Nestled in the eastern part of Tennessee, Knoxville is a dynamic city in Knox County. It boasts a bustling downtown, a thriving arts scene, and a robust economy. Unfortunately, car accidents are common due to many car owners. Knoxville is a central transportation hub in the region, with many highways and major roads that experience heavy traffic daily.
Knox County is notorious for having a high incidence of car accidents. In 2022, there were 12,597 car crashes recorded in the county, with 52 fatalities. These numbers emphasize the importance of being vigilant while driving and prepared in case of an accident.
If you or someone you know was in a car crash in Knoxville or Knox County, get help. Most reliable lawyers and law firms specializing in car accident cases offer free consultations to assess a claim. A car accident lawyer can handle your case by negotiating with the
Featured On Medical News Today
The Personal Injury Center remains committed to providing accurate and updated information for the general public. Our efforts led to many reputable sites using our resources as references to educate their readers.
Find out more here.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Knoxville, Tennessee
In Knoxville, as in many other cities, car accidents can occur for various reasons. However, there are a few common causes that account for the majority of accidents. These include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), and road hazards.
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. The driver’s slow reactions or lack of awareness of their surroundings is to blame for this class of car accidents.
Speeding is also a significant cause of car accidents. Speeding can cause a driver to lose control, resulting in collisions with other cars or objects on the road.
In many states, driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a severe offense and a leading cause of car accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react to changing situations, and operate a vehicle safely.
Road hazards frequently cause car accidents, including a wide range of dangerous conditions. These include uneven surfaces, debris, standing water, slick roads, and other obstacles that pose a risk to drivers and passengers.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is negligent behavior that can put the driver and many others on the road at risk. A driver’s lack of focus on the road slows down their reaction time, making it harder for them to prevent accidents. Inattention is especially dangerous because the unexpected can happen quickly, leaving little time for a driver to react.
According to the 2020 statistics, distracted driving is the reason for 3,142 car crash fatalities in the US. That is about eight percent of all fatal crashes that year. These numbers indicate the severity of the problem and highlight the need for drivers to remain focused on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of auto accidents in Knoxville. The maximum speed limit on Knoxville roads is 45 mph, but unless otherwise stated, the standard speed limit on Tennessee roads is 55 mph. The interstates will allow up to 70 mph. Exceeding these limits significantly increases the risk of accidents due to reduced control, reduced stopping distance, and reduced reaction time. Adjusting your speed based on road conditions, weather, and traffic is vital to ensure safe driving.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that 4.3 percent of all crashes involve speeding. It caused 164 fatalities in 2020 and resulted in many car crash accident victims.
Driving under the influence
In Tennessee, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is considered illegal. The law helps prevent alcohol-related car accidents as it can lead to criminal prosecution. Some DUI accidents are indefensible head-on collisions, making it difficult for the criminal defense to advocate for the offending party.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 11,654 DUI fatalities in the US in 2020. DUI offenses account for approximately 30 percent of all traffic fatalities for accident victims and perpetrators. In Tennessee, there were 1,217 fatalities due to alcohol impairment. These statistics highlight the grave dangers of drunk driving and the importance of making responsible decisions.
Road hazards
Road hazards are among the top causes of car accidents, as they can significantly affect motorists’ ability to control their vehicles. Animals and debris can suddenly appear on the road. In contrast, rough roads, gravel, and uneven expansion joints can make steering difficult.
Slick surfaces, standing water, snow, and ice can reduce traction, making it harder to stop or maneuver a vehicle. Furthermore, objects falling from construction sites or vehicles can threaten other drivers and cause automobile and motorcycle accidents. Drivers should stay alert and adjust their driving accordingly, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Knoxville Auto Accident Aftermath: What You Need To Do
After a car crash, taking specific actions is crucial to ensure that you and other victims are safe and to protect your legal rights. First, check everyone involved in the accident for injuries and move them to a secure location.
Call 911 to report the accident. Tennessee law requires drivers involved in a motor vehicle incident must report it to the authorities within 24 hours. Seeking medical attention is also important because some injuries may not be apparent immediately, and prompt medical attention can help prevent complications.
After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange contact details with the other parties involved in the accident. Taking photos of the accident scene and the cars involved can also help establish liability and serve as evidence in a legal claim.
Speed up the claim process by immediately reporting the crash to your
Check for injuries
Car accident victims need to prioritize checking for injuries following a car crash. This step ensures that everyone involved in the accident is safe and receives medical attention.
Checking for injuries can also help determine the collision’s severity and provide critical information to emergency responders. By knowing the extent of the injuries, responders can be better prepared to provide the necessary treatment, such as calling an ambulance, providing first aid, or calling for additional medical assistance. Remembering that injuries may not be immediately apparent is critical, so checking for injuries thoroughly and in detail is a top priority.
Call 911
Calling 911 ensures that a police report is filed, in addition to seeking medical assistance and reporting the accident. This police report can help establish the facts of the accident and be used as evidence if you need to file a claim or pursue legal action later.
See a medical doctor
Seeing a medical doctor, even if you feel fine immediately after a car accident is essential. Some injuries may not immediately present with symptoms but can have long-lasting effects if left untreated.
For example, traumatic brain injuries may only appear days after the accident. By seeing a doctor, they can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. Your visit will also record your injuries and help pursue a compensation claim later. It’s essential to keep all medical records of the accident to provