Why Merging Accidents Happen So Often on Tempe Freeways
Anyone who’s driven on Loop 202, US-60, or I-10 near Tempe during peak hours knows how intense freeway merging can be. Vehicles weave in and out, trying to jump lanes, avoid traffic, or make last-minute exits. It's a breeding ground for chaos—and unfortunately, a hotbed for avoidable crashes.
Merging accidents are among the most common types of freeway collisions in Arizona, and they often leave drivers wondering who was truly at fault. If you've been hurt in a freeway merging crash, the Tempe car accident attorney resource can help you understand what caused the wreck and what your next steps should be.
The Anatomy of a Merging Accident
A merging crash typically happens when a vehicle tries to enter a freeway, switch lanes, or exit—often in dense traffic. The common result is a sideswipe, rear-end, or angle collision, usually at high speed. In Tempe, these incidents happen frequently near interchanges like the I-10 / Broadway Curve or where the US-60 splits east and west.
Key reasons merging accidents occur:
Drivers failing to yield when entering the freeway
Sudden lane changes without signaling
Speeding to beat a car in the adjacent lane
Distracted or impaired drivers not checking blind spots
Bottlenecks caused by construction or lane reductions
What makes merging crashes especially complex is that both drivers may share some blame. However, Arizona law still allows you to recover compensation—even if you were partially at fault.
Arizona’s Comparative Fault Law and Merging Crashes
Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still receive compensation after a crash even if you were partly responsible. For example, if you were merging and another driver sped up to block you, a court may find both parties partially at fault. If you're found 30% responsible, you could still recover 70% of your total damages.
Establishing fault in these situations often depends on:
Dashcam footage or traffic camera video
Witness statements from nearby drivers
Vehicle damage patterns (side, rear, etc.)
Police accident reports
GPS or app data showing speed and location
Because so many merging collisions happen during rush hour near densely populated areas like North Tempe, thorough investigation matters.
Why Tempe Freeways See So Many Merging Accidents
Tempe’s unique mix of local, student, and out-of-town drivers contributes to the high frequency of merging collisions. Key contributing factors include:
Short merge lanes: Some freeway entrances, like those near South Tempe, give drivers very little room to get up to speed.
High traffic volume: Tempe's freeway system carries commuters to and from Phoenix, Chandler, and Mesa, creating significant congestion.
Distracted driving: Whether using GPS or texting, distracted drivers often fail to check blind spots when merging or changing lanes.
Aggressive driving: Road rage, speeding, and last-second lane changes increase the chance of a serious crash.
These conditions make freeway driving in Tempe riskier than many other parts of the state, especially during peak morning and afternoon traffic.
Common Injuries From Merging Accidents
The force of a merging crash, particularly when occurring at freeway speeds, can lead to serious injuries such as:
Neck and back injuries
Broken bones
Deep lacerations or road rash from rollovers
PTSD or anxiety related to driving
Even in lower-speed crashes, soft tissue injuries can linger for months and result in long-term discomfort or limited mobility.
Who’s at Fault in a Freeway Merging Crash?
While every case is different, there are some general guidelines under Arizona traffic law:
A driver merging onto a freeway must yield to traffic already on the road.
If two vehicles attempt to merge into the same lane from opposite sides, both may share fault.
A driver who cuts across multiple lanes without signaling or checking mirrors may be held fully liable.
If a vehicle merges safely but is struck from behind, the trailing driver may be presumed at fault.
In many situations, fault can be tied to specific behaviors like distracted driving, DUI, or tailgating. Learn more about those scenarios in our Tempe DUI accident and distracted driver accident resources.
Steps to Take After a Merging Crash in Tempe
If you're involved in a freeway merging collision, try to do the following:
Call 911 and report the crash
Take photos of the vehicles, lane markings, traffic signs, and any debris
Get contact info from eyewitnesses
Request a copy of the police report when available
Seek medical attention—even for mild pain
Notify your insurer, but avoid admitting fault
If you were hit near a construction zone, you might also need to evaluate whether unmarked lane shifts or missing signs contributed to the crash. In some cases, the city or a third-party contractor could share responsibility. Our legal resources page provides more info on these complex liability issues.
Final Thoughts
Merging accidents are a frustratingly common part of freeway driving in Tempe. But when they happen, they can cause more than just bumper damage—they can lead to months of pain, missed work, and complicated insurance battles.
Whether it was an aggressive driver who sped up to block you, or a distracted motorist who drifted across lanes, you shouldn’t be left paying for the damage alone. Make sure your injuries are documented, gather evidence early, and don’t be afraid to push back against insurance denials that try to shift blame unfairly.
