Nashville Accident Statistics

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

Police Say Carelessness Caused Deadly Rear-End Collision

Nashville (June 4, 2020) – One woman died and another man suffered severe burns following a Nashville car accident over the weekend.

57-year-old Rhonda Rucker was sitting at a stoplight near Elm Hill Pike and Massman Drive in her SUV when 18-year-old Kevin Coz Camaja struck her from behind in a Ford Mustang. Both vehicles were forced off the road into a ditch, where they caught fire.

A passenger in the SUV, 37-year-old Craig Marsh, managed to escape the vehicle but was unable to rescue Rucker, who died at the scene. Camaja was transported to the hospital with severe burns, but is reportedly in stable condition. 

Investigating officers say that Camaja’s “failure to drive with due care” was a likely cause of the accident. Source: The Tennessean

Tennessee Boating Accidents on the Rise

Statewide (May 14, 2020) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is urging boaters to practice good boating safety as fatal accidents continue to rise throughout the state.

Already this year, 10 lives have been claimed in boating accidents, compared to just 8 in all of 2019.

The TWRA reported that popular boating spots like Percy Priest Lake were unusually crowded with boaters as COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions were lifted for the first time in several months. Several rescues were made over the weekend. 

Common boating accident causes include boating under the influence, unfamiliarity with local waters, inexperience, and not having the proper safety gear (life preservers, fire extinguishers, etc.) onboard.

Overcrowded lakes also tend to increase the number of Tennessee boating accidents and rescues. Source: News 4 Nashville

Heavy Rain Likely to Blame for Deadly Motorcycle Crash

Nashville (April 23, 2020) – Slick road conditions and poor visibility are being blamed for the death of a 61-year-old man who was involved in a Nashville motorcycle accident over the weekend.

Police say the unidentified man was heading east on I-24 near Old Hickory Boulevard late Friday night when he likely lost control of his motorcycle due to heavy rain and crashed. Officers responded to the accident after midnight and found the motorcyclist had died of his injuries.

In their investigations, police have reason to believe other motorists may have struck the man after he crashed, but none remained at the scene of the incident.

At this time it remains unclear whether a hit-and-run was involved or if the motorists did not see the victim. Our legal team would like to remind all drivers to be extra cautious while driving in wet weather conditions. Source: The Tennessean

Speeding, Inclement Weather Led to Deadly Crash

Nashville (April 2, 2020) – Police believe that speeding and wet roads were to blame for a single-vehicle car accident in Nashville that killed a 27-year-old man on Tuesday.

Hermitage resident Joseph Jones was traveling west on I-24 and attempting to merge onto I-40 East. As Jones reached the curve in the road, his car exited the roadway and crashed into a nearby rock wall. Though he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, Jones died at the scene of his injuries.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds Tennessee drivers to exercise caution while driving in the rain and to always follow posted speed limits. (Source: WKRN)

Tractor-Trailer Flips, Knocks Down Interstate Sign

Knoxville (March 19, 2020) – One man is dead following a chaotic accident on I-40 near Asheville Highway on Monday morning. 

The unidentified driver of a tractor-trailer was headed east in his vehicle when he struck a median, causing the truck to overturn. The driver, who was the only occupant, later died at the scene.

The collision also caused an overhead interstate sign to plummet onto the highway below. No additional injuries were reported, although lanes remained closed in both directions for hours as emergency responders worked to clear the debris from the road. 

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), there have been roughly 69 serious or fatal Tennessee truck accidents this year. Source: WATE

Three Still Missing After Boating Accident

Pickwick Lake (February 27, 2020) – Two teens and a 43-year-old man are still missing after search crews discovered their badly damaged boat below a dam on Pickwick Lake on Monday. The two high-school students and their chaperone were attending a fishing tournament when their boat vanished.

Due to cold temperatures and high water flow rates near Pickwick Dam, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are now considering the search a recovery mission, noting that the chance that anyone survived the boating accident is low.

The boaters reportedly had issues with the boat’s engine early in the day on Saturday, but decided to participate in the tournament anyway, leading some to speculate that the accident was caused by mechanical failure. Investigation into the accident is ongoing. Source: Fox17 

Nearly 24,000 Distracted Driving Crashes in 2019

Statewide (February 6, 2020) – Distracted driving was a contributing factor in approximately 23,739 car accidents throughout Tennessee last year, according to the most up-to-date crash data published by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

Distracted driving can be classified as cognitive, visual, or manual and includes talking on your cell phone, texting, personal grooming, eating, loud music, and passenger distractions.

