Author: Anthony Proffitt

As cities and towns across Tennessee grow and the number of drivers traveling to and from them grow alongside them, so, too, does a need for road construction to accommodate the rising number of motorists. You may find Tennessee’s many work zones to be a nuisance, wasting your time and keeping you from where you need to be. However, these areas also see high numbers of car crashes.

According to WREG, Tennessee saw 502 crashes in its work zones between the first of January and the end of September in 2019. Of those 502 crashes, seven fatalities resulted.

Tennessee work zone crash statistics

Between November of 2014 and November of 2019, Tennessee’s work zones were the sites of 14,082 car wrecks, resulting in 5,464 injuries and 83 road deaths. In 2018 alone, 656 crashes occurred in the state’s work zones, leading to 183 injuries and 13 fatalities.

Tennessee work zone crash hazards

Why is it that Tennessee’s work zones see so many car wrecks? The dangers linked to construction zones are twofold. First, you face hazards that stem from the ongoing road work. Unclear or unfamiliar traffic patterns may lead to confusion. Other hazards, such as misplaced traffic cones or machinery obstructing your view, may also heighten crash risks.

Motorists who drive negligently through work zones, whether by speeding, driving drunk or driving while distracted, also have a hand in many Tennessee work zone crashes. Drivers who follow too closely behind other drivers in work zones also enhance crash risks, with a high number of work zone car wrecks involving drivers hitting others from behind.

No one has the ability to control the actions of others. However, by driving defensively, slowing down and remaining vigilant, you should be able to reduce your chances of a work zone wreck.

Nobody likes getting a ticket, but getting two in one day may have an even more drastic effect on a person’s mood and future as a driver.

As WVLT News reports, a serious crash in Knoxville involved a woman that authorities cited for speeding earlier that day.

From ticket to ticket

A driver on Highway 68 stopped and attempted to make a left turn onto Rhyne Road when another driver failed to stop and struck from the rear. Law enforcement identified the driver that failed to stop as a 77-year-old that authorities ticketed earlier for going 89 mph in a 50 mph zone a quarter-mile away from the accident.

The passenger in the stopped vehicle received injuries from the accident, while the 77-year-old continued to travel into the path of a tractor-trailer.

It is unknown whether the ticketed driver or the driver of the tractor trailer received injuries. The 77-year-old reportedly received a second ticket after the crash, but it is unknown what details the ticket involved.

From incident to resolution

Accidents like this leave people injured and questions unanswered and each person involved may have a long, legal road ahead of them. Insurance companies do not simply hand over what a victim deserves and authorities do not casually excuse tickets. It is up to individuals and families to work through the necessary process.

Whether a person seeks compensation for injuries sustained or contests multiple citations in order to reduce the long-term consequences on their future of driving, this car crash affected everyone involved and each should fight for the best possible results.

Tennessee allows injured individuals to sue after a motor vehicle accident under the state’s fault laws. A driver has financial responsibility if he or she has at least 50% fault for the crash according to the court. 

Review the state laws about liability and fault that apply to Tennessee auto accidents. 

Tennessee auto insurance coverage

Drivers can seek coverage under another driver’s liability policy after a crash. Tennessee drivers must carry liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents in which they are at fault. The policy minimums are $15,000 for property damage per accident, $25,000 for injury or death of one person and $50,000 for injury or fatality of multiple involved parties. 

If the insurance adjuster decides the policyholder is at fault, the company will offer a settlement. He or she must consider all available documentation including driver statements, witness statements, police reports, evidence of distracted driving, and photos and videos of the crash site. 

The injured person can file a lawsuit if he or she disagrees with the fault determination or the settlement does not cover the costs associated with the injury. 

Legal auto accident damages

The court will review all evidence in the case to make a fault determination and award financial damages if applicable. Tennessee uses the modified comparative negligence standard, which means that a driver who has up to 50% fault can collect damages from the driver with more than 50% fault. However, the court reduces the damage award by the injured driver’s fault percentage. 

