Nashville Accident Statistics

Potential Snow Showers Could Cause Slick Roads

Nashville (December 24, 2020) – A storm alert has been issued for parts of Tennessee east of Interstate 65 on Christmas Eve. Snow showers and a mix of rain are expected to hit the state this Thursday afternoon, according to local meteorologists.

While these flurries won’t look like much on the ground, officials are concerned the changing weather could lead to particularly hazardous travel conditions and an increased risk of car accidents for those who are going to visit family and friends for the Christmas holiday.

The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind motorists in the Plateau to slow down in winter weather and utilize these tips for driving in the rain. Source: News Channel 5 Nashville

Unlicensed Driver To Blame For Fiery Crash

Nashville (November 25, 2020) – A 17-year-old unlicensed, uninsured motorist caused a deadly accident on I-24 East last Friday. Nine cars in total were involved in the crash, which resulted in two deaths.

The 17-year-old driver was reportedly attempting to get back on the freeway from the right shoulder, causing an Infiniti Q-50 to swerve out of the far-right lane to avoid striking them.

As a result, the Infiniti collided with another vehicle and was then struck from behind by a semi-truck. The Infiniti subsequently hit a concrete wall and burst into flames, killing both occupants.

Three other victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. The at-fault driver has been charged with driving without a license and not having insurance. Additional charges may be forthcoming. Source: News Channel 5 Nashville

Still Unclear What Caused Deadly School Bus Crash

Meigs County (November 12, 2020) – It’s been over two weeks since a bus driver and a seven-year-old girl died in a school bus accident in Meigs County. But in spite of ongoing investigations, the cause of the crash remains unclear.

According to an accident report released by Tennessee Highway Patrol, a utility truck heading north on Highway 58 was attempting to get back on the road after leaving the roadway. He then lost control of the vehicle and slid into the southbound lanes, smashing into the school bus head on.

While the National Transportation Safety Board is now investigating the incident, it remains unknown what caused the truck driver to lose control of his vehicle. As of this writing, no criminal charges have been filed. Source: News Channel 9

What’s Causing So Many Fatal Teen Driver Accidents?

Statewide (October 22, 2020) – A survey administered by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is shedding some light on the teen driving behaviors that may be causing a high number of fatal accidents.

THSO reported that Tennessee car accident fatalities involving a teenage driver increased by 49% from 2015 to 2019. In the survey, 87% of teens admitted to driving over the speed limit on a regular basis. At least 40% said that they don’t wear a seat belt.

And teens aren’t the only ones taking risks behind the wheel: 70% of teens surveyed said they’d seen their parents texting and driving. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages parents to set a good example for teens by driving responsibly. Source: THSO, WKRN

Distracted Driving Caused Nearly 24,000 Crashes in 2019

Statewide (October 1, 2020) – A recent trend analysis released by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) shows that there were 23,760 distracted driving car accidents last year across the state.

Fortunately, the majority of these accidents were minor and did not result in injuries. But of the more than 5,000 accidents that resulted in serious injuries or death in 2019, distracted driving was a known factor in almost 500 crashes.

Distracted driving is more than just using a cell phone while driving. It can also mean eating while driving, fiddling with the radio, or any other activity that takes your focus off the road.

The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind drivers to stay focused and drive distraction-free. Source: THSO

Speed, Impairment Likely Causes of Increased Pedestrian Deaths

Statewide (September 17, 2020) – Despite decreased traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee traffic fatalities are on the rise according to Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Overall crashes have decreased since March, but the number of deadly accidents, particularly Tennessee pedestrian accidents, has risen significantly. In Davidson County alone, at least 20 pedestrians have died this year.

One contributing factor to the uptick in fatalities may be an increase in speeding since there have been fewer cars on the road. Another crucial factor statewide (and across the country) is impairment, with as many as 50% of pedestrian fatalities involving either a driver or pedestrian who had been drinking.

Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds you to slow down and travel sober. Source: WKRN

Man Who Caused Deadly Accident Under Investigation for DUI

Nashville (August 27, 2020) – Police believe drinking and driving may be to blame for a three-car accident that happened near Bear Hollow Road and Clarksville Pike.

A pickup truck driver reportedly ran a stop sign at the intersection and collided with a Ford Fusion, which then hit a Metro Nashville police cruiser. The driver of the Ford Fusion died, and the police officer suffered a broken arm.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extends its heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this tragic accident and reminds drivers to always drive safe and drive sober.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation. Source: News Channel 5

Speeding, Failure to Yield to Blame for Deadly Motorcycle Crash

Nashville (August 6, 2020) – A fatal accident occurred last week when a motorcyclist collided with a minivan on Old Hickory Boulevard near Interstate 40.

