Nashville Accident Statistics

Speed, Distraction to Blame for Chain Reaction Crash

Williamson County (November 18, 2021) – Investigators say a distracted and speeding motorist is to blame for an interstate pileup last Thursday involving multiple vehicles. Traffic was at a total standstill on I-840 when an SUV rear-ended another passenger vehicle, setting off a chain reaction of collisions.

According to police Lieutenant Chris Mobley, the driver of the SUV was not paying attention and could not stop in time, swerving to the right and striking four other vehicles including a wrecker and two semi-trucks. One witness described seeing one of the SUV’s tires fly off the vehicle, and another saw the SUV “flipping and flailing” through the air.

First responders expressed both surprise and gratitude that no one was seriously injured in the accident. Source: WKRN

Man Narrowly Avoids Death from Exploding Car Battery

Nashville (October 21, 2021) – It’s been a little over two months since Drew Kubinski nearly lost his life on a Nashville interstate. The 22-year-old was driving a 2006 PT Cruiser that had been converted into an electric vehicle when the lithium ion battery beneath the driver’s seat shorted and exploded.

Kubinski slammed on the brakes and managed to jump out of the vehicle as it was still traveling approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour down the highway. Even with his quick escape, he still sustained third degree burns that required four surgeries and extensive ongoing physical therapy.

Kubinski said he originally purchased the modified electric vehicle from a car conversion company. It’s unclear what caused the battery to explode or whether it may have been defective. Source: News 19

Street Racing Leads to Mt. Juliet Crash

Mount Juliet (September 30, 2021) – Three people suffered injuries in a car accident as a result of illegal street racing on September 25.

According to the Mount Juliet Police Department, they were notified by Metro Nashville police officers of illegal street racing going on on Lebanon Road near Andrew Jackson Parkway around midnight. When police attempted to stop the two cars involved, both drivers sped off in opposite directions. At least one of the vehicles was traveling over 100 mph.

The chase came to an end when one of the drivers hit two vehicles on Lebanon near Benders Ferry Road, causing them to roll over. Three people were transported to the hospital, one from each vehicle. Tennessee Highway Patrol and Metro Police are investigating and are expected to charge the street racer with reckless driving. Source: News Channel 5

Underage Drinking to Blame for Boating Accident

Jacksboro (September 9, 2021) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reported that two people from Ohio were injured on Labor Day after a boating accident on Norris Lake, located in Campbell County.

According to a press release, Cincinnati resident Madison Fantanelli was operating the boat when two passengers, a man and a woman, fell overboard while standing on the boat’s bow. Both were then run over by the boat. William Tyler Sharp suffered deep lacerations from the boat’s propeller and was airlifted to the hospital, while Gabriella Wimmer was treated and released at a local medical center.

Fantanelli has been charged with reckless operation of a vessel in addition to underage alcohol consumption. In total, the TWRA reported five serious injury boating accidents over the holiday weekend. Source: TWRA

More Than 600 Serious Accidents Caused by Impaired Driving

Statewide (August 26, 2021) – There have been 616 serious car accidents caused by drunk drivers in Tennessee this year. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), 160 crashes involving impaired driving in 2021 have resulted in fatalities. In addition, there have been 456 drunk driving accidents that resulted in serious injuries.

To date, driving under the influence has been responsible for the highest number of traffic accidents compared to other common causes of car accidents. Drunk driving has accounted for roughly 15.4% of all serious accidents, followed by drugged driving at 11.9%, speeding at 11.6%, and distracted driving at 8.3%.

Other common factors in serious Tennessee accidents include unbelted occupants (56.4%), senior driver involvement (16%), and motorcycle involvement (14.3%). Source: THSO

Improper Lane Change Leads to Multi-Car Crash

McMinn County (August 5, 2021) – At least one person has died after a car accident yesterday in McMinn County. The crash occurred on Interstate 75 between Charleston and Athens around noon.

According to the preliminary report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the crash involved vehicles in both directions, including an Acura and a Volvo commercial truck in the southbound lanes, and a Ram truck and a commercial Freightliner in the northbound lanes.

