Intersection Accidents in Tennessee

Legal Rights and How We Can Help

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent individuals and families across Middle Tennessee—including in Brentwood, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and surrounding communities—who have been injured in intersection accidents. Led by attorney John Day, our legal team is known for providing skilled and thorough representation to those harmed in serious motor vehicle crashes. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in an intersection accident, we are here to help you pursue full and fair compensation under Tennessee law.

Why Intersections Are So Dangerous

Intersections are inherently complex environments where drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists come together, often from multiple directions and with competing rights-of-way. These areas demand quick, accurate decision-making, and a single lapse in judgment or moment of carelessness can result in devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersections are the second most common location for fatal crashes, second only to highways. Common intersection types include four-way stops, traffic-light controlled intersections, rural intersections without control devices, roundabouts, and crossings with left-turn lanes or multiple merging lanes. Each of these setups presents unique challenges. Poor visibility, confusing signage, and driver inattention can all transform an ordinary commute into a serious or even fatal collision.

Key Causes of Intersection Accidents in Tennessee

Many intersection accidents are entirely preventable and occur because drivers fail to follow well-established traffic laws. Running red lights or stop signs is a leading cause of side-impact (T-bone) collisions, which tend to be among the most deadly. Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 55-8-110) mandates that drivers must obey all traffic signals and stop when required, but violations are frequent. Misjudging gaps in traffic is another common error, particularly when making left-hand turns. T.C.A. § 55-8-129 clearly requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming vehicles. Failure to do so places others in immediate danger and can create significant liability. Intersection crashes also occur when drivers fail to yield at uncontrolled intersections or when interpreting flashing signals incorrectly. Distraction and fatigue further increase the risk, as drivers may miss traffic changes or pedestrians in crosswalks. Finally, impaired driving continues to plague Tennessee roads. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs frequently make poor decisions at intersections, such as misreading signals, turning into oncoming lanes, or ignoring pedestrian crossings. 

Legal Standards and Statutes: Intersection Accidents Under Tennessee Law

Tennessee has enacted several statutes that directly govern behavior at intersections and help establish legal liability. T.C.A. § 55-8-128 imposes a duty on drivers making left-hand turns to yield to oncoming traffic. T.C.A. § 55-8-110 requires drivers to obey traffic lights and stop signs, while T.C.A. § 55-8-142 governs rules at multi-way stops. When a driver violates one of these laws and causes an accident, courts may apply the doctrine of negligence per se. This principle presumes the driver was negligent simply by breaking a law designed to protect public safety, simplifying the injured party’s burden of proof.  Under Tennessee law, you may still recover damages if your share of the total fault is less than 50 percent, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.

Insurance Company Tactics to Watch For

After an intersection crash, insurance companies often act quickly—not to help you, but to limit their own financial exposure. One common tactic is offering a fast, low-value settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. They may also try to shift blame to you, even if the facts are not in their favor, in order to reduce potential payouts under comparative fault rules. Insurance companies may dispute the necessity or relevance of your medical treatment, arguing that it was unrelated to the crash or excessive. Even your own words can be used against you—recorded statements made to adjusters, often taken before you speak with an attorney, may be selectively quoted to minimize your claim. At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected from day one.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of intersection collisions in Tennessee may be entitled to several categories of compensation. These include medical expenses—both current and future—related to treatment, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy. You may also recover lost wages from time missed at work, as well as compensation for reduced future earning capacity. Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement, is typically recoverable. Noneconomic damages are also available and can cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one was killed in the accident, surviving family members may seek wrongful death damages, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support. Every case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance coverage available.

What Makes a Strong Intersection Accident Case?

A compelling legal case is built on a foundation of solid evidence and legal strategy. Our firm begins by conducting a thorough investigation, collecting physical evidence such as skid marks, debris, traffic signal data, dashcam or surveillance footage, and vehicle damage. This information helps reconstruct the sequence of events and determine fault. We also apply relevant legal standards and statutes—such as T.C.A. § 55-8-110 for failure to stop at a red light—and assess whether the conduct may support a claim for negligence per se or even punitive damages. Medical documentation is crucial, so we review records and collaborate with physicians and medical experts to establish the nature, cause, and long-term effects of your injuries. Finally, we gather statements from eyewitnesses and, where necessary, bring in accident reconstruction experts to interpret the scene based on engineering and physics. These elements combined help ensure a strong, well-supported claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim after an intersection accident?
In most personal injury cases in Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit under T.C.A. § 28-3-104. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is generally one year from the date of  incident which caused the injuries which resulted in death. Because some exceptions may apply, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What if both drivers say the light was green?
Disputed accounts are common in intersection crashes. Our team gathers independent evidence such as traffic camera footage, vehicle black box data, and statements from neutral witnesses to clarify what actually happened and support your position.  

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Tennessee’s comparative fault system allows for recovery as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault in causing the impact. 

Is the other driver automatically at fault if they received a traffic ticket?

No, not under Tennessee law.  The fact that the other driver received a ticket can help persuade some insurance companies that their insured driver was at fault, but the fact that the other driver received a ticket is not necessarily admissible in a trial over the personal injury or wrongful claim.  An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the implications of the other driver receiving a traffic ticket after learning the facts of your case. 

Our Locations: Convenient and Local

The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. offers convenient access to clients from three Middle Tennessee locations. Our Brentwood office serves residents of Williamson County, including Franklin, Spring Hill, and surrounding communities. Our centrally located Nashville office is ideal for clients in Davidson County, including East Nashville, Bellevue, and Antioch. Our Murfreesboro office provides legal services to Rutherford County, including Smyrna, La Vergne, Woodbury, McMinnville, Tullahoma, Manchester, and nearby areas. Whether your accident occurred in downtown Nashville, on Brentwood’s busy roadways, or along Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro, our legal team is prepared to help.

Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an intersection accident, don’t face the legal and insurance process alone. The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. offers free consultations to explain your rights and legal options. We handle most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at (615) 742-4880 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence and support.