Nashville Accident Statistics

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

Drowsy Driving Crashes, Year to Date

Statewide (April 29, 2021) – At least six traffic deaths have been attributed to drowsy or fatigued driving across Tennessee in the first few months of 2021. According to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), there have been a total of 53 drowsy driving crashes that resulted in serious injuries or death since January.

Of that number, 23 were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. 10 accidents also involved a driver who had used drugs prior to the car accident. Drunk drivers and distracted drivers were also contributing factors in 16 crashes.

Those who have been injured as a result of a drowsy driver’s negligence may be entitled to significant compensation. Get a free consultation with a Nashville personal injury lawyer by contacting Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. Source: THSO

Drunk Driving Has Caused 200+ Serious Accidents in 2021

Statewide (April 15, 2021) – According to the latest data from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), there have been 227 fatal or serious accidents caused by drunk driving this year. 179 have resulted in serious or catastrophic injuries, and 49 crashes have been deadly.

Of all drunk driving accidents in 2021, more than 63% have involved one or more driver or passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Drug use in addition to alcohol-impaired driving was a contributing factor in a little over 36% of serious crashes, and speeding was an element in about 22% of accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for more information. Source: THSO

Severe Thunderstorms Could Cause Tornadoes, Flooding

Middle Tennessee (March 25, 2021) – A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for much of Middle Tennessee today. Meteorologists are forecasting possible damaging winds, significant hail, flooding, and tornadoes throughout the region on March 25.

The chance of tornadoes and strong winds are particularly high going into the mid-afternoon and evening, with moderate chances of hail and flooding. Residents are cautioned to stay weather aware throughout the day, and to know where to seek shelter if the weather changes quickly. If possible, consider staying at home until the storm is over.

For those who have no choice but to venture outside, be especially cautious while driving in the rain. Stay up to date on weather alerts, slow down, and turn around instead of trying to drive through flooded areas. Source: News 4 Nashville

Cause of Deadly Crash Still Under Investigation

Spring Hill, Tennessee (March 4, 2021) – It’s still not entirely clear what caused a tow truck to slam into the back of a stalled SUV last month on Nashville Highway. The rear-end collision not only pushed the SUV on its side, but also punctured the gas tank, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.

21-year-old Maxwell Carter died in the February 17 car accident, despite intervention from good Samaritans and an off-duty firefighter who extinguished the flames and pulled him from the wreckage. His mother, 50-year-old Melissa Carter, survived the crash but is suffering from severe burn injuries.

Although local weather was unusually cold and icy at the time, investigators do not believe this was a factor in this accident. No charges have been filed against the driver of the tow truck. Source: WKRN

Speeding Contributed to 600+ Serious Accidents in 2020

Statewide (February 11, 2021) – Driving over the posted speed limit was a contributing factor to 604 fatal or serious injury accidents last year, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

In all, 166 fatal 2020 crashes were caused in full or in part by speeding. Speeding was attributed to an additional 438 Tennessee car accidents that resulted in serious injuries.

Cities such as Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville had some of the highest rates of fatal and serious accidents involving speeding throughout the state.

Just a month and a half into the new year, THSO reports that there have already been an additional 54 serious or deadly accidents involving speeding in 2021. Source: THSO

Drinking Drivers Caused 790 Serious Accidents in 2020

Statewide (January 21, 2021) – According to preliminary data obtained from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), there were nearly 800 fatal or serious car accidents involving drunk drivers last year.

There were at least 571 serious injury accidents related to drunk driving in 2020, and at least 219 fatal crashes. Overall drunk driving accidents were down by about 3.9% compared to 2019, when there were 822 deadly and serious drunk driver crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a Tennessee car accident caused by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. Source: THSO

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

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

Fatal and Serious Accidents Increase in 2020

Statewide (January 28, 2021) – Although overall crashes were down in 2020, both serious and fatal car accidents rose significantly last year, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO).

There were 1,164 fatal Tennessee car accidents in 2020, resulting in 1,231 deaths. In addition, there were at least 4,568 serious injury crashes throughout the year. THSO defines serious injury crashes as those in which at least one person suffers from severe lacerations, a significant loss of blood, broken extremities, skull, chest, or abdominal injuries, significant burns, loss of consciousness, or paralysis.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer to learn more. Source: THSO

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

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

Walk Bike Nashville Advocates for Safer Roads

Nashville (May 27, 2021) – According to Walk Bike Nashville, 39 pedestrians lost their lives on Nashville roads in 2020. Another 248 were injured. The advocacy group says 2020 was the deadliest year on record for Nashville pedestrians.

In visiting and photographing the sites of last year’s fatal accidents, Walk Bike Nashville has been able to identify several areas with the highest number of pedestrian deaths and injuries. These include many portions of Dickerson Pike, Gallatin Pike, Buena Vista Pike, Charlotte Pike, Lebanon Pike, and Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.

The coalition says that in order to prevent accidents, infrastructure on these roads need to be improved by adding adequate sidewalks, frequent crosswalks, better street lighting, and stormwater infrastructure. Source: Walk Bike Nashville

Nashville Man Killed in Hit and Run

Nashville (May 13, 2021) – An elderly man in a wheelchair died over the weekend after being struck by a car on Winchester Drive near Devonshire Drive. The unnamed 72-year-old pedestrian was hit from behind while in the roadway, on a part of the street that had no sidewalk.

The unidentified driver who hit the man is thought to have been driving a white Chevy Impala. He left the scene of the accident in an apparent hit and run. Metro Police said that a part of the car was left at the scene and that the Impala likely has obvious front-end damage from the crash, which occurred around 5:15 p.m. last Friday.

Anyone with information about this fatal accident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Source: Fox 17

Man Charged in Semi Crash That Killed Three

Nashville (April 22, 2021) – 31-year-old William Lopez-Cruz is in police custody more than a month after a deadly crash that killed three of his coworkers. Lopez-Cruz was also critically injured in the March 11 car accident, and was arrested upon being discharged from the hospital.

A toxicology report revealed that he had methamphetamine, oxycodone, ketamine, and ephedrine in his system at the time of the accident, which occurred on Interstate 40 in West Nashville. Lopez-Cruz was driving eastbound on the highway when he left the roadway and struck an 18-wheeler that had been pulled over due to a mechanical problem.

All three of his passengers were killed: Abraham Carranza-Martinez, 32, Ignacio Fuenes, 18, and Adrian Ramos-Arista, 36. Lopez-Cruz has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide by intoxication. (Source: Fox 17)

7 People Killed in Flooding Throughout Tennessee

Middle Tennessee (April 1, 2021) – At least seven people were killed as a result of extreme flooding in Middle Tennessee over the weekend, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). An additional 130 people had to be rescued from floodwaters in the Nashville area.

One woman reportedly died on Sunday when her car was swept off the road and downstream in Hawkins County. Another unidentified woman was killed in Maury County in an unspecified flood-related accident.

In Nashville, 65-year-old Douglas Hammond was swept away by rising waters after getting out of his car, which was stuck due to the flooding. A 70-year-old man named Garry Cole is suspected to have drowned after his sedan was found submerged in a creek. Three other people are also believed to have drowned. Source: WKRN

Teen Killed in Accident on State Route 45

Madison (March 11, 2021) – A 17-year-old girl died and a man was seriously injured in a car crash on State Route 45 near Rio Vista Drive.

Ameria Johnson was the passenger in a Toyota Corolla driven by an unidentified 18-year-old. The Corolla was struck on the passenger side by a Chevy Tahoe driven by 40-year-old Richard Charles Griffin II. The driver of the Corolla was attempting to turn left onto Rio Vista and failed to yield the right of way.

Griffin allegedly showed signs of impairment at the scene. He also admitted to drinking and smoking cannabis before the accident. He has been charged with a third offense DUI and aggravated assault involving serious injury and death. No charges have been filed against the 18-year-old driver. Source: The Tennessean

Winter Weather Advisories in Effect Across TN

Statewide (February 18, 2021) – Winter weather advisories have been issued for a myriad of counties throughout Tennessee. The alerts were issued mid-morning and are in effect until 9:00 p.m. Central time in many areas. Affected areas include Nashville and much of Western Middle Tennessee.

Mixed precipitation is expected, including snow accumulation up to one inch and light ice accumulation on roadways. Freezing drizzle and light snow may be possible throughout the day, and below freezing temperatures are forecasted overnight.

Slick roads often increase the risk of car accidents, so motorists are encouraged to reduce their speed and prepare for significant traffic delays. Check out our blog for more tips on driving in the rain and snow. Source: News Channel 5

Two Fatal Accidents Reported at the Same Intersection

Nashville (February 4, 2021) – Two separate car accidents have killed three people at the same Nashville intersection in two days. The deadly crashes both occurred on Old Hickory Boulevard near Myatt Drive.

On January 26, 63-year-old Bobby Liles was killed when he tried to make a left turn onto Myatt Drive and was hit by a Camaro. Liles died on scene, and the driver and passenger of the Camaro were taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Just a day later, two more people died in a two-car collision at the same intersection. Police say the second crash was caused by a drunk driver. 61-year-old Robert Wood and his elderly mother, Mary Wood, were both killed in the wreck. Sources: Fox 17 | News Channel 5

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