Tempe, AZ – Fatal DUI Crash at University Dr & Rural Rd

Tempe, AZ (September 8, 2025) – One person died and two others were injured after a suspected DUI crash in Tempe early Sunday.

Authorities said the wreck happened just after midnight near University Dr and Rural Rd, not far from Arizona State University. Police reported that a driver ran a red light and struck a car traveling through the intersection on a green arrow. That impact forced the second car into a third vehicle that also had the right-of-way.

Emergency crews responded and transported multiple victims to the hospital. One person suffered life-threatening injuries and later died. Two other people remain hospitalized with injuries that have not yet been detailed.

The suspected impaired driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Police have not released their identity. Detectives collected evidence and interviewed witnesses through the early morning hours. The crash remains under investigation.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the person killed and extend our best wishes to those recovering.

DUI Accidents in Tempe

DUI-related crashes remain a serious concern in Tempe and across Arizona. With a large student population, busy nightlife, and major roadways like University Dr and Rural Rd, impaired driving continues to place lives at risk. Each year, many Arizona families lose loved ones to crashes caused by drivers who chose to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These accidents often result in devastating consequences. Victims can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or internal injuries. For families who lose a loved one, the emotional toll is compounded by funeral costs, lost income, and long-term grief. Survivors may also face months of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

Under Arizona law, drunk drivers can be held criminally and civilly responsible. While criminal charges aim to punish offenders, personal injury and wrongful death claims allow victims and families to pursue compensation. This may include recovery for hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical care. In fatal cases, families may also seek compensation for burial expenses and loss of companionship.

Insurance companies often try to limit what they pay out after serious crashes. They may dispute liability, minimize injuries, or pressure victims into quick settlements. Having a skilled Tempe car accident lawyer on your side is critical to ensure that victims are not left carrying the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Attorneys investigate the crash, gather police reports, obtain toxicology results, and build strong claims that hold impaired drivers accountable.

Legal support is especially important in DUI cases involving multiple vehicles, as insurance claims can quickly become complex. Victims should not have to fight insurance companies while also healing from painful injuries or grieving a loved one’s loss.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a DUI crash in Tempe, help is available. Please call our team at (866) 932-4817 for a free consultation with 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.