What If a Car Crash in Tempe Was Caused by Falling City Tree Limbs?

It might not be the first cause that comes to mind after a car accident in Tempe, but falling tree branches—especially those maintained by the city—have caused property damage, severe injuries, and even traffic collisions across Arizona. Whether it’s a stormy night or a dry-rotted limb that finally gives way, the moment a city-managed tree enters the roadway, it becomes a public hazard.

If you or someone you love was involved in a crash caused by a falling limb in Tempe, there’s a question you need answered: Can the city be held responsible for damages? The answer depends on where the tree was located, who was in charge of maintaining it, and what steps (if any) were taken to prevent the hazard from developing in the first place.

At our Tempe accident resource center, we’ve seen how overlooked maintenance by the city can lead to injury and loss. Here’s what to know if a fallen tree branch caused your crash.

When City Trees Become Dangerous

Tempe has thousands of city-owned trees lining medians, sidewalks, and public rights-of-way. In areas like Escalante or near schools in Holdeman, large shade trees are common along residential streets. But these trees—especially if not pruned or inspected regularly—can drop heavy limbs onto parked vehicles, moving cars, cyclists, or even pedestrians.

During monsoon season, strong winds and saturated ground only increase the risk.

How Can a Tree Cause a Car Accident?

There are multiple ways a city tree might play a role in a collision:

• A large branch falls directly onto a moving car, causing the driver to lose control

• A limb drops into the road, leading to a swerving maneuver and a secondary collision

• The tree itself collapses into the lane due to rot or poor root support

• Debris from multiple trees blocks traffic flow during a storm

• A driver crashes while trying to avoid the falling or fallen object

These events aren’t just random acts of nature—they can be tied to negligent maintenance or ignored warning signs.

Determining Who Is Responsible

To hold the City of Tempe liable, you must first prove that:

1. The tree was on public property or managed by the city

2. The city had notice that the tree was dangerous (or should have known)

3. The city failed to take reasonable action

4. That failure led to the crash and caused actual damages (property or injury)

Proving notice is key. If the city had previously been warned about the tree’s condition—via resident complaints, city maintenance logs, or prior incidents—then they may be considered negligent in allowing the hazard to remain.

Arizona’s Notice of Claim Requirements

When seeking damages from the city for a fallen tree-related crash, you’re not just dealing with a basic insurance claim. Arizona law requires that you file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the incident (under A.R.S. § 12-821.01).

This document must include:

• A specific amount of compensation you’re seeking

• Facts supporting the city’s liability

• All available documentation (photos, witness statements, crash reports)

If the claim is not filed properly or within the deadline, you lose the right to sue—even if your case is strong.

See our full guide on claims against the city for more on this process.

What Kind of Damages Could Be Recovered?

If you’re successful in holding the city accountable, you may be eligible to recover:

• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

• Medical expenses related to the crash

• Lost income if the injury kept you from working

• Pain and suffering

• Long-term care costs if you suffered a spinal injury or paralysis

Tree-related crashes may seem unusual, but the damage can be just as devastating as a traditional rear-end collision or T-bone crash.

What If the Tree Was on Private Property?

If the limb that caused your crash came from a privately owned tree—such as one growing in a business parking lot or residential yard—the city won’t be liable. However, the private property owner may be, especially if they failed to maintain the tree or ignored previous damage.

In this case, your claim would be made against the homeowner’s or business’s liability insurance, not the government.

Steps to Take After a Tree-Related Crash

If you believe your accident was caused by a city-owned tree, take these actions right away:

1. Call 911 and report the incident

2. Take photos of the fallen limb, damage to your vehicle, and surrounding area

3. Identify the tree’s location—is it in a public median, sidewalk strip, or park?

4. Get witness contact information, especially if others saw the branch fall

5. Seek medical treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first

6. Document repair costs and keep all receipts

If there’s any uncertainty about whether the tree is public or private, start by contacting the Tempe Public Works Department. They can clarify maintenance responsibilities for specific locations.

Cases That Are More Likely to Succeed

Some scenarios give you a stronger chance of proving city liability:

• Prior complaints were made to Tempe about the tree’s condition

• The tree showed obvious signs of decay or damage

• The city was performing work nearby and neglected the hazard

• The limb interfered with road visibility or signals prior to falling

• The location was a known hazard, such as a heavily trafficked zone near Downtown Tempe

Final Thoughts

Crashes caused by falling limbs may not make the evening news—but they create real consequences for Tempe residents. When a city-managed tree drops a limb that damages your vehicle or causes a wreck, you shouldn’t be stuck paying for the aftermath.

Because claims against government entities are complex and time-sensitive, it’s important to start building your case quickly. Don’t wait for city officials to admit fault. Begin documenting the scene, tracking your damages, and exploring your options.

To learn more about these unique claims, visit our legal resources or compare similar city liability scenarios like malfunctioning traffic signals.