Nashville Accident Statistics

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

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

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

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

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

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