Highway and Interstate Accidents in Tennessee

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we are proud to represent victims of serious motor vehicle accidents across Tennessee, including those injured on highways and interstates. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, our legal team is well-equipped to help individuals and families in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond recover the compensation they need after high-speed, high-impact collisions.

Tennessee’s interstate system—including I-40, I-24, I-65, I-840, and I-440—is heavily traveled by commuters, truck drivers, and tourists alike. Unfortunately, these fast-moving corridors are also the sites of many of the state’s most devastating accidents. Whether due to negligent drivers, commercial vehicles, or dangerous infrastructure, crashes on interstates often involve complex circumstances, severe injuries, and significant legal challenges. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these crashes, we are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Highway and Interstate Accidents Are More Severe

Highway and interstate collisions tend to be more serious than accidents on local roads due to the sheer force of impact at high speeds. The higher the speed, the greater the energy involved in a crash—leading to more severe injuries and greater damage to vehicles. These roadways are also characterized by heavy truck traffic, frequent merging, aggressive driving during peak hours, and limited shoulder space. Construction zones add another layer of danger, especially when signage is unclear or barriers are improperly placed. Sudden stops and chain-reaction crashes are not uncommon, particularly in heavy congestion or inclement weather. These conditions combine to make highway travel both fast and risky.

Common Types of Highway and Interstate Accidents

Several types of accidents are frequently seen on Tennessee’s highways and interstates. Rear-end collisions, often caused by tailgating or distracted driving, can result in life-threatening injuries due to the speed of impact. Multi-vehicle pileups are also common and typically occur in conditions like fog, rain, or dense traffic, requiring detailed investigations to determine liability. Accidents involving large commercial trucks are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Tractor-trailers have longer stopping distances and may be operated by fatigued or poorly trained drivers. Sideswipe collisions can occur during unsafe lane changes or merging, especially near ramps and interchanges. Wrong-way driving accidents, while rare, are usually fatal due to the head-on impact at highway speeds. Crashes in construction zones are also common when drivers are confused by detours, unclear lane shifts, or missing signs.

Determining Liability in Highway Accidents

Assigning legal responsibility in a highway accident requires a comprehensive review of the evidence. Our attorneys begin by identifying negligent drivers who may have been speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or weaving between lanes in violation of T.C.A. § 55-8-136, which imposes a duty of care on all motorists to operate their vehicles safely under prevailing conditions. In cases involving commercial trucks, liability may extend to the trucking company under both Tennessee tort law and federal FMCSA regulations. These cases often involve issues like inadequate vehicle maintenance, overloaded cargo, hours-of-service violations, or insufficient driver training. If poor road design, malfunctioning signals, or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash, the Tennessee Department of Transportation or a local government agency may be liable under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (TGTLA), as set forth in T.C.A. § 29-20-101 et seq. Additionally, if a mechanical failure such as a brake defect, tire blowout, or steering malfunction was involved, we may pursue a product liability claim under T.C.A. § 29-28-101 et seq. against the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier.

Important Tennessee Laws and Regulations

Several laws are especially relevant in highway crash cases. T.C.A. § 55-8-123 requires drivers to stay in a single lane and to ensure that lane changes can be made safely. T.C.A. § 55-10-205 mandates that drivers involved in accidents causing injury or death must stop and render aid. T.C.A. § 28-3-104 establishes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Tennessee. What to Do After a Highway or Interstate Accident

If you are involved in a crash on the interstate, your first priority should be safety. Call 911 right away so that emergency responders and law enforcement are dispatched. If your vehicle is operational, try to move it to the shoulder to avoid further collisions. Do not exit your vehicle into oncoming traffic or stand between vehicles. Even if you feel uninjured, seek prompt medical attention, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Take photographs of the crash scene, including the damage, skid marks, signage, and traffic conditions. Identify any witnesses who may have seen the crash or its causes. Avoid admitting fault, as statements made at the scene can be used against you later. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.

Injuries Common in Highway and Interstate Crashes

Because of the speeds involved, highway accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, burns, or even amputations. Sadly, many interstate accidents result in death. Survivors of these accidents may face long-term rehabilitation and need financial support for years or even decades.

Compensation Available for Victims

If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages. These include emergency room and hospital expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and reduced future earning potential. Compensation may also be available for pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, permanent disfigurement or disability, and loss of companionship in the event of wrongful death. Our firm works with a team of financial experts, life care planners, and physicians to ensure that every aspect of your loss is carefully documented and valued.

How the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Can Help

Highway accident cases are complex and demand both legal skill and extensive investigative resources. We conduct independent investigations, working closely with accident reconstruction professionals to analyze skid marks, traffic patterns, black box data, and road conditions. Our deep experience in handling commercial truck cases allows us to hold carriers accountable under FMCSA rules and Tennessee law. When road defects or construction hazards are involved, we are fully prepared to bring claims under the TGTLA against governmental entities. Insurance companies are often quick to downplay serious injuries or dispute liability, but we are committed to aggressive negotiation and, when necessary, litigation to secure justice. Best of all, we represent our clients on a contingency-fee basis—you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you.

Our Firm’s Commitment to You

Founded by respected trial attorney John A. Day, our firm has earned a reputation for legal excellence, ethical representation, and dedicated service to our clients. We serve individuals and families across Middle Tennessee, including Nashville and Davidson County, with compassion and professionalism.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Tennessee law generally gives injury victims only one year to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in T.C.A. § 28-3-104. Time is of the essence. Call us today at (615) 742-4880 or use our online form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we understand the complexities of highway and interstate crashes. If you’ve been injured, let our team guide you toward justice and the financial recovery you deserve.