What Are Tempe’s Most Dangerous Streets and Roads?

A recent article from AZCentral discusses Tempe’s most dangerous streets, meaning they are the most at risk for car accidents. Researchers studied and analyzed every accident recorded in Tempe from January 2012 to September 2023, poring over 1,200 miles of city streets.

Per the article, they found “There were nearly 50,000 crashes in Tempe during that time frame and nearly half of those resulted in someone getting hurt.” A total of 140 people died from traffic crashes during that time. They also noted these car accidents happened over about 3,000 different city intersections.

Top five most dangerous intersections in Tempe

After their analysis, researchers determined the five most dangerous intersections in Tempe:

1. South McClintock Drive and East Rio Salado Parkway. This intersection had 415 crashes in the 2012 to 2023 timeframe, and 13 injuries so far in 2023. They call this the “most accident-prone” area in Tempe.
2. West Baseline Road and South Kyrene Road. This intersection had 393 crashes, and the third most fatalities with three.
3. East Broadway Road and South McClintock Drive. This intersection had 372 crashes and 151 injuries.
4. South Mill Avenue and East Southern Avenue. This intersection had 358 crashes and 10 injuries.
5. East Southern Avenue and South Rural Road. This intersection had 357 crashes and 164 injuries.

Our Tempe attorneys urge caution when traveling these roads and intersections. And, if you’re involved in an accident on one of these roads, get in touch with us for legal help.

What is an intersection accident?

An intersection accident is a type of car accident that occurs at an intersection, which is the point where two or more roads meet. Intersection accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents, and they can be very serious.

There are many different causes of intersection accidents, but some of the most common include:

• Driver inattention. This can be caused by distracted driving, such as talking on the phone, texting, or eating. It can also be caused by drunk driving or drugged driving.
• Failure to yield. This can happen when a driver fails to yield to another vehicle at an intersection or when changing lanes.
• Speeding. Speeding increases the risk of an intersection accident and can make it more difficult for a driver to avoid a collision.
• Traffic violations. This can include running red lights or stop signs, making illegal turns, and driving in the wrong lane.
• Poor road conditions. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, and uneven pavement, can increase the risk of an intersection accident.

If you are involved in an intersection accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present with symptoms for hours or even several days.

What should I do after an intersection accident?

Here are the steps you should take after an intersection accident:

• Check for injuries. If you or your passengers are injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Move your vehicle to a safe location. If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is in danger of being hit by another vehicle, move it to a safe location if possible. If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s).This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
• File a police report. This will create an official record of the accident and can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
• Contact your insurance company. File an insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and determine if you are eligible for coverage.
• Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, car repair bills, rental car costs, and lost wages. You may be able to recover these expenses from the other driver’s insurance company.

If you have been seriously injured in an intersection accident, you may want to consider hiring a Tempe personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in any legal proceedings that may arise from the accident.

Also, keep the following in mind after any type of car accident:

• Do not admit fault. Even if you think you are at fault for the accident, do not admit it to the other driver(s) or the police. This could jeopardize your ability to file an insurance claim or to recover damages.
• Do not sign anything without reading it carefully. If you are asked to sign anything by the other driver(s) or by their insurance company, be sure to read it carefully before signing it. If you have any questions about paperwork, do not hesitate to ask our Tempe attorneys.

If you have any questions or concerns about what to do after an intersection accident, schedule an appointment with the car accident attorneys at Plattner Verderame, P.C. today.

Who is liable for my Tempe intersection accident?

Liability for an intersection accident depends on the specific circumstances of the collision and the parties involved. In general, however, liability in intersection accidents can be attributed to one or more of the following parties:

• Negligent drivers. One or more of the drivers involved in the accident may be at fault due to negligent or reckless behavior. Common examples include running red lights, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers damages for victims in these cases.
• Government entities. In some cases, poor road design, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals may contribute to an intersection accident. If a government entity is responsible for maintaining the intersection and it’s determined that their negligence played a role, they may be liable. However, government liability cases can be complex, and there may be limitations on their liability.
• Third parties. There may be instances where a third party, such as a construction company or a business near the intersection, is partially responsible for the accident due to road conditions, obstacles, or other factors. In such cases, the third party could be held liable.
• Vehicle manufacturers. If a vehicle defect, such as brake failure or a faulty steering system, contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or a component manufacturer may be held liable through a product liability claim.

It’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tempe to assess the specific circumstances of your case and determine who may be liable for your injuries and damages. An attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a legal claim if necessary to seek compensation for your losses.

If you were in an accident that wasn’t your fault – anywhere in and around Tempe – talk to the car accident attorneys at Plattner Verderame, P.C. today for help. We work to secure compensation for your injuries and losses, and hold the right people responsible for the harm they’ve caused. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices in Phoenix or Tempe, or visit our contact page.