The best way to prevent distracted driving is to make focusing on the road your number one priority. Remember, driving is not a multitasking activity.

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, legal help is available. Contact a Nashville auto accident attorney today. Source: THSO

I-24 Wreck Caused by Stolen Parked Vehicle

Rutherford County (January 15, 2020) –  New details have emerged regarding a three-car accident that closed the eastbound lanes of I-24 for most of the morning last Monday. 

Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that the vehicle that caused the crash, a parked truck that was sitting on the highway, was stolen. Two other vehicles were involved in collisions when they attempted to avoid the parked truck. Both were run off the road and one was overturned in the incident. Multiple injured victims were transported to local hospitals.

A passenger inside the allegedly stolen car fled the scene of the accident on foot. Police are still searching for the man in question and have said that criminal charges against him are pending. Source: WKRN

Wrong-Way Elderly Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Collision

Summertown, TN (December 24, 2019) – Four vehicles were involved in a wrong-way car accident along Route 43 on Sunday that sent four people to the hospital, including the elderly driver who caused the accident. 

Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that there was no alcohol involved in the crash, nor were any charges filed against the unidentified driver, who had to be extricated from his vehicle by emergency crews. 

A responding police officer speculated that the driver may have been confused by a construction site in the area when he began driving north in the southbound lanes of Route 43, eventually colliding head-on with another vehicle.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a wrong-way driver, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today. We can help you get the compensation you may be entitled to. Source: Columbia Daily Herald

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

Shelby County Leads TN in Serious and Fatal Crashes

Statewide (April 30, 2020) – According to the most recent data published by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), Shelby County leads the state in serious and fatal traffic accidents, with 206 serious accidents reported this year.

Davidson County trails behind, with 133 car accidents resulting in serious injury or death. Throughout Tennessee, there have been a total of 1,454 serious accidents in 2020. This represents a 9.7% overall decrease compared to this time last year. 

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in many parts of the nation, it’s important to stay safe and anticipate traffic increases in cities and on major highways. Be sure to wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, and drive sober. Source: THSO

Serious, Fatal Traffic Accidents Decrease in March

Statewide (April 10, 2020) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported a decrease in serious and fatal traffic accidents last month compared to the past two years. 

There were 379 serious or fatal traffic accidents in March 2020, down 8.8% from last March and 14.4% from March 2018. Overall, reported traffic crashes are down 4.6% from this time last year. Whether or not this can be attributed to reduced traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic will require further analysis.

Drinking, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt have been some of the most prevalent factors in serious and fatal crashes this year. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, contact a Nashville auto accident lawyer for legal assistance. Source: THSO

Serious Traffic Accidents on the Rise in Davidson County

Davidson County (March 12, 2020) – There were 81 fatal or serious injury traffic accidents throughout Davidson County in the first two months of 2020, according to data obtained from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO). 

The number represents a 50% increase compared to fatal or serious injury accidents from January and February 2019. More than half of these crashes involved vehicle occupants who were not wearing their seatbelts. An additional 29 crashes involved a pedestrian.

Overall, 23 fatal or serious injury crashes in Davidson County were attributed to distracted, speeding, or impaired drivers. Year to date, there have been roughly 890 serious or fatal car accidents in Tennessee, up 2.5% compared to last year. Source: tn.gov

2019 Crash Report: Serious and Fatal Rollovers

Statewide (February 20, 2020) – There were nearly 400 serious and fatal rollover crashes in Tennessee last year, according to data published by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO). 343 people were seriously injured in rollover car accidents in 2019, in addition to 55 people who were killed.

In 239 of these rollovers, at least one occupant was not wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash, resulting in 44 deaths—80% of all reported rollover fatalities. 

Most rollover accidents are avoidable. To help prevent the risk of a rollover, avoid speeding, taking corners too quickly, or loading down one side of your vehicle with cargo. And, of course, you should always wear your seat belt. Source: tn.gov

Seat Belt Usage at an All-Time High in TN

Statewide (January 31, 2020) – A report released by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) indicates that there was an increase in seat belt usage in Tennessee, rising from 90.9% in 2018 to 91.75% in 2019.