The Volvo reportedly changed lanes improperly, causing the Acura to cross the median and spin out. The Volvo crossed into the northbound lanes and hit the Ram truck head on, killing the driver. The commercial Freightliner traveling behind the Ram then slammed on their brakes and struck the Volvo. Multiple additional injuries have been reported. Source: News Channel 9

Failure to Yield Causes Ambulance Crash

Johnson City (July 22, 2021) – Three people were injured Sunday night after a truck and an ambulance crashed near the intersection of Hopper Road and West Market Street. The car accident occurred around 8:16 p.m. in Johnson City, Tennessee.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), an ambulance with its emergency equipment on was heading east on Market Street as 56-year-old Richard Willey Hoilman turned onto Market from Hopper Road, failing to yield the right of way. The ambulance attempted to avoid Hoilman’s Nissan Titan but crashed into the truck before leaving the roadway and traveling down an embankment.

The ambulance driver and two passengers inside the ambulance were injured. Hoilman was not hurt in the crash and was charged with failure to yield and driving an uninsured, unregistered vehicle. Source: WJHL

Police Chase Led to Deadly Johnson City Crash

Johnson City (June 24, 2021) – A multi-vehicle crash left one person dead and three people injured on Monday. The car accident occurred in Johnson City at the intersection of Browns Mill Road and North State of Franklin Road shortly before 3:00 p.m.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of a Jeep Wrangler when it drove into the opposite lanes of North State of Franklin and struck a Nissan Rogue. The passenger of the Jeep was ejected and killed. The Jeep went on to hit two more vehicles, injuring two other drivers.

The injured driver of the Jeep, 24-year-old Danny Whitson, fled the scene on foot but was apprehended by police officers. He is now facing criminal charges. Source: WJHL

Falling Overhead Sign Led to Fatal Crash

Murfreesboro (June 10, 2021) – A 57-year-old man was killed last week in a semi-truck accident involving two tractor-trailers. The crash occurred on Interstate 24 West near the New Salem Highway exit just after 4:00 p.m. on Friday.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol, the driver of a tractor-trailer left the right side of the roadway and struck an overhead sign. The sign fell into the path of another semi-truck driven by Eric Kinman-Wygal of Jackson, Tennessee. Kinman-Wygal lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and overturned. He later died of his injuries.

It is unclear as to why the first tractor-trailer driver initially left the roadway. Driver fatigue, distraction, or intoxication have not been reported as factors in this accident. Source: WSMV

Non-Functioning Motorcycle Lights to Blame for Crash

Nashville (May 20, 2021) – A 37-year-old man died Saturday morning while riding his motorbike in East Nashville. The motorcycle accident occurred at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Ellington Parkway around 11:00 p.m., according to Metro Nashville Police.

According to a report, Daniel Ward was riding his 2001 Harley Davidson westward through the intersection when he was struck by a Nissan Maxima turning left. Investigators later found that Ward’s motorcycle did not have functioning headlights, which likely caused the fatal accident. In addition, Ward was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and did not have a valid motorcycle license.

The personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind Nashville motorcyclists to follow all traffic laws and to always wear protective gear while riding. Source: WKRN

October Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (November 4, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 583 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of October. According to the data breakdown, there were 483 serious injury accidents and 100 fatal crashes.

October has had the third-highest number of car accidents of any month this year, surpassed only by May and June. Compared to October 2020, overall crashes are up by about 2.8%. However, the number of fatal crashes in October 2021 are down by 19.4% compared to last October.

So far in 2021, serious injury and fatal collisions are up by about 9.3%. In total, there have been 1,059 deadly accidents and 4,257 serious injury wrecks in Tennessee this year. Source: THSO

September Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (October 8, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 539 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of September. According to the data breakdown, there were 441 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and 98 crashes with fatalities.

Overall serious car crashes have been steadily declining since May, when the number of accidents peaked at 602. Fatal crashes, however, peaked in June, with 142 deadly accidents reported statewide. So far in 2021, there have been 4,772 serious crashes, 959 of which have resulted in at least one death.

