How Often Do Car Crashes Happen in Tennessee?
A car crash occurs each day somewhere in Tennessee. Any time you hit the road, you are at risk for a car wreck that can cause serious injuries.
If you sustained injuries or property damage in a vehicle crash someone else’s negligence caused, the Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, can help you fight for compensation for your damages.
Our firm helps accident victims pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other financial losses resulting from a vehicle crash. If an insurance company offered you a settlement from an injury-related accident, we can review the offer to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Call us at 865-546-1111 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers.
When Are Accidents Most Likely to Happen?
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (TDOS) tracks details about car accidents across the state, including when they are most likely to occur. According to TDOS data, most statewide accidents in 2017 occurred on a Friday. This trend showed up in the state’s largest counties, which recorded their highest number of crashes on Fridays. That included:
- Shelby County, which had 6,735 crashes;
- Davidson County, where 5,908 accidents occurred;
- Knox County, which showed 2,597 wrecks; and
- Hamilton County, where 2,450 car accidents happened.
Overall, 37,129 crashes in Tennessee happened on a Friday.
What Other Factors Impact the Number of Car Crashes?
Both the month and the time of day can impact the likelihood of a car crash in Tennessee. A TDOS report shows, between 2013 and 2017, May and August had the highest number of fatalities. October, July, and December are also particularly dangerous months.
The time of day also seems to be a factor. TDOS data shows most car crashes happen in the afternoon hours between noon and 6 p.m. The hours between 3 and 6 p.m. were the most dangerous statewide, with 52,433 wrecks happening in 2017.
Shelby County followed this trend. Residents experienced 9,705 vehicle crashes from 3 to 5:59 p.m. This was the highest number of crashes in this time period statewide in 2017. Davidson County followed with 8,490 crashes occurring during the same time frame in 2017.
What Do the Trends Say Overall?
Overall, the number of fatal and non-fatal car accidents is on the rise across the state. The number of fatalities resulting from car accidents climbed from 995 in 2013 to 1,038 in 2017, according to TDOS.
Tennessee saw an additional 1,700 car crashes from 2016 to 2017. Statewide crashes—which involved injury, death, and property damage over $400—have been on the rise for years.
What Are Drivers Like in Tennessee Compared to Other States?
A 2017 Study from SmartAsset ranked Tennessee fourth in the nation for having the worst drivers. Tennessee scored particularly badly based on its percentage of uninsured drivers on the road. According to the study, almost 80 percent of drivers have insurance in the state. That means nearly 20 percent of motorists do not have auto insurance.
Tennessee also ranked fairly high in the number of arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. According to the study, there are about 5 DUI arrests for every 1,000 drivers in Tennessee.
How Do I Seek Compensation After a Crash?
If you sustained injuries or damage to your vehicle in an accident that was not your fault, you can recover compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the driver did not have auto insurance, you can file a claim with your own auto insurer, if you carry uninsured motorist coverage in your automobile policy.
Our attorneys can help you navigate this process. We will fight for a fair settlement offer on your behalf.
How Can I Talk to a Lawyer About My Car Accident?
Pursuing compensation for damages after a crash can be a complicated, frustrating, and time-consuming process, especially if you or your loved one sustained serious or fatal injuries. The Law Offices of Ogle, Elrod & Baril, PLLC, can handle this process for you. We can help you recover your financial losses by filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurer or a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
We handle all aspects of insurance claims—from filing the paperwork to negotiating a fair settlement for your claim. We are not afraid to take your claim to court if the liable party’s insurer fails to offer a fair settlement for your losses.
Our firm works on a contingency basis. You do not pay for our services unless we recover damages on your behalf. Call us today at 865-546-1111 for a free, no-obligation consultation.