Wearing a seat belt is crucial to preventing injury or death in the event of a crash. More than half of the people killed in car accidents each year are unrestrained.

Wearing your seat belt can reduce your chance of death by 45% and your risk of serious injury by 50%—so always remember to buckle up! Source: THSO

December 2019 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (January 9, 2020) – New data released by Tennessee’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security indicates that 91 people died in traffic accidents in December 2019 on Tennessee roads. 

Preliminary annual reports suggest that 2019 was a record-breaking year for the most traffic fatalities across the state. In Nashville alone, there were at least 5 accident fatalities in December 2019 and nearly 100 traffic deaths throughout the year.

If you have been injured in a car accident because of a Tennessee driver’s negligence, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys may be able to help you obtain compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation. Source: tn.gov

November 2019 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (December 11, 2019) – Recent data compiled by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security indicates that 83 people died in the month of November because of traffic accidents statewide. 

While this is a 10.7% drop from all traffic fatalities reported last November, overall traffic fatalities for 2019 are up 5.5% from 2018, and 7.7% from 2017. With three weeks left in the calendar year, these numbers are expected to rise.

Many traffic fatalities are preventable, especially the large numbers that occur over the holidays. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds Tennessee drivers to drive safely. Don’t drink and drive, slow down in inclement weather, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. 

If you’ve been injured by a negligent Tennessee driver, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers today. Source: tn.gov

October 2019 Traffic Fatalities

Statewide (November 19, 2019)—98 people died in traffic accidents in October 2019, according to a new report from Tennessee’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security. That’s a 19.4% increase compared to fatality data from October of 2018. 

The total number of traffic fatalities across all Tennessee counties this year is 981. 12.5% of all accident fatalities this year have been pedestrians, with 123 reported deaths. 148 motorcyclists have died on Tennessee roads this year, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages Tennessee drivers to stay safe by practicing defensive driving and avoiding distractions. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation and to discuss your legal options. Source: tn.gov

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

Vanderbilt Grad Student Killed in Crosswalk

Nashville (June 18, 2020) – A Vanderbilt graduate student died yesterday afternoon after being struck by a dump truck in a crosswalk.

31-year-old Ruonan Yao, who was studying to become a school counselor, was crossing West End Avenue with the walk signal illuminated when she was hit and killed.

Authorities say the dump truck, driven by 58-year-old Ken Cathey, failed to yield the right of way to Yao when it turned right into the crosswalk. Cathey told police he did not see Yao as he turned. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed in this case.

At least 63 pedestrians have died this year in Tennessee traffic accidents. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention, and for pedestrians to follow these safety tips. Source: nashville.gov

Police Investigate Deadly Overnight Crash on I-65

Nashville (May 28, 2020) –  One man is dead and an investigation is underway following a two-car crash on I-65 South near the Fern Avenue overpass on Tuesday night.

The Nashville car accident occurred at around 11:50 p.m. when 42-year-old Harold Brown was attempting to overtake another vehicle at a high rate of speed. His car clipped the front end of the other car as he changed lanes, causing him to crash into a concrete wall.

Brown’s vehicle then crossed all four lanes of southbound traffic before slamming into a guardrail. Mr. Brown was taken to the hospital where he later died. He was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, and police believe drunk driving may have been a contributing factor. Source: Nashville.gov

Pothole Caused Motorcyclist to Crash, Lose His Leg

Nashville (May 7, 2020) – A single pothole is to blame for a motorcycle accident on I-24 that seriously injured a man.

20-year-old Tennessee State football player Jordan Bell had to have his leg amputated below the knee after the crash, in which his motorcycle hit a pothole before skidding into a concrete wall.

Bell explained that although he saw the pothole and could have avoided it, doing so would have required swerving into the motorcyclist riding beside him. 

Potholes can be incredibly dangerous to motorists. If you were injured in an accident because of a neglected pothole, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today. Source: The Tennessean

Nashville Man Charged With Reckless Vehicular Homicide

Springfield, TN (April 16, 2020) – A man from Nashville has been charged with reckless vehicular homicide following a rollover car accident yesterday that left one woman dead.