Darrell Clark, a 37-year-old man, was riding his motorcycle southbound on Old Hickory at a high rate of speed. The driver of the minivan was attempting to turn left onto the I-40 from the northbound lanes of Old Hickory.

That driver, 63-year-old Robert Rucker, failed to yield the right of way to Clark. Clark then struck the passenger side of the minivan and died of his injuries, despite wearing a helmet. Police say the motorcycle accident was caused by both Clark’s speeding and Rucker’s failure to yield.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds motorcyclists and other motorists to obey the speed limit and to always keep an eye on oncoming traffic. Source: WSMV

Cause of Dump Truck Crash Under Investigation

Erwin, TN (July 16, 2020) – The Road Superintendent of Unicoi County was injured after a dump truck accident yesterday, according to Sheriff Mike Hensley.

Superintendent Terry Haynes was on Jackson Love Highway in northeastern Tennessee when the bed of the truck became caught on an underpass and flipped. Haynes had to be extricated from the dump truck and sustained two broken ribs along with scrapes and bruises.

Investigators are looking into a possible mechanical malfunction which may have caused the dump truck bed to begin raising on its own, causing it to hook on the top of the underpass and overturn. Source: WJHL

Lack of Safety Harness to Blame for Deadly Construction Accident

Nashville (June 25, 2020) – General contractor D.F. Chase is under scrutiny by labor rights’ groups following the tragic death of a subcontractor employee at a Nashville construction site.

Sixteen-year-old Gustavo Ramirez died on Tuesday after falling more than 120 feet from the scaffolding of a construction site he was working at. Reports indicate that he was not wearing a safety harness.

According to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), safety harnesses may not always be required in secure scaffolding, but an investigation has been launched.

Labor rights’ activists say Ramirez’ death is just one of many avoidable injury accidents to befall Nashville’s immigrant construction workers who are part of the city’s recent development boom. Source: Nashville Scene

2020 Tennessee Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (January 7, 2021) – There were 104 traffic fatalities in the month of December, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

In total, Tennessee logged at least 1,230 deaths due to car accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and other traffic wrecks throughout 2020. That’s the highest number of traffic deaths since 2005, when 1,270 people died throughout the state.

Almost every type of fatal traffic accident rose in 2020, including large truck accidents and bicycle accidents. Despite fewer cars on the road during the COVID-19 lockdown and ongoing pandemic, Tennessee Highway Patrol attributes the increase in accidents to more instances of excessive speeding. Source: THSO

November Traffic Fatalities in Tennessee

Statewide (December 10, 2020) – November traffic fatalities were the lowest they’ve been since April 2020 according to the most recent data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO). 96 people were killed in traffic accidents last month throughout the state, compared to the previous five months, in which upwards of 115 people died each month.

The breakdown of fatal crashes by type in November is as follows:

• Car Accidents: 64 fatalities
• Pedestrian Accidents: 18 fatalities
• Motorcycle Accidents: 8 fatalities
• Bicycle Accidents: 2 fatalities
• Truck Accidents: 4 fatalities

Were you or a loved one injured in a Tennessee traffic accident? You could be entitled to compensation. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer today for your free consultation. Source: THSO

October Traffic Fatalities in Tennessee

Statewide (November 5, 2020) – 123 people lost their lives in Tennessee traffic accidents in October according to preliminary data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

Based on these numbers, October was the second-deadliest month for accidents in 2020. August saw the highest number of fatal accidents, with 131 fatalities. The breakdown of fatal crashes by type in October is as follows:

• Car Accidents: 90 fatalities
• Pedestrian Accidents: 17 fatalities
• Motorcycle Accidents: 13 fatalities
• Bus Accidents: 2 fatalities
• Bicycle Accidents: 1 fatality

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tennessee car accident or other traffic incident, legal recourse and compensation may be available to you. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer to schedule your free consultation. Source: THSO

September Traffic Fatalities in Tennessee

Statewide (October 8, 2020) – Fatal traffic accidents declined slightly in September compared to the previous month, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

There were 130 fatalities in August compared to 108 in September, a decrease of about 17%. Year in and year out, August has consistently proven to be one of the worst months for fatal Tennessee car accidents.

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident due to another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior, you and your family may be entitled to compensation.

We encourage you to contact the Nashville wrongful death lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Source: THSO

Fatal Tennessee Accidents On the Rise in 2020

Statewide (September 3, 2020) – While overall traffic accidents in Tennessee are down from last year, new data released by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) indicates that fatal accidents are on the rise.

