Car Accidents Rise in Maricopa County in October

Like many major metropolitan areas, Maricopa County experiences seasonal fluctuations in the number of motor vehicle accidents. In Phoenix and Maricopa County as a whole, crashes increase sharply in October. You may be able to make a Maricopa County car accident claim if you were injured by a negligent driver.

Burg Simpson is based in Phoenix. We know the local roads with the most accidents, as well as the seasonal trends that make the odds of a crash more likely. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.

For a FREE case evaluation, call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today. We handle Maricopa County car accident claims for clients in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Surprise, Mesa, and other nearby communities in Arizona.

Why Do Crashes Increase in Maricopa County in October?

Data from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) reveals that crashes increased 28% from July (the heart of summer) to October 2024. Unfortunately, this trend is not new. Reporting by InMaricopa reveals that accidents in Maricopa County spiked in October of previous years as well.

Several different factors may explain this pattern:

• More traffic: October is the start of fall in Maricopa County. This marks the beginning of the annual influx of snowbirds to the Phoenix metro area. Estimates suggest that visitors from colder climates may swell the local population by as much as 20% during the winter months. This means more cars on the road. It also means more accidents.
• Cooler weather: Pedestrians are more likely to be out and about in cooler temperatures. MAG data shows that vehicle-pedestrian accidents increase significantly from September to October.
• Shorter days: Visibility is reduced when driving at dusk and at night. This increases the risk of accidents in fall and winter, when there are fewer daylight hours.
• Out-of-town drivers: Drivers from out of town do not know the area like locals. They are often unfamiliar with the roads and may have little to no experience driving in a desert climate. Crashes are more likely to occur when drivers are not used to their surroundings.
• Driver error: Common errors such as speeding and distracted driving are often exacerbated by factors such as nighttime driving, unfamiliar locations, and (in some cases) alcohol use.

Determining the cause of the crash is a key component of any Maricopa County car accident claim. An experienced attorney can investigate and collect evidence to determine if a negligent driver was responsible.

Is the Rate of Car Accidents Increasing?

Statistics from the Arizona Department of Transportation show that the number of crashes statewide fell dramatically in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2023 (the most recent year of data), total crashes have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Crashes resulting in injury, however, are nearly back to 2019 levels. Unfortunately, fatal collisions have increased dramatically. From 2019 to 2023, the number of wrecks resulting in death in Arizona grew by more than 30%.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident in Maricopa County

Fair compensation after a car accident is not guaranteed. You need to take action promptly to protect your legal rights, as well as preserve your well-being.

Whether you are injured on a highway in Phoenix, a suburban street in Paradise Valley, or a rural road in unincorporated Maricopa County, these are the steps you should take in the aftermath of a crash:

1. Make safety a priority: Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, move out of the way of traffic.
2. Check yourself for injuries: If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 immediately.
3. Seek medical attention: Receive treatment for your injuries at the scene and, if necessary, in the emergency room. You should go to the hospital for a complete exam after leaving the scene, even if you feel fine.
4. Exchange information: Get the name, contact details, and insurance coverage information for any drivers involved in the accident.
5. Document the crash: Take pictures and video of the vehicles, roadway, and lighting and weather conditions.
6. Speak to witnesses: Ask people in the vicinity what they saw and get their contact information in case their testimony is needed later.
7. Cooperate with law enforcement: The local police, Arizona Department of Public Safety, or the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is required to investigate and prepare a report for any crash resulting in injury or death. Answer the officer’s questions, but stick to the facts and do not admit fault.
8. Get a copy of the accident report: The accident report contains a wealth of information that may help with your case. You can request a copy from the agency that investigated the crash yourself, or a lawyer can get the crash report on your behalf.
9. Focus on your recovery: Make sure you attend medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations. This is essential for healing from injuries and ensuring that your losses are documented.
10. Speak to a local car accident lawyer: An attorney in Phoenix or elsewhere in Maricopa County can provide you with knowledgeable legal guidance and help you make a claim for compensation.

Car accident claims in Maricopa County can be difficult if you do not have legal representation. Insurance companies do not want to compensate you fairly. Furthermore, communications with the insurer may be more difficult if the driver is from out of state.

Generally, it is in your best interest to have a car accident attorney handle communications with the insurance company. They can work toward a settlement agreement and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in Arizona?

The time limit for personal injury claims in Arizona is known as the statute of limitations. A Maricopa County car accident claim must be brought within 2 years of the collision (see Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542).

Legal actions for fatal accidents are also subject to Arizona’s 2-year statute of limitations. A wrongful death claim must be filed within 2 years of your loved one’s death.

How to File a Maricopa County Car Accident Claim

Most car accident claims are resolved via settlement without the need for a trial. In some cases, it may be unnecessary even to file a lawsuit. Nonetheless, it is important to be prepared for this possibility and hire a lawyer who can represent you at trial as needed.

The Maricopa County Superior Court hears claims involving more than $10,000 in damages. Claims for less than $10,000 are typically heard by the county’s Justice Courts. The first step is to file a complaint with the appropriate court.

Your complaint needs to include the name of the defendant, a description of the accident, and information about your injuries and damages. A skilled lawyer can prepare this document on your behalf, file it with the court, and handle the subsequent aspects of your claim once the lawsuit is filed.

Get Help with a Maricopa County Car Accident Claim

Burg Simpson has decades of experience representing the victims of car accidents. You may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our attorneys can prepare a strong case against the at-fault driver and make a claim against their insurance company.

If you or a member of your family has been in a car accident, you are not alone. October in Maricopa County sees more crashes than any other month. You should seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you or someone you love is in this unenviable situation.

Call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today for a FREE consultation. Our car accident lawyers are headquartered in Phoenix and represent clients throughout Maricopa County, including Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Surprise, and more.