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Phoenix’s highways, interstates, and expressways are essential for commuters, commercial trucks, and travelers moving through the city. However, high speeds, heavy traffic, and unpredictable driving behaviors make interstates and expressways some of the most dangerous roads in the region. Accidents on these roadways often result in severe injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and multi-car pileups.
At Torgenson Law, we understand how devastating an interstate or expressway accident can be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on one of Phoenix’s highways, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights. We will work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and losses.
Phoenix’s vast roadway network includes several high-speed interstates and expressways, such as Interstate 10 (I-10), Interstate 17 (I-17), Loop 101, Loop 202, and U.S. Highway 60. These roads carry thousands of vehicles daily, making them hotspots for accidents involving passenger cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles.
Accidents on interstates and expressways are particularly dangerous due to:
Because of these risks, accidents on interstates and expressways often result in serious injuries and significant property damage. Understanding the common causes of these crashes can help drivers stay vigilant and take precautions.
Many interstate and expressway accidents in Phoenix are preventable and occur due to driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or mechanical failures. Unlike accidents on city streets, highway crashes often involve high speeds, heavy traffic, and multiple vehicles, making them particularly dangerous. When drivers fail to follow traffic laws or drive recklessly, the consequences can be devastating.
Excessive speed is a major contributor to highway crashes, as it reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact in a collision. Drivers traveling above the speed limit have less time to brake or maneuver if traffic suddenly slows down, leading to rear-end crashes, rollovers, and multi-car pileups.
Speeding drivers may also engage in aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or cutting off other vehicles — all of which increase the risk of serious accidents. When combined with congested Phoenix highways, these reckless actions can quickly escalate into life-threatening collisions.
Cell phone use, eating, adjusting in-car entertainment, or other distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road. On a high-speed expressway, even a few seconds of inattention can result in a catastrophic crash. Distracted drivers may fail to notice sudden lane changes, brake lights ahead, or merging vehicles, leading to preventable accidents.
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention, leaving drivers unable to react in time. Despite Arizona’s laws against texting while driving, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents on Phoenix interstates.
Interstates and expressways require frequent merging, and failure to yield the right-of-way or check blind spots can lead to sideswipe accidents, rear-end crashes, or multi-vehicle collisions. Drivers who suddenly cut across multiple lanes, fail to use turn signals, or misjudge the speed of surrounding vehicles put everyone at risk. Large trucks and buses are particularly vulnerable to improper merging accidents due to their limited visibility and long stopping distances.
Large trucks pose a significant hazard on Phoenix’s highways due to wide blind spots, long stopping distances, and high rollover risks. A fully loaded semi-truck requires significantly more time to slow down or stop, making sudden traffic changes or driver mistakes especially dangerous. Truck drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or improperly trained can cause devastating expressway accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of high-speed collisions. Many DUI-related accidents on Phoenix’s interstates occur late at night or early in the morning when intoxicated drivers are more likely to be on the road.
Impaired drivers often exhibit erratic behavior, such as swerving between lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds, or failing to brake in time, making them a danger to everyone around them. Even prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness or delayed reflexes, further increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Dust storms, monsoon rains, and extreme heat can create hazardous driving conditions on highways. Sudden heavy rainfall can lead to slick roads and hydroplaning, while blowing dust can severely reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see lane markings, vehicles, or road signs.
Extreme heat can also cause tire blowouts, engine overheating, and other mechanical failures that increase the risk of accidents. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed, increase their following distance, or use headlights in poor weather conditions may be held liable for resulting crashes.
Because interstate accidents typically occur at higher speeds, victims often suffer severe and life-altering injuries. Unlike minor fender benders, high-speed crashes on Phoenix highways can result in catastrophic harm, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and permanent disabilities that impact their quality of life.
High-speed crashes can cause concussions or severe brain trauma, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term disabilities. The sudden jolt or impact of a collision can force the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling, or bleeding.
Even a moderate head injury can have lasting effects on a victim’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, or engage in social activities. In severe cases, victims may experience permanent neurological damage, requiring ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and specialized care.
A forceful impact can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The extent of spinal cord damage depends on the severity of the crash and the specific area of the spine affected. Victims with spinal injuries often require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs or mobility aids.
In addition to physical limitations, spinal injuries can lead to secondary complications, including chronic pain, respiratory issues, and loss of bowel or bladder control, further affecting a victim’s independence and overall well-being.
The sheer force of an interstate collision can lead to broken arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. High-impact crashes can cause complex fractures that require surgery, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation. In some cases, severe fractures may not heal properly, resulting in permanent mobility limitations or chronic pain.
Broken ribs, in particular, can pose additional risks, as they may puncture internal organs or lead to complications such as collapsed lungs. The recovery process for bone fractures can be lengthy, affecting a victim’s ability to work, drive, or perform everyday activities.
Rear-end crashes are common on congested highways, leading to whiplash, neck strain, and soft tissue damage. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jolted forward and then snapped back, causing damage to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck and shoulders. These injuries can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and long-term mobility issues, making it difficult for victims to carry out normal tasks.
Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries to the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may not be immediately noticeable after an accident. Unlike external injuries, internal bleeding can develop gradually, leading to dangerous complications if not treated promptly. Symptoms such as dizziness, severe abdominal pain, and shortness of breath may indicate life-threatening internal damage. Emergency medical treatment is often required to control bleeding, repair damaged organs, or remove excess fluid buildup.
Tragically, many interstate accidents in Phoenix result in wrongful deaths, especially when high speeds or large commercial vehicles are involved. Victims who suffer fatal injuries often leave behind grieving families who must cope with emotional and financial hardships.
Determining liability in a highway accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike simple two-vehicle collisions, interstate accidents often involve multiple cars, commercial trucks, and hazardous road conditions, making it critical to conduct a thorough investigation. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for pursuing full compensation, as each responsible party may be required to contribute to the damages awarded to the victim.
A driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or failed to follow traffic laws is often the primary at-fault party in an interstate accident. Common negligent behaviors include texting while driving, reckless lane changes, tailgating, and failure to yield. On high-speed roadways, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic collisions, particularly in congested traffic or hazardous weather conditions.
If a semi-truck caused the crash, the trucking company may also be liable for failing to properly train drivers, maintain their fleet, or enforce safe driving practices. Commercial trucks require special handling, and truck drivers must adhere to strict federal regulations regarding driving hours, rest periods, and cargo weight limits. If a trucking company pressures its drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, resulting in fatigue or reckless driving, the company may share responsibility for the accident.
If poor road conditions, missing signage, or inadequate lighting contributed to the crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining Phoenix’s highways may share liability. Highways and expressways require regular upkeep to ensure safe driving conditions, and when government agencies fail to repair potholes, fix malfunctioning traffic signals, or install proper guardrails, they may be held accountable for accidents caused by these hazards.
If a mechanical defect, such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or faulty airbags, played a role in the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be held accountable. Some interstate crashes occur due to vehicle malfunctions rather than driver negligence, and in such cases, automakers, dealerships, or repair shops may be liable under product liability laws.
In situations where a manufacturer knowingly sold defective vehicles or failed to issue necessary recalls, they may face additional legal consequences. Victims of accidents caused by mechanical defects may be able to pursue compensation not only for their injuries but also for the financial losses resulting from the defective vehicle.
Victims of interstate and expressway accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for their injuries and losses. The damages awarded in these cases generally fall into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. This includes immediate costs like emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications, as well as long-term medical treatments such as physical therapy, home healthcare, and assistive devices.
If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may also receive compensation for future lost income and reduced earning capacity. Additionally, if the accident resulted in significant vehicle damage, economic damages can cover repair or replacement costs, along with any transportation expenses incurred while the victim is without a vehicle.
These damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life. The physical pain and mental anguish caused by a serious accident can have lasting effects, making everyday activities difficult or impossible. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the crash was severe or involved a fatality.
Non-economic damages also take into account the impact on a victim’s relationships and overall well-being. Victims with permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or loss of mobility may qualify for additional compensation, as these conditions can drastically alter their lifestyle and ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
If the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence, such as road rage, excessive speeding, or drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless behavior and prevent similar accidents in the future. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages are designed to hold the negligent driver accountable for their extreme misconduct.
Courts may impose punitive damages in cases where the responsible party demonstrated a blatant disregard for safety, such as engaging in aggressive driving, driving under the influence, or fleeing the scene of an accident. These damages serve as a deterrent, reinforcing the importance of responsible driving on Phoenix’s highways and expressways.
At Torgenson Law, we recognize the profound physical, emotional, and financial hardships that an interstate accident can impose on victims and their families. Our dedicated legal team conducts thorough investigations to determine liability, carefully examining the circumstances of the crash to build a strong case. We gather critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and crash scene analysis, to support your claim and establish fault.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an interstate or expressway accident in Phoenix, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. Arizona law limits the amount of time you have to file a claim, so acting quickly can strengthen your case. Call Torgenson Law today at 602-726-0747 or reach out online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal burdens while you focus on your recovery.