At least 123 people died in accidents in August alone, the highest number of fatalities in any month this year. This figure represents an increase of more than 29% from August 2019.

Overall deadly accidents are up by about 4% compared to this time last year. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents make up the vast majority of reported deaths.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, a Nashville personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Accidents Continue Upward Trend

Statewide (August 13, 2020) – The latest crash data obtained from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) indicates that there were 591 fatal or serious injury accidents in July 2020, the highest number in any month this year.

Accidents have been steadily increasing since May, when many COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across the state.

In July, there were 107 fatal crashes and 484 serious injury crashes. An alarming 60% of car crashes involved an occupant who was not wearing their seat belt. In addition, nearly 20% of fatal or serious injury accidents in July involved a driver who had been drinking or using drugs.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages drivers and passengers to always buckle up and arrange for alternative transportation if you are impaired. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes Peak in June

Statewide (July 23, 2020) — Fatal and serious traffic accidents in Tennessee reached their highest levels yet in 2020 last month according to data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

In June, there were 113 fatal crashes and 425 serious injury accidents throughout the state, 53 of which occurred in Davidson County.

Aggregated data from previous months this year shows that nearly 13.7% of all fatal and serious injury crashes have involved motorcyclists, and that almost 56% of crashes that resulted in death or serious injuries involved an occupant who was not wearing their seatbelt.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages Nashville drivers to buckle up and practice safe driving around motorcycles. Source: THSO

Tennessee Accidents Increase in May

Statewide (July 2, 2020) – Serious and fatal Tennessee car accidents rose by over 37% from April to May, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

Although serious and deadly traffic accidents continue to decline in comparison to 2019, the 467 crashes reported in May represent the highest number of serious injury or fatal accidents in any month so far in 2020. February had the second-highest number of these accidents, with 398 serious injuries or fatalities.

Overall serious and fatal accidents are down by 9.8% compared to this time last year. This may be partially due to decreased traffic in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, although additional data and analysis will be needed. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Accidents Continue to Decline in April

Statewide (June 11, 2020) – Statistics obtained from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) indicates that fatal and serious injury car accidents have continued to decline across Tennessee.

In April, there were 340 serious or fatal traffic accidents, compared to 473 in April 2019.These numbers represent a 28% decline in April accidents. Year to date, overall serious and fatal car accidents are down 10.3% compared to this time last year.

Whether the reduction in car accidents can be linked to less traffic because of the COVID-19 pandemic remains to be seen. In the meantime, Tennessee drivers can continue this positive trend by avoiding distracted driving, wearing a seat belt, and always driving sober. Source: THSO

Tennessee Car Accidents Decrease in March

Statewide (May 21, 2020) – New data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security shows a decrease in reported car accidents across the state in March.

In total, there were 13,244 car accidents in Tennessee from March 1 to March 31, 2020. Just under 400 of these crashes resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

The figure represents a 19.7% decrease in overall reported crashes compared to March 2019, when there were 16,495 car accidents.

Notably, the number of fatal traffic accidents this March surpassed those of March 2019, although serious injury accidents were still nearly 13% higher during the same period last year. Source: Tennessee Highway Safety Office

56-Year-Old Woman Killed in Pedestrian Accident

Nashville (January 14, 2021) – Nolensville Pike was the scene of a fatal pedestrian accident on Monday night. 56-year-old Ellen Abbott was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street near Lords Chapel Drive around 6:40 p.m., according to police.

Abbott had been walking home from a nearby restaurant in Nashville with her husband at the time of the crash, but they were not in a marked crosswalk. The driver who hit Abbott said he saw her crossing the street as he was coming over a hill, attempted to brake and swerve, but could not avoid hitting the woman.

Abbott later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Although the driver did not show any signs of impairment, charges related to speeding may still be filed. Source: WKRN

Two Semis, SUV Involved in I-24 Rollover Crash

Ashland City (December 17, 2020) – Road crews are still working on cleaning up the aftermath of an early morning car accident on Interstate 24 West near Ashland City. The crash involving three vehicles was first reported just before 4:00 a.m.

According to police, for unknown reasons an SUV struck a semi-truck that had been pulled off to the side of the road. Subsequently, a second semi-truck hit the SUV before it overturned. Non life threatening injuries have been reported.

Large truck accidents have killed 188 people in Tennessee this year and injured dozens more. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Source: Fox17 Nashville

Nashville Police Get Tough on Street Racing

Nashville (November 19, 2020) – Metro Police are cracking down on the rampant drag races in and around Nashville. As part of a recent sting operation, 21 cars were pulled over for street racing and 20 violations were issued last Friday night.