Both serious injury and fatal collisions are up by about 9.6% compared to this time last year. From 2019 to present, drunk driving has been the top contributing factor to 17.6% of serious crashes in Tennessee. Source: THSO

August 2021 Fatal & Serious Injury Crash Stats

Statewide (September 16, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 556 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of August. According to the data breakdown, there were 449 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and 107 crashes that resulted in one or more fatalities.

It’s the third month in a row this year that the overall number of serious crashes has decreased from the previous month. Serious car accidents peaked in May, with 602 crashes reported. Year to date, serious injury and fatal accidents are still up by 10.7% compared to this time last year.

Some of the most common factors in serious crashes last month included drinking and driving (12.6%), speeding (11.7%), driver distraction (9.5%), and drug use (8.6%). Source: THSO

Road Fatalities Dip Slightly in July

Statewide (August 19, 2021) – The number of serious injury or fatal crashes on Tennessee roads decreased slightly last month to the lowest levels the state has seen since March. In July, there were 559 deadly or serious injury accidents, compared to 589 in June.

According to the data, 335 car crashes last month involved a driver or passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt. In at least 60 of those accidents, one or more occupants was killed.

Motorcycle accidents also made up a large portion of last month’s crashes at 113, with at least 25 proving fatal. In addition, at least 46 crashes involved a pedestrian or bicyclist. Drugs and alcohol appear to be the largest contributing factor to crashes, with 121 accidents attributed to impaired driving. Source: THSO

Fatal Crashes Trending Upwards in Tennessee

Statewide (July 15, 2021) – The number of fatal crashes on Tennessee roads has increased in recent years. In 2020, there were 1,221 deadly traffic accidents throughout the state—the highest number since 2006.

Unfortunately, 2021 isn’t looking much better. Already this year there have been 659 fatal motor vehicle accidents, including 86 motorcycle crashes, 78 semi-truck accidents, 78 pedestrian accidents, and 10 ATV accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving have been a factor in nearly 55% of fatal crashes. Nearly 68% of crashes have involved at least one occupant who was not wearing a seat belt.

Serious injury crashes are also on the rise, with 3,233 crashes reported this year involving fatalities and/or serious injuries. This represents a 14.4% increase compared to this time last year. Source: THSO

Temps, Traffic Crashes Continue to Rise

Statewide (June 3, 2021) – As summer approaches, both temperatures and serious car accidents are on the rise throughout Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reports that crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries are up by 18.8% when compared to this time last year.

In all, 2,417 people have been killed or seriously hurt in traffic accidents throughout the state in 2021. The highest number of people who have been injured or killed in crashes all year occurred in May, with 94 recorded deaths and 469 serious injuries.

The most common factor in all fatal and serious accidents? Not wearing a seatbelt. THSO has recorded 1,340 deadly or serious injury crashes that involved unbelted occupants this year. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers remind motorists to always buckle up. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Accidents Up by 16.4%

Statewide (May 6, 2021) – Fatal and serious traffic accidents have risen by more than 16% compared to last year’s figures. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reports that nearly 1,900 crashes have resulted in serious injury or death in 2021.

April was a particularly deadly month, with 108 fatal accidents in addition to 398 serious or catastrophic injury crashes. Shelby County, home to Memphis, has experienced over 45% of this year’s fatal and serious accidents. Davidson County, home to Nashville, has seen the second highest number of crashes, making up about 28% of all accidents in the state.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, legal assistance and compensation may be available. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today for more info. Source: THSO

Serious Crashes Up by 7.2%

Statewide (April 8, 2021) – Serious and fatal accidents have risen by at least 7.2% compared to this time last year, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO). There have been 1,352 traffic accidents in 2021 which have resulted in serious injury or death.

