Tennessee Car Accident Statistics

Tennessee drivers navigate Interstate 40 for east-west driving and I-65 for north – south traffic. Throughout the state, there are numerous larger roads. Any of these roadways can be an area where a driver fails to pay attention to others, and an accident happens. Be sure to call a professional Nashville auto accident lawyer from Selvidge Injury Law about your case. To see just how serious these accidents are and the risks they present, take a look at some critical Tennessee car accident statistics.

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Tennessee Car Accident Fatality Statistics

The number of people who die in roadway accidents across the state ranges widely year-to-year. In 2020, 1,217 people lost their lives in accidents, while a year later, 1,327 people died. The most recent data from 2024 shows that 1,201 people lost their lives in Tennessee car accidents.

Of those who died in 2024, 139 of them involved teenage drivers between the ages of 13 and 19 years. Additionally, 286 involved drivers over the age of 65, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. About 170 deaths were the result of accidents involving large trucks, and 3 people lost their lives in a bus-related accident. Additional data shows 189 people died as a result of motorcycle-related accidents.

Non-motorist Accidents

Nashville pedestrian accidents can occur at an alarming rate. Some of the most common areas for these accidents are along routine neighborhood streets, around urban centers, and in school zones. A total of 1,028 crashes occurred in 2025, according to state data, involving pedestrians.

Bike riders are also at high risk in many areas of the state. Some of the most common areas for bike riders to suffer injuries are in residential neighborhoods and urban centers, but accidents along any street with a bike lane are also common. In 2025, state data shows 10 bicyclists lost their lives, and 382 people suffered serious injuries in these crashes.

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Tennessee Injury Statistics from Car Accidents

Many times, the focus is on the loss of life in these accidents. While critically important, many of those involved in car crashes in the state do not lose their life. Instead, they face ongoing injuries and incredibly challenging recovery periods. Data from the state shows that, in 2024, 44,433 people suffered serious injuries in these accidents.

The Most Common Counties for Car Accidents in Tennessee

There are various contributing factors to the most common counties with accidents. That includes rural areas where conditions may be poor, as well as traffic congestion in the heart of the city. Data from the state shows that Davidson and Shelby Counties are the most common places for accidents. There is no doubt this is due to the population density here, thanks to cities like Nashville and Memphis.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee

Understanding why Tennessee car accidents happen is important for many reasons, including learning how to prevent them. Victims also need this information to help them structure a personal injury claim for the losses they incur. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Tennessee:

Distracted Driving. Distracted driving refers to a wide range of activities a person engages in behind the wheel that divert their focus from the road. Common types of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, having heated conversations, eating or drinking behind the wheel, or daydreaming.
Speeding. Data from the state shows that up to 20% of all fatal accidents involve at least one speeding driver. Speeding makes it harder for the driver to control their vehicle, and stopping takes longer, making it hard to respond to fast-changing conditions.
Driving Under the Influence. Tennessee drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs put anyone on the road with them at risk. Drunk driving accidents are one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents in the Tennessee.
Reckless Operation. This term can apply to a wide range of accident causes, including running red lights or stop signs, illegal lane changes, and tailgating. These violations often lead to intersection accidents.
Failure to Yield the Right of Way. Various factors can contribute to this failure, including inexperienced drivers, reckless driving, or even improperly working signals. These are among the most common causes of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Nashville.

Many other factors can contribute to car accidents, including fatigue, inexperienced drivers, and mechanical breakdowns. Poor visibility on roadways, weather conditions, and bad road conditions can also contribute.

When Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Tennessee

Accidents can occur at any time of day or night, year-round. However, the same state data provides insight into when these accidents are most likely to happen. For example, fatal car accidents increase in frequency during the months of August and September, often due to more people out on the roads, tourism in key areas, and more reckless operation. Some of the most common times for spikes in car accidents are in October and August.

In addition, data shows the most common times of day for accidents. Most fatal car accidents in the state happen between 3 and 5 pm each day (with weekdays behind more than weekends for this timeframe) and from 7 to 9 pm. However, the most dangerous days of the week overall are Saturday and Sunday.

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Knowing What to Do After a Tennessee Car Accident Matters

After your accident, get medical care. Focus on your recovery. Then, call an award-winning Nashville injury attorney to guide you.

Victims of any type of car accident have the legal right to seek compensation from the party causing their losses. Yet, you have to take the time to find those at fault, document your losses, and know how to prove long-term damage. That is where having a car accident lawyer in Tennessee is so important.

At Selvidge Injury Law, our legal team is ready to fight for your right to fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your Tennessee car accident with the confidence of a skilled car crash lawyer based in Nashville.