26-year-old Ricardo Avina Rosales was headed west on Highway 49 when he lost control of his vehicle after attempting to pass the car in front of him. His car crossed the center line and struck a vehicle in the eastbound lanes, which overturned into a ditch. 

The driver of that vehicle, 43-year-old Linda Dyer, was killed in the accident. Rosales also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Toxicology results to determine whether or not he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash are pending. Source: WKRN

“Do Your Part, Stay Apart” Campaign Encourages Social Distancing

Statewide (March 26, 2020) – Tennesseans are coming together in order to stay apart. A brand new public service announcement campaign is encouraging all residents to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, throughout the state and beyond. 

A video released by Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee asks residents to “Do Your Part, Stay Apart” by staying home as much as possible, refraining from large gatherings, and keeping six feet of distance between themselves and others.

957 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tennessee as of March 26, 2020. Three fatalities have been reported. For more information on staying safe during the pandemic, refer to our Tennessee COVID-10 safety tips. Source: TN.gov

Powerful Tornadoes Leave At Least 24 Dead

Nashville (March 5, 2020) – Central Tennessee is still reeling after a series of tornadoes tore through Davidson, Wilson, and Putnam counties early Tuesday morning. 

At least 24 people in Tennessee died due to the EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes, which also destroyed hundreds of buildings. Those in East Nashville reportedly had just a six-minute warning before one of the tornadoes touched down. Downed power lines have since left thousands without power.

Wind speeds reached as high as 175 miles per hour in Putnam County, where 18 people were killed and 88 more were injured. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extend their deepest sympathies to those affected by this natural disaster and encourage residents to take post-tornado safety precautions. Source: CNN

Three Killed in Semi-Truck Collision in Robertson County

Robertson County (February 12, 2020) – Three people died following a traffic accident involving a passenger car and two semi-trucks on I-65 last Friday. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. near the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. 

Police say a Nissan Versa traveling on the southbound lanes was first rear-ended by a semi-truck. The car was forced over the median, where a second semi-truck traveling on the northbound lanes then collided with the front of the Nissan.

All three passengers inside the car were pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of the semi-trucks were reportedly not injured in the accident. It is unclear what caused the first semi-truck to rear-end the Nissan, and the accident remains under investigation. Source: WKRN

Pedestrian Struck and Killed on I-24

Nashville (January 23, 2020) – A pedestrian was struck and killed on Interstate 24 near Shelby Avenue just after midnight on January 16. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Rosetta Simbi, was reportedly trying to cross the highway when she was hit by multiple vehicles. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Of the three vehicles that struck Simbi, only one of the drivers stopped following the accident. Police are still looking for the two hit and run vehicles, a black truck and a tractor-trailer. 

Those who may know anything about this fatal accident are encouraged to contact Traffic investigators at (615)-862-7738. Source: WKRN

Gunfire Exchanged Before Deadly Intersection Accident

Nashville (January 2, 2020) – A passenger exchanging gunfire with a nearby group of people likely contributed to a driver running a red light at the intersection of Lafayette Street and 4th Avenue South on Monday. 

The driver, 45-year-old Leon Bell, Jr., told investigators he was ducking his head and speeding at the time of the accident. After running the light, Bell’s car struck the driver’s side of a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Colin Reno, who later died of his injuries.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys strongly encourages drivers to drive defensively, be aware of their surroundings, and on the look out for distracted or reckless drivers. If you have been injured in an accident in Tennessee, contact us to learn more about your legal options. Source: WKRN

Metal Burned into Road After 5-Car Crash

Clarksville (December 18, 2019) – Four out of five cars involved in a crash caught fire Monday afternoon on Warfield Boulevard. The blaze was so hot that metal was burned into the roadway, Clarksville Police said.

The accident was caused by a woman in her 80s, who was airlifted to a Nashville medical center in critical condition. Two other people suffered minor injuries.

Evidence suggests that the elderly driver did not brake before she slammed into a Jeep Liberty and a Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey then reportedly struck two other vehicles before a fire engulfed all but one of the cars.

The intersection was closed for about four hours Monday night while emergency personnel evaluated whether the melted metal posed a risk to other drivers.

If you have been injured in a car accident and have questions about your legal options, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today.  Source: Leaf Chronicle