In March alone, 93 crashes resulted in fatalities throughout the state, with another 394 accidents causing serious or catastrophic injuries. Most of these were car accidents, although motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents also account for a significant number of injuries and deaths.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, legal help and compensation may be available to you. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes in Tennessee, YTD

Statewide (March 18, 2021) – More than 1,000 people have been seriously injured or killed in Tennessee car accidents in 2021 according to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

In January alone, the agency reported 90 fatal traffic accidents and 340 that resulted in serious injuries such as severe lacerations, a significant loss of blood, head injuries, broken bones, significant burns, unconsciousness, or paralysis.

Accidents dipped in February, with 80 deadly accidents and 282 serious injury crashes reported. A little more than halfway into March, there have been 41 fatal crashes and 189 serious. Overall accidents this year are on par with last year’s statistics, down by only about 0.2%. Source: THSO

2020 Fatal & Serious Injury Motorcycle Crashes

Statewide (February 25, 2021) – Despite a reduction in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overall reported fatal and serious injury motorcycle accidents increased by about 4.2% in 2020.

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), 155 motorcyclists were killed on Tennessee roads last year. An additional 855 riders were seriously injured in crashes involving cars, large trucks, and other motorcyclists.

Unlike most passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection when they are involved in an accident. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and broken bones are common, especially if riders are traveling at a high rate of speed.

If you or have been injured while riding a motorcycle through no fault of your own, contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Source: THSO

Man Killed in Crash with Nashville School Bus

Nashville (November 24, 2021) – For the second time in the past week, there has been a fatal school bus accident in Nashville. Police say that Emmanuel Edmondson was killed on November 22 when an SUV struck his sedan, causing him to crash into the front of a school bus. The school bus had no passengers on board at the time of the accident.

The driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Deborah Moore, was attempting to turn left onto Dickerson Pike from Lemuel Road when she collided with Edmondson’s Volkswagen Jetta in the southbound lanes. The force of the collision sent the 19-year-old’s car directly into the path of the school bus. Edmondson’s speed and Moore’s failure to yield both contributed to the deadly accident. Source: Fox 17

Pedestrian Struck by Double Decker Tour Bus

Nashville (October 28, 2021) – A woman is in critical but stable condition after being hit by a double decker tour bus in downtown Nashville. The pedestrian accident occurred just before 5:00 p.m. last Saturday near the intersection of Broadway and 4th Avenue.

The unnamed woman was reportedly in the crosswalk when she was hit by a bus that was turning. She was then trapped beneath the bus before being rescued by the Nashville Fire Department. Although she was in the crosswalk, Metro Police say that the bus had the right of way.

At the same time, a downtown safety ambassador who witnessed the accident expressed concerns that downtown Nashville is not safe for pedestrians and that certain streets should be closed to traffic on busy nights. Source: WATE 6

Woman Killed in Downtown Nashville Scooter Crash

Nashville (October 14, 2021) – A woman died over the weekend in an apparent scooter accident in downtown Nashville. According to Metro Police, 54-year-old Melinda Lovelady was riding a Lime electric scooter on 3rd Avenue South near Symphony Place when the deadly crash occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Lovelady, who was from Tyler, Texas, was reportedly riding the scooter in the northbound lane of 3rd Avenue when she swerved, crossed into the southbound lanes, and struck the rear tires of a semi-truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although there were no signs of alcohol involvement, toxicology testing is being conducted by the medical examiner. The scooter has also been impounded for further investigation. Source: News 4 Nashville

Parents Encouraged to Participate in Seat Check Saturday

Statewide (September 23, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is encouraging parents across Tennessee to prioritize their children’s safety by participating in Seat Check Saturday on September 25, 2021.

The event, which takes place during Child Passenger Safety Week, focuses on making sure parents and caregivers know how to properly select and install age-appropriate car seats for kids. According to THSO, the average misuse rate for car seats in Tennessee is an alarming 87%, putting children at a high risk of being injured or killed in the event of a car accident.

If you need assistance making sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly, there are dozens of community fitting stations in the Nashville area and throughout Tennessee. Visit this link to find a location near you. Source: THSO

Nearly a Dozen Bridges Damaged Due to Flooding

Tennessee (September 2, 2021) – Four state-owned bridges have been destroyed and another seven local bridges have been closed pending repairs in Middle Tennessee. 10 of the affected bridges are primarily located in Humphreys County, with another in Hickman County.

