The Worst Roads in Arizona for T-Bone Crashes—And How Tempe Compares
T-bone collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes on Arizona roads. When one vehicle slams into the side of another, the lack of structural protection often leads to severe injuries or fatalities—especially at high speeds. While many cities across the state experience these types of accidents, Tempe has its own share of high-risk intersections that every driver should know about.
If you were involved in a T-bone crash, whether in Tempe or elsewhere in Arizona, it may be time to speak with an Arizona car accident attorney. We connect drivers with lawyers who offer free consultations and understand how to navigate claims involving serious intersection collisions.
Why T-Bone Crashes Are So Dangerous
Also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, T-bone crashes typically occur when one vehicle fails to yield at an intersection or runs a red light. These accidents often happen at high speeds and can lead to:
Multiple broken bones and internal bleeding
Unlike front or rear-end collisions, there’s little between a vehicle occupant and the impact force during a T-bone. Injuries are often life-altering.
Arizona's Most Notorious Roads for Side-Impact Collisions
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation highlights several intersections and corridors where T-bone accidents are common:
27th Avenue & Camelback Road (Phoenix): Known for heavy traffic and signal violations
Broadway Road & Dobson (Mesa): Frequent left-turn crashes
Ina Road & Thornydale (Tucson): Busy suburban route with poor visibility
Many of these roads are high-speed and connect commercial or commuter areas, increasing the risk of drivers running yellow or red lights.
How Tempe Intersections Compare
Tempe may not have the same volume of traffic as Phoenix, but its combination of university congestion, rideshare activity, and distracted driving makes its intersections deceptively dangerous. Some areas to watch include:
Downtown Tempe: Where high foot traffic meets complex lane changes
South Tempe: With retail centers and frequent parking lot accidents
North Tempe: Near on-ramps to Loop 202 and US-60
Distracted driving and rideshare pickups in Holdeman and Escalante also increase side-impact risk. These areas may not show up in statewide rankings but are well-known locally for close calls and collisions.
What Causes T-Bone Collisions in Tempe and Across Arizona
While failure to yield is the leading cause of side-impact crashes, other contributing factors include:
Distracted or impaired drivers
Speeding through yellow lights
Misjudging oncoming traffic during turns
Uninsured drivers creating unsafe conditions
In areas like Meyer Park, where neighborhood streets connect with major roads, these errors become even more dangerous.
What to Do After a T-Bone Crash
The minutes after a crash matter. If you're able, you should:
Call 911 and request medical assistance
Document the scene with photos
Collect contact info from witnesses
Avoid admitting fault or making recorded statements
Get a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine
You can also review legal resources through az.gov or the Arizona courts.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a T-Bone Accident Claim
Side-impact crash cases often involve competing narratives. Who had the green light? Did the other driver really stop? A car accident lawyer can:
Subpoena traffic camera or dashcam footage
Reconstruct the crash with expert input
Navigate comparative negligence rules
Ensure long-term injuries are properly documented
Whether your T-bone collision occurred in Tempe or anywhere else in Arizona, legal support can protect your rights and help you pursue compensation.
Were you injured in a side-impact crash? Connect with a lawyer who understands the impact of T-bone accidents. Start with a free consultation at Tempe Car Accident Attorney.
