Maricopa County Car Accident Statistics

April 27, 2026

Maricopa County car accident statistics show a concerning trend: more crashes happen here than anywhere else in the state of Arizona. In fact, according to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and national reporting from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly three out of every four accidents statewide occur in this one county.

With busy highways, a growing population, and daily commuter traffic, the risk of being involved in a crash is higher than many people realize.

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real people dealing with injuries, financial stress, and life-changing consequences. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crash, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about your next steps, including working with our trusted Phoenix car accident lawyers at Zanes Law.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Maricopa County Each Year?

Maricopa County recorded 88,094 total crashes in 2024, including 560 fatal crashes and 25,990 injury crashes. These resulted in 594 deaths and 37,649 injuries. This accounts for roughly 73% of all crashes statewide, highlighting just how concentrated accident activity is in this region.

Year-Over-Year Crash Data (2022-2024)

Year	Total Crashes	Fatal Crashes	People Killed	Injury Crashes
2022	85,970	613	660	24,681
2023	87,237	647	681	25,456
2024	88,094	560	594	25,990

This steady increase in total crashes shows that traffic risks in Maricopa County aren’t slowing down. While fatal crashes decreased slightly in 2024, the overall number of incidents continues to rise, meaning more drivers and passengers are at risk every day they get behind the wheel.

Maricopa County vs. the Rest of Arizona

Maricopa County’s size, population density, and highway systems make it the most dangerous county in Arizona by every major crash metric. The sheer volume of daily drivers creates more opportunities for accidents compared to smaller counties.

Top Counties for Car Accidents in Arizona (2024)

County	Total Crashes	Fatal Crashes	Killed	Injured
Maricopa	88,094	560	594	37,649
Pima	8,867	168	182	5,089
Pinal	5,702	82	93	2,998
Coconino	3,522	53	65	1,511
Mohave	3,421	45	48	1,576

These five counties alone account for over 91% of all crashes in the state of Arizona, but Maricopa stands far above the rest. This gap highlights just how critical it is for drivers in this region to stay alert behind the wheel and understand the very real risks they face every day.

City-by-City Crash Data Within Maricopa County

Crash risks vary depending on where in Maricopa County you drive. Larger cities with higher traffic volumes naturally report more accidents, especially in areas with dense intersections and freeway access.

Crash Data by City (2024)

City	Total Crashes	Fatal Crashes	Injuries
Phoenix	37,472	265	10,449
Mesa	8,022	46	2,503
Tempe	6,637	29	2,049
Glendale	5,218	27	1,456
Chandler	4,267	14	1,263
Scottsdale	4,219	15	1,421
Peoria	3,009	18	1,040
Gilbert	2,914	21	695
Avondale	1,850	7	510

Phoenix alone accounts for a significant portion of car crashes in the county, largely due to its size and constant traffic flow. However, suburban areas like Mesa, Tempe, and Glendale also report thousands of accidents each year, showing that the risk exists across the entire region.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Maricopa County

Most crashes in Maricopa County are preventable. Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) show that driver behavior is the primary factor in most collisions.

Common causes of Phoenix car accidents include:

Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
Distracted driving, including phone use
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Failure to yield the right of way
Running red lights or stop signs
Aggressive driving and tailgating

No matter the specific cause, human error is the common thread behind nearly all serious crashes. In 2024 alone, Arizona reported 5,520 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 347 wrongful deaths. This highlights the ongoing danger of impaired driving across the state.

What These Numbers Mean If You Were Injured in a Crash

Car accident statistics can show patterns, but they can’t predict what will happen in your specific personal injury case. Every accident is different, and the outcome depends on factors such as injuries, liability, and how quickly you act.

In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under A.R.S. § 12-542. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence, prove fault, and recover the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies begin building their case immediately, which is why having experienced legal guidance early can make a difference.

If you were hurt in a crash, working with a team that understands both the data and the local legal system can help level the playing field. Our auto accident lawyers at Zanes Law focus on protecting injured individuals and helping them move forward after serious accidents.

Injured in Maricopa County? Zanes Law Can Help

For over 20 years, our personal injury attorneys at Zanes Law have stood by injured Arizonans across Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and surrounding Maricopa County communities. We’ve built our reputation on helping people take on insurance companies and recover the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation and get the support you need to move forward. With a 99% success rate and no upfront fees, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.