The significant amount of structural damage was caused by severe flooding that hit the area in late August, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). It took more than a week for crews to clean up debris and inspect 100 bridges for signs of damage, bridge scour, and roadway erosion.

TDOT says that repair and replacement projects won’t begin until fall and may take a year to complete. In the meantime, traffic has been diverted to help reduce the risk of car accidents caused by structural damage. Source: The Tennessean

Driver Blames Faulty Brakes for Crash That Killed Pedestrian

Nashville (August 12, 2021) – A driver who hit a pedestrian with his car on Interstate 40 claims that his brakes went out prior to the collision. The deadly accident occurred near the Charlotte Pike Exit Ramp just before 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

53-year-old Simone Pierson was sitting on a milk crate on the shoulder of the highway when she was hit by the unnamed 74-year-old driver. Pierson was taken to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver told Metro police that his brakes went out as he attempted to exit the highway, causing him to swerve into the woman. He also sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police continue to investigate this tragic accident. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved. Source: Fox 17

Multiple Bus Accidents Injure Four in Nashville

Nashville (July 29, 2021) – Two separate bus accidents have occurred this week in Nashville, sending at least four people to the hospital.

The first accident happened on Wednesday afternoon when a WeGo bus operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) collided with a passenger car at the intersection of Nolensville Pike and Rosedale Avenue just after 1:30 p.m. Three people were reportedly transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries.

Then, early this morning, a 22-year-old man was seriously injured after falling from the railing of a roofless party bus on Broadway near 14th Avenue. According to witnesses, the man fell face first onto the pavement and was knocked unconscious before his legs were run over by the back tire of the bus. Both accidents are under investigation. Sources: WKRN | WKRN

6 Boaters Seriously Injured, 21 Arrested Over July 4 Holiday

Statewide (July 8, 2021) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) conducted “Operation Dry Water” over the July 4 holiday weekend in hopes of curbing instances of boating under the influence (BUI) and related accidents. The effort coincides with the recent passing of more stringent laws on BUI: starting July 1, the consequences of boating under the influence are now equivalent to the penalties for driving under the influence (DUI).

Although there were no fatalities, TWRA said that six people were seriously injured in boating accidents over the holiday weekend. In addition, the agency reported seven incidents involving property damage. In all, 21 people were arrested for boating under the influence between July 3 and July 5, nearly double the number made in 2020. Source: WJHL

Semi-Truck Crashes Into Nashville Home

Nashville (July 1, 2021) – Investigators still aren’t sure what caused a semi-truck to barrel into a Nashville home last week. The large truck accident occurred last Thursday at a residential neighborhood near Elm Hill Pike and Wanda Drive. The 87-year-old homeowner was on her back porch and was uninjured.

While no one was trapped inside the home, Nashville Fire Department reported that they extricated a passenger from another vehicle. Photos at the scene showed at least two other cars that had been involved, including a black pick-up truck and a silver SUV, both with severe damage.

The semi-truck driver was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One of the occupants of the other vehicles is reportedly in critical condition, and a third passenger was also hospitalized. Source: Charlotte Observer

Nashville Uber Driver Struck and Killed on I-24

Nashville (June 17, 2021) – A rideshare driver was killed and three other people suffered injuries on Sunday after a car accident on the shoulder of Interstate 24 near Murfreesboro Pike.

According to police, Uber driver Marcus Utley pulled over onto the right shoulder of I-24 around midnight when his vehicle got a flat tire. Utley was transporting two passengers at the time, husband and wife Nathan Hood and Samantha Crews-Hood.

The couple summoned another Uber driven by Alaa Alhashimi. Alhashimi had arrived and was standing on the shoulder when a Honda Pilot swerved around the corner and plowed into the group.

Alhashimi died at the scene. Crews-Hood suffered critical injuries, Hood was treated and released, and Utley sustained only minor injuries. The driver of the Honda is being investigated for potential criminal charges. Source: WSMV