Is Purposely Causing a Car Accident a Crime in Arizona?

No Specific Statute, But Multiple Criminal Charges Apply

Arizona does not have a single law that specifically addresses intentionally causing a car accident. However, the act of deliberately causing a collision triggers multiple existing criminal statutes depending on the circumstances, the damage caused, and the injuries sustained. Prosecutors will evaluate the facts and file the most serious charges supported by the evidence.

Criminal Damage (A.R.S. 13-1602)

If you intentionally ram into another vehicle or brake suddenly to cause a rear-end collision, you can face criminal damage charges for the property destruction that results. The severity ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the dollar amount of damage caused. Damage exceeding $10,000 is a Class 4 felony, while damage between $2,000 and $10,000 is a Class 5 felony. Even relatively minor damage can result in criminal charges when the act is intentional.

Reckless Driving (A.R.S. 28-693)

Driving with reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property constitutes reckless driving in Arizona — a Class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties include potential jail time and license suspension. While this charge applies more to grossly negligent driving than to intentional collisions, prosecutors frequently include it alongside more serious charges to provide the jury with options for conviction.

Assault and Aggravated Assault

If your intentional collision injures another person, you face assault charges under A.R.S. 13-1203, which covers intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing physical injury to another person. Simple assault through a vehicle collision is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if the collision causes serious physical injury, the charge elevates to aggravated assault under A.R.S. 13-1204 — a Class 3 felony potentially carrying up to 8.75 years in prison. The use of a vehicle as a dangerous instrument further compounds the severity of charges.