Mesa Traffic Accidents: Information for Victims and Their Families

Traffic accidents in Mesa, Arizona, remain a significant concern, affecting countless lives and leaving victims and families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Despite efforts to improve road safety, issues like speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving continue to plague the city’s streets. In 2023 alone, thousands of accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities, forcing many families to navigate the complex aftermath of such tragedies. For victims and their loved ones, understanding their legal rights and options is essential in seeking justice and compensation for their losses.

The Dangers of Mesa Roads

In 2023, Mesa recorded 7,534 car crashes in 2023. Of these, 54 resulted in fatalities, while 2,222 involved serious injuries. The causes of these accidents varied, but speeding, alcohol impairment, and distracted driving were among the leading factors. Alarmingly, alcohol-related crashes in Mesa claimed 15 lives and left 223 people injured last year, continuing a disturbing trend seen across the state.

Despite local efforts to curb risky driving habits, the frequency of high-speed crashes, DUI incidents, and distracted driving continues to make Mesa one of the most dangerous cities for motorists in Arizona. Mesa’s Comprehensive Safety Action Plan aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 30% by 2030, but for many families, the damage has already been done.

Common Causes of Mesa Traffic Accidents

Several factors contribute to the high number of car accidents in Mesa, with the most common causes including:

• Speeding: Excessive speed continues to be a leading cause of both fatal and injury-related accidents. The pandemic led to less congested roads, but it also created a new norm of higher speeds, making the city’s streets more dangerous.
• Impaired Driving: DUI crashes remain a significant issue in Mesa. Arizona’s strict DUI laws aim to reduce impaired driving, but the data shows that alcohol continues to play a major role in traffic deaths and injuries.
• Distracted Driving: In 2023, distracted driving was responsible for over 8,600 crashes statewide. Distractions like texting, using navigation systems, and even eating while driving are common, making it difficult for drivers to react to sudden changes on the road.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, improper lane changes, and running red lights are all forms of aggressive driving that contribute to accidents in Mesa.

Recent Traffic Fatalities in Mesa

Despite statewide efforts to improve road safety, Mesa continues to experience a troubling number of fatal accidents. In 2023, the city recorded 54 traffic-related deaths, a slight decrease from the 55 fatalities in 2022. However, these numbers still reflect a broader crisis, as Mesa’s traffic fatalities remain near historic highs. The last time Mesa saw a higher death toll was in 2006, when 61 people were killed in crashes.

Among the most concerning trends is the rise in alcohol-related fatalities. Last year, 15 people died in DUI-related accidents in Mesa, making it one of the deadliest years for impaired driving since 2011. Statewide, alcohol-impaired crashes claimed 332 lives and injured nearly 4,000 people, underscoring the severe risks posed by drunk driving.

Motorcycle fatalities saw a sharp increase as well, with 258 motorcyclists losing their lives across Arizona in 2023, marking the highest number of motorcycle deaths in the state in over 20 years. Mesa, with its rapidly growing population, saw a surge in motorcycle registrations, which contributed to the rise in deadly crashes involving riders.

Pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities also remain a significant concern. Though pedestrian deaths in Arizona fell by 12.3% in 2023, the state still recorded 271 pedestrian fatalities, many of which occurred in busy metropolitan areas like Mesa. Bicyclist deaths dropped by 10.2% statewide, but the risk for cyclists remains high on Mesa’s roadways, where vehicle collisions are common.

After a Mesa Traffic Accident: What You Should Do

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when injuries or significant damages are involved. In the immediate aftermath, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the right steps to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek compensation later on. 

Whether you’ve been injured or witnessed a loved one hurt due to someone else’s negligence, here’s what you should do after a Mesa traffic accident:

• Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your first priority should be your health and the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move to a safe location, away from traffic, and check for any injuries. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
• Call 911 and Report the Accident: Arizona law requires you to report accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Contacting the police will ensure that the accident is documented, and a formal report is created. 
• Document the Accident Scene: If you’re able to, gather as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant factors like skid marks or debris.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle registration details with the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy information.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Provide them with accurate details, but avoid making any assumptions about fault. The claims process can be complicated, and you may need to provide documentation, such as medical records and repair estimates.
• Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney: After a serious traffic accident, especially one involving significant injuries or fatalities, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys understand Arizona’s traffic laws and can work to maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

How a Mesa Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

At Skousen, Gulbrandsen, & Patience, PLC, we have been proudly serving Mesa for over 60 years, providing compassionate, expert legal representation to accident victims. Our experienced attorneys are deeply connected to the community and are members of the State Bar of Arizona, the American Association for Justice, and more, highlighting our commitment to justice.
With an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, we are recognized for our legal ability and ethics. We work tirelessly to help you recover compensation, handling everything from accident investigation to negotiations with insurance companies. Call us today at (480) 833-8800 for a free consultation.