Every day, thousands of Phoenix drivers pass through busy intersections, often without realizing the risks they face. Recent crash data compiled from Maricopa County and MAG sources shows that certain Phoenix intersections experience higher crash rates than others. Understanding which locations present elevated risk can help you adjust your driving habits and stay safer on the road. This guide discusses several high‑crash intersections in Phoenix based on recent publicly reported trends and explains common factors that can make these locations hazardous for drivers.
How Triumph Law Group Can Help With Your Intersection Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident in Phoenix, legal representation can help you understand your rights and options. Triumph Law Group reports that it has handled many car accident cases since 2011 and cites an approximate 98% success rate in personal injury matters, with individual settlements ranging from about $459,000 to $4.6 million in specific past cases. The team includes attorneys with roughly 10 to more than 30 years of experience in personal injury litigation, and the founding and managing partner has received Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition for trial and advocacy work. The firm offers free consultations, 24/7 availability, bilingual services, and a contingency fee structure so attorney fees are collected only if there is a recovery.
High‑Crash Intersections in Phoenix
67th Avenue & McDowell Road
This intersection appears at or near the top of several regional high‑crash lists for the Phoenix metro area. Data compiled for recent five‑year periods shows both a high frequency of crashes and a notable number of serious injury collisions at this location. Heavy commuting and retail traffic, wide lanes that tend to encourage higher speeds, and long signal cycles can all contribute to increased crash risk. Drivers approaching this intersection should reduce speed, watch carefully for red‑light runners, and avoid distractions that make it easier to misjudge timing and distance.
99th Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road
Located in west Phoenix, 99th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road is frequently listed among the most dangerous intersections in the region. Maricopa County data compiled for 2018–2022 shows this location near the top of Phoenix intersections by crash count. The combination of residential, commercial, and truck traffic creates steady congestion, and rear‑end collisions, turning crashes, and multi‑vehicle incidents are common in high‑volume settings like this. Drivers should exercise extra caution here, especially during peak traffic hours, and maintain more following distance to allow time to react to sudden stops.
19th Avenue & Peoria Avenue
19th Avenue and Peoria Avenue consistently appears on lists of higher‑risk intersections in Phoenix. While some intersections may have higher raw crash totals, risk models often give additional weight to the severity of crashes, and this location maintains a high ranking because of the seriousness of many collisions. Multiple turn lanes, strong north‑south and east‑west traffic flows, and nearby freeway access all contribute to complex traffic patterns. Failure‑to‑yield and red‑light violations are frequently cited factors at busy signalized intersections, and pedestrians crossing at this location may face elevated risk from turning vehicles.
67th Avenue & Thomas Road
Although not always named in the very top five citywide, 67th Avenue and Thomas Road appears in broader top‑10 lists and regional analyses as a higher‑than‑average crash location. The pattern of multiple 67th Avenue intersections appearing in high‑crash rankings suggests that speeds, lane configurations, and corridor‑wide traffic volumes can combine to create safety challenges along this arterial. Drivers traveling along 67th Avenue should reduce speed, increase following distance, and be especially careful during morning and evening rush hours when congestion and lane‑changing maneuvers are more frequent.
Why These Intersections Are So Dangerous
Several recurring factors contribute to the higher crash rates at these Phoenix intersections. Red‑light running and failure‑to‑yield violations are among the most common causes cited in intersection collision analyses. Distracted driving, including texting, handheld phone use, and in‑vehicle distractions, significantly reduces reaction time and situational awareness, especially in complex, multi‑lane intersections. Excessive speed makes it harder for drivers to stop when traffic signals change or when another vehicle enters the intersection unexpectedly, while tailgating reduces the margin for error when traffic slows or stops.
Intersection design and operating conditions also influence risk. Multiple lanes in each direction, numerous turn bays, and closely spaced driveways or side streets can create many conflict points for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. High traffic volumes during peak hours increase the number of opportunities for driver error. Crash maps and city safety plans show that many of the highest‑risk intersections in Phoenix are located on major avenues and arterials in west and north‑central Phoenix, which carry heavy volumes and higher prevailing speeds.
Safety Tips for Driving Through High‑Risk Intersections
You can reduce your risk at any intersection, especially at known high‑crash locations, by following some practical safety habits drawn from traffic safety guidance:
- Slow down as you approach intersections, even on a green light, to give yourself more time to react.
- Before proceeding on green, quickly scan left, right, and ahead for red‑light runners or turning vehicles.
- Eliminate distractions: put your phone away, avoid texting, and minimize other in‑car activities so your attention stays on the road.
- Increase your following distance so you have time to stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
- Use extra caution during peak hours, in rain or low‑visibility conditions, and when driving through unfamiliar intersections.
- Make turns only when you have enough time and space to complete them smoothly without forcing other drivers to brake suddenly.
What to Do After an Intersection Accident
If you’re involved in an intersection accident, your first priority is safety. Move to a safe location if you can do so without further injury and check everyone for injuries. Call 911 to request medical help if needed and to have law enforcement document the crash. When it is safe, photograph vehicle positions and damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and wider views of the intersection. These images can help reconstruct how the collision occurred.
Collect the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate, and insurance details, and ask witnesses for their contact information in case their statements are needed later. Report the crash to the police and request the report number so you can obtain a copy once it is available. Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel only minor soreness, because some injuries present delayed symptoms. Before giving detailed statements to the at‑fault driver’s insurance company or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney at Triumph Law Group about your rights and options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenix Intersection Accidents
What should I do immediately after an intersection accident?
Start by getting yourself and others out of active traffic if possible, then call 911 to report any injuries and the crash itself. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and traffic controls, exchange information with the other driver, and obtain contact details from witnesses. Seek medical care as soon as you can and notify your own insurer about the accident consistent with your policy requirements.
How is fault determined in intersection accidents?
Arizona uses a comparative negligence system, which allows fault to be shared between drivers based on the evidence. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera or dash‑cam footage, vehicle damage patterns, and roadway markings all help determine how the collision happened and who was primarily responsible. A personal injury attorney can review this evidence, consult with investigators when appropriate, and present arguments about how fault should be apportioned under Arizona law.
What damages can I recover in an intersection accident case?
Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non‑economic losses such as pain and suffering. In more serious cases, damages can also include future medical treatment, reduced earning capacity, and compensation related to permanent disability or disfigurement. The value of a claim depends on the severity of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the insurance coverage that is available.
How long do I have to file a claim in Arizona?
In many Arizona personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, subject to specific exceptions and special rules in some situations. Missing this deadline can bar your claim in court. It is usually wise to speak with an attorney well before the two‑year mark so evidence can be preserved and all applicable timelines can be identified.
Do I need a lawyer for my intersection accident case?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but insurance companies have adjusters and defense counsel focused on limiting payouts. A personal injury attorney can help you understand the value of your claim, gather and preserve evidence, handle communications and negotiations with insurers, and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Many people find that having counsel makes the process more manageable and can lead to more complete documentation of their losses.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Arizona law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but some drivers still operate vehicles without insurance. If the at‑fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you purchased it. An attorney can review your policy, explain what benefits may be available, and pursue claims against all potentially responsible parties and coverages.
Get Help From Triumph Law Group Today
Intersection accidents can result in serious injuries, time away from work, and ongoing pain that affects daily life. Triumph Law Group understands these challenges and handles intersection collision cases from initial investigation and intersection‑specific crash analysis through negotiations with insurers and, when appropriate, trial. The firm’s reported settlements and verdicts in motor vehicle cases show what has been achieved for other clients under particular facts, but every case outcome depends on its own evidence and applicable law.
Triumph Law Group offers free consultations so you can discuss your intersection accident with an attorney at no cost. Call 602-595-5559 today to speak with someone about your options. The firm is available 24/7, and you pay attorney fees only if there is a financial recovery in your case under the contingency‑fee arrangement described on its site.
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