While many locals complain about the noise street racing generates in their neighborhoods, city officials are much more concerned by the increased risk of Nashville car accidents and associated injuries. Metro Councilwoman Joy Styles noted that street racers have run off the road and even crashed into people’s homes.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a street racer or other reckless driving, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer to learn more. Source: WKRN

37-Year-Old Musician Killed in Tractor Trailer Accident

Nashville (October 29, 2020) – Tennessee musician Shawn Scruggs has been identified by police as the man killed this past Sunday in a semi-truck accident on I-65.

The 37-year old was headed northbound on I-65 near Dickerson Pike in his 2008 Chevrolet Blazer when he crashed into the back of a stalled tractor trailer. Scruggs was trapped inside the vehicle, which erupted in flames. He died at the scene.

Although police found no evidence of alcohol or drug involvement at the accident site, they also said in their initial investigation that there was no sign that the victim attempted to brake or avoid striking the semi-truck. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured. Source: News4Nashville

Nashville Man Dies After His Car Hydroplanes, Crashes

Nashville (October 15, 2020) – A 36-year-old man died on October 10 when his car hydroplaned on Old Hickory Boulevard near Logistics Way, according to Nashville Metro Police.

Nashville resident Robert Weaver lost control of his vehicle while driving in the rain and crossed over the median, crashing into an oncoming car. Weaver, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not seriously injured.

Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in this deadly accident but say that Weaver’s excessive speed likely led to the crash.

The Nashville personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind Tennessee drivers to be especially cautious while driving in inclement weather. Source: WKRN

THSO Highlights National Child Passenger Safety Week

Statewide (September 24, 2020) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is encouraging parents to learn more about keeping their kids safe during National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21 through September 26.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for American children between the ages of 1 and 13, and many of these fatalities can be prevented.

THSO Director Buddy Lewis recommends parents ensure their children’s car seats are installed properly by having them inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician.

Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided. If you or your child is injured in a traffic accident because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for more information and a free consultation. Source: THSO

Two Killed in Labor Day Boating Accidents

Nashville (September 10, 2020) – Boating accidents took the lives of two people over Labor Day Weekend according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

In the first incident on Watts Bar Lake, a 55-year-old man died when his cabin boat ran aground. Two other boat passengers were injured, but survived.

In the second fatal accident, 23-year-old Madison Renee Shipley died when she fell from a pontoon on Old Hickory Lake and presumably drowned.

The TWRA reported five more serious boating injuries over Labor Day weekend. To date, 24 people have died on Tennessee waterways in 2020.

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident in Tennessee because of negligence, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today. Source: Fox 17 Nashville

24-Year-Old Woman Killed in Head-On Crash

Belle Meade (August 20, 2020) – One Nashville woman died and three others were injured in a head-on car crash in Belle Meade late Tuesday night.

24-year-old Chloe Mariea was driving a BMW near West Minister Drive and Old Hickory Boulevard around 11:30 p.m. when she swerved into oncoming traffic. The BMW struck a van head on, seriously injuring the driver and two of his passengers.

The BMW also caught fire following the crash, eventually becoming engulfed in flames. Mariea died at the scene, and emergency workers were unable to retrieve her body for several hours until the vehicle had cooled off. The cause of this fatal accident remains unclear. Source: Fox 17 Nashville

Police Still Trying to Positively Identify Teen Killed in Crash

Nashville (July 30, 2020) – One man is in jail and a teenage girl is dead following a suspected drunk driving accident on Monday.

The Nashville car crash occurred near Nashville International Airport in the early hours of July 27. 20-year-old Pedro Domingo was exiting Interstate 40 in a Honda Civic when he slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer.

The Civic rolled following the collision, leading to the ejection of Domingo’s teenage passenger. She died at the scene.

Domingo says the deceased girl’s name is Marleni Gregio, but she had no identification and police have not yet been able to confirm her identity.

Domingo has been charged with vehicular homicide. Blood alcohol content test results are pending. Source: News 4 Nashville

Eight Serious Boating Accidents Over July 4 Weekend

Statewide (July 9, 2020) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) recorded eight serious injury boating accidents between July 3 and July 5, 2020. No fatalities were reported.

The holiday weekend coincided with Operation Dry Water, a national awareness campaign that discourages boat operators from boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The TWRA reported at least 11 boating under the influence (BUI) arrests over Independence Day weekend.

Were you or a loved one injured in a boating accident in Tennessee? You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Contact a Nashville boating accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today. Source: TWRA