to note, though, that the percentage breakdown of drivers also plays a role here. For example, similar crash numbers between two age groups may make it look like drivers in those age brackets are equally likely to be involved in a crash. But one age group may be significantly smaller than the other. For example, elderly drivers aged 75 or older are a relatively small percentage of overall drivers, but may report similar crash numbers as much larger population groups.

The breakdown of crash numbers across drivers is relatively similar across different age groups, although drivers aged 35 to 64 tend to show lower accident numbers.

Where do most Arizona car accidents occur?

The vast majority of Arizona car accidents happen in urban settings. Urban crashes account for a majority of reported crashes in Arizona, including a large share of both single-vehicle and multi-vehicle collisions. Rural collisions are considerably less common, although they are overrepresented in single-vehicle accidents.

We also have to look at accidents on local roads versus highways. Fatal accidents are much more likely on local roads than on the state highway system.

There are also interesting trends based on days of the week. Urban crashes are far more likely during the day but drop drastically on Saturday and Sunday. Rural accidents are relatively consistent across all seven days of the week. Fatal crashes in both settings are more common on Fridays and Saturdays, and much less common during the week.

How these statistics affect injury claims in Arizona

Car accident statistics illustrate risk patterns that can be useful for drivers, but they don’t determine fault and liability. Insurance companies often try to use these numbers to their advantage when trying to prove or disprove fault, but ultimately, determinations of fault come down to the details of each collision.

Your car accident lawyer may refer to these statistics for the context of your accident, but the most important pieces of evidence remain police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, and medical records.

Arizona deadlines after a car accident

Wherever you are in your accident claim process, you must be aware of the statute of limitations, determining when you have the right to sue. In Arizona, you generally have two years from when a claim accrues, often the date of the accident, to pursue a legal claim.

However, there may be specific circumstances that can reduce the deadline to sue to a very short time period—180 days or one year. The specific facts of the case, the identity of the defendant, if you are hurt while on the job, and other factors all may result in a shorter deadline. So, you should get legal advice as soon as possible after a car crash.

Discuss your next steps with Verderame Law Group Arizona Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, our team is committed to helping you pursue compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.