Year after year, motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of accidental injuries in Arizona. A car crash can happen when you least expect it. You may be wondering: Does Arizona see a rise in motor vehicle collisions in the summer? The short answer is “no”—the data does not show that the summer season sees a rise in car accidents in our state. Indeed, car accidents are relatively stable from month to month in our state. Within this article, our Gilbert car accident attorney provides an overview of the seasonality of motor vehicle collisions in Arizona.
General Belief: Crashes Rise During “Summer Driving Season”
There is a general view that traffic accidents increase during the “summer driving season” as roads become busier with holiday travelers and seasonal activities. Indeed, this time of year is commonly seen as a risky period for motorists. Is the belief actually true? It is useful to look at Arizona’s official motor vehicle accident data.
The Data: No Spike in the Total Number of Car Accidents in Summer in Arizona
According to the most recent data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 122,247 motor vehicle collisions reported in the state in 2023 alone. Contrary to popular belief, the data for Arizona shows no significant spike in traffic crashes during the summer months. Analysis of traffic accident reports in Arizona shows that crash rates remain relatively stable throughout the year, including in summer. Here is the total number of car crashes by month in Arizona last year:
- January: 10,628
- February: 10,181
- March: 11,168
- April: 10,590
- May: 10,206
- June: 8,900
- July: 8,752
- August: 10,170
- September: 10,045
- October: 10,778
- November: 10,420
- December: 10,409
Four Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Crash this Summer
A crash can happen at any time. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision in Gilbert or elsewhere in Arizona this summer, it is imperative that you take swift action to protect your rights and your interests. Here are four steps to take if involved in a car wreck in Arizona this summer:
- Stop Your Car and Report the Crash: Immediately after a collision, it is crucial to stop your vehicle at the scene but for a medical emergency. You should exchange information with the other drivers in the collision. All crashes should be reported to local or state law enforcement, such as the Gilbert Police Department or the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
- See a Doctor Right Away: Every car accident injury should be evaluated by a licensed physician. Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor immediately after a crash is essential. Even some bad injuries—such as concussion and whiplash—with a delayed onset. Further, without supporting medical records, you cannot bring a car accident injury claim.
- Document Your Collision: Arizona is a fault-based motor vehicle crash state. You should be sure to gather as much evidence at the scene as you can—from photographs to witness statements. Evidence can be used to prove liability. The more information you have, the better positioned that you will be.
- Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Insurance companies are not on your side. Before you file a claim with your insurance company, you should consult with a Gilbert, AZ, car accident lawyer who can protect your rights and help you handle the claims process. You deserve justice and the financial compensation you need to pay your bills.
After a car crash, you need financial compensation to pay your bills and support your family. In Arizona, injured victims have the right to seek financial relief for economic and non-economic losses, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Contact Our Gilbert Car Accident Attorney for Immediate Legal Help
At Free Injury Legal Advice, our Gilbert auto accident lawyers are strong and experienced advocates for justice. Were you hurt in a summertime car crash? You need a top-rated legal counsel on your team. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. From our office in Gilbert, we handle motor vehicle accident claims in Maricopa County and throughout the wider region.