The topic of car crashes in Arizona is constantly on the minds of Valley residents because of how often they happen. Between wrong-way crashes, drunk driving incidents, and multiple-vehicle collisions, it can be incredibly daunting to drive in the metro Phoenix area. To keep yourself and the motorists you share the road with safe, it is important to stay alert and drive prudently when you’re behind the wheel.
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The most common types of crashes in Arizona
According to Arizona Department of Transportation findings from 2021, one person was injured on the road every 10 minutes and 11 seconds, and approximately 3.23 persons were killed each day. Of the most common crashes, rear-end accidents came in at number one, followed by left-turn collisions and sideswipes, which in total accounted for 74,396 of the 100,518 accidents that occurred in the state. Surprisingly, about 68% of crashes happened in daylight as opposed to nighttime, a common misconception.
What do these statistics mean for drivers in the Grand Canyon state? This information provides a baseline for understanding what is happening on Arizona roads and what motorists can do to avoid causing more accidents. Although driving school is not a requirement for teens looking to obtain their driver’s license, the applicant must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before they can test for a graduated driver’s license.
Rideshare accidents
Gone are the days of hailing a taxi to get around town. Instead, millions of Americans are choosing ride-share companies for everyday transportation. While this new-age method of transit is affordable, immediate, and personal, it makes the liability of a ride-share vehicle collision more complex.
For example, Shapiro Law Team just resolved a case where the client was a passenger in a ride-share vehicle that was rear-ended by a semi-truck and pushed into another car. All the drivers blamed each other to the victim’s detriment, but once there was an understanding of the dynamics of the crash, lawyers were able to identify the at-fault parties and the respective insurance companies ensured that the client got the justice he deserved. They also were able to tap into the ride-share company’s insurance policy as well as the ride-share driver’s insurance policy to ensure full compensation for the client.
How to avoid crashes on freeways and side roads
The most important aspect of driving is staying alert. Distracted driving doesn’t just mean checking the phone behind the wheel, it also includes eating, fiddling with the radio, socializing, and any other activity that diverts someone’s attention.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, this would be like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Recent cases regarding accidents in Arizona
Getting into a car accident can be traumatizing, no matter how big or small. However, keeping focus and practicing defensive driving are great assets when traveling to your destination.
Crashes can be catastrophic. In a recent case, a young girl who was in good health and was engaged to her long-time fiancé was badly injured in a serious wreck when she was rear-ended at a high speed. The crash left her with a traumatic brain injury in addition to neck and shoulder issues. Her TBI started to affect her work performance as well as her ability to communicate with her friends and family, including her long-time fiancé. Tragically, her injuries compromised her future nuptials. She lost her fiancé, her job, and some of her most treasured relationships – all because of her physical and emotional injuries from a wreck that she did not cause. Her case is in progress.
A serious a crash can affect a person’s life, relationships, career, and other goals and aspirations. It is imperative that drivers stay alert on the road.
Author: David Shapiro is founder and attorney of Shapiro Law Team. Since 2017, Shapiro Law Team, formerly known as David Shapiro Law, is dedicated to helping individuals who suffered an injury due to the negligence of others.