In Tennessee, drivers have just one year to file a personal injury claim after an auto accident. 

The excitement that teenagers in Tennessee inevitably feel after getting their drivers’ licenses is almost always apparent. The newfound freedoms that the ability to driver offers can open up several new opportunities to them related to their participation in social and scholastic events, as well as their ability to seek employment.

Yet with this new freedom also comes the responsibility to be safe while behind the wheel. Sadly, statistics show that the inexperience of teen drivers often leads them to engage in dangerous driving activities. Such actions may not only endanger their own personal safety but that of their friends (and anyone else they counter on the road) as well.

Two teens involved in Knoxville rollover crash

This fact was on full display in a rollover accident that recently occurred in Knoxville. According to the local CBS affiliate, accident investigators say that a vehicle driven by a teen crossed over into oncoming traffic before rolling off the road. Authorities believe that excessive speed contributed to the driver losing control of the vehicle. The accident caused serious injuries to both the driver and his passenger. He eventually died; reports say his passenger’s injuries turned out to be non-life-threatening.

Seeking compensation following a car accident

One can count themselves fortunate if they are able to survive a serious car accident, yet their injuries still may prove costly. Oftentimes it is only through compensation that they can afford those costs. One might wonder how (in cases like the one here) a person can gain compensation from a driver killed in an accident. Such assistance may come from a decedent’s estate, ensuring that those affected by their actions are still taken care of. One’s chances of securing compensation may increase if they have experienced legal resources to rely on.

Many people struggle with challenges at work on a daily basis, resulting in fatigue, distractions, high levels of stress and rushing around. Sadly, all of these difficulties can increase the odds of a motor vehicle collision. If you were involved in a crash and the other driver was dealing with problems related to their job, this is no excuse and you need to look into your legal options.

Every day, many accidents occur because of work-related stressors and it is crucial for drivers to ensure that they obey all traffic safety guidelines and drive safely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people in the U.S. miss over one million days of work each year as a result of traffic crash injuries.

How do problems at work increase the odds of a crash?

Whether someone works for many hours or their job is especially physically or mentally demanding, fatigue is responsible for many accidents. Drivers who are drowsy or very sore sometimes have difficulty focusing on the road and even fall asleep behind the wheel. Also, many drivers use their phones to talk with clients, co-workers and supervisors, resulting in distracted driving. Those running late for work or an important meeting sometimes speed and behave aggressively behind the wheel.

How can you recover from a traffic wreck?

If you were struck by a driver who was distracted, fatigued or in a rush, you need to carefully go over these factors as you consider your legal options. Filing a lawsuit helps many drivers in this position receive the financial support they desperately need and also provides mental relief. Some people also look for support from friends, family members and online communities.

Motor vehicle crashes occur for a host of reasons, but some accidents have unique causes. For example, some drivers cause an accident because they attempt to operate a vehicle even though some type of physical or mental challenge interferes with their abilities, such as a foot injury that makes it more difficult for them to apply their brakes in a timely manner or accelerate correctly.

If you were hit by a driver who caused an accident because they were incapacitated in some manner, this factor requires careful consideration, especially if you are planning on taking your case to the courtroom.

The dangers of driving with an injury

Some people decide to drive even though they have a foot or hand injury that affects their ability to stay safe on the road. Whether someone has to go to work or take care of other responsibilities, there is no excuse for operating a vehicle when one is unfit to drive correctly. Those who drive with a foot injury sometimes accelerate rapidly by pressing on the gas pedal too hard, colliding with a car in front of them. Likewise, some people take too long to use their brakes because their foot is injured, resulting in a crash. These wrecks often cause additional injuries or even claim lives.

The victims of motor vehicle crashes

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, more than 2.7 million people were hurt in traffic crashes during 2018. For those struck by other drivers, a wide range of consequences often arise. Financial problems, emotional hurdles, painful injuries and other setbacks make daily life very hard for many motor vehicle crash victims. You need to take a careful look into your legal options if you are in this position, regardless of the reason(s) why another driver caused the accident.