Recent Crash Fatality Statistics in Arizona
Although you would expect fewer car accident fatalities when everyone is driving less during the pandemic, the country has seen a surge in these tragic losses of life over the last few years. Unfortunately, Arizona is not an exception.
Data on 2021 crash fatalities in Arizona has recently been released, showing a sharp increase again this year. Obeying traffic laws and keeping your full attention on the road is especially important to your safety now, as can be seen with these Arizona fatal car accident statistics.
Fatal Car Crash Stats in Arizona
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its early estimates for traffic fatalities for the first nine months of 2021. The following data shows the increasing danger the state faces:
- Deaths from car accidents in Arizona rose over 18 percent in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2020.
- Arizona’s surge in traffic deaths was worse than the national increase of 12 percent for this period.
- There were nearly 32,000 deaths from traffic accidents nationally during this period in 2021, the highest since 2006.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports 98,778 crashes in 2020, resulting in 1,057 deaths. Of these traffic fatalities:
- There were 208 car occupants, 155 in SUVs and pickup trucks, 16 large truck occupants, 153 on motorcycles, 235 pedestrians, and 33 cyclists.
- Males were nearly 3 times more likely to be victims of fatal crashes than females, with 764 male traffic deaths, 291 females, and 2 of unknown gender.
- The age groups with the most traffic fatalities were ages 55-64 with 195 deaths, 25-34 years old with 191, and ages 35-44 with 162.
- There were 181 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes, 337 in speed-related crashes, and 648 in lane departure crashes.
Why Have Car Crash Deaths Increased in Arizona Since the Start of the Pandemic?
The COVD-19 pandemic has brought many changes, including fewer people commuting, traveling, and going out. However, the national data on traffic fatalities shows the highest percentage increase over the nine-month period since 1985, when the U.S. Department of Transportation began recording fatal crash data.
So what’s causing this increase in car crash fatalities? Some suspected reasons include the following:
- Drivers seem to have increased reckless driving practices during the pandemic, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, impaired driving, and not paying attention.
- Arizona is experiencing a population surge, putting more drivers on the roads.
- More people aren’t wearing seat belts, making fatalities more likely in a crash.
What To Do If a Loved One Dies in a Crash
While nothing can bring back your loved one, you have likely suffered damages due to your loss. You may be able to pursue compensation from the responsible party for losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of their income.
To ensure you can seek justice and financial recovery, you should follow these steps if you lose your loved one in a car accident:
- Contact a lawyer to help you through the process while you grieve.
- Investigate and gather evidence to help support your case.
- Calculate losses that you’ve suffered because of the loss of your loved one.
- Pursue a wrongful death claim to demand the compensation you need
Contact a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney Today
The data showing the increase in fatal car accidents in Arizona is sobering. These accidents also have effects on the surviving loved ones. If you’ve lost someone in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses with a wrongful death claim.
Call or contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer online today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.
