Phoenix, AZ – Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Loop 202 near Priest Dr

Phoenix, AZ (August 11, 2025) – A wrong-way crash on the Loop 202 Red Mountain westbound near Priest Drive left one person dead early Monday, August 11.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, a Subaru SUV was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes just after midnight. The SUV sideswiped a Hyundai, then collided head-on with a Kia sedan.

The impact caused the Subaru to flip onto its roof. The Kia crashed into the right-side concrete wall. Emergency crews pronounced the Kia driver dead at the scene.

The Subaru driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. Authorities suspect impairment played a role in the collision.

DPS reported that the Hyundai involved in the crash was found abandoned in the median west of the scene. The driver of that vehicle fled before police arrived. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full sequence of events.

We offer our condolences to the loved ones of the victim and wish for the recovery of those injured in this tragic incident.

Wrong-Way Accidents in Phoenix

Wrong-way driving remains one of the most dangerous types of traffic incidents in Arizona, often leading to severe or fatal outcomes. In Phoenix, freeways such as the Loop 202 and I-17 have seen a troubling number of these crashes in recent years.

These collisions are frequently linked to impairment, distraction, or confusion, particularly at night. A driver traveling the wrong way on a high-speed roadway creates an almost unavoidable hazard, as oncoming vehicles have little time or space to react. The high speed at impact greatly increases the risk of catastrophic injuries or death.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reports that wrong-way crashes, while rare compared to other types of collisions, have a fatality rate far higher than average. The combination of head-on impact and freeway speeds means that many victims suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and multiple fractures. Survivors often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.

Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses. In cases where impairment is involved, punitive damages may also be available to hold negligent drivers fully accountable.

An experienced Phoenix car accident attorney can play a crucial role in these cases. They can obtain crash reports, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies, which may attempt to minimize payouts in high-value claims.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrong-way crash in Phoenix, legal support can help you navigate the aftermath. At National Injury Help, we support crash victims and their families as they recover from serious accidents. Our attorneys know how to deal with complex, multi-vehicle cases and insurance pushback. You don’t have to handle this on your own. We’ll investigate the facts, gather evidence, and help you build a case that reflects your injuries and losses.

Whether the injuries are severe or ongoing, we’re here to help you pursue fair compensation. Contact us today to get your case reviewed by our trusted legal team. Please call our team at (866) 932-4817 for a free consultation with National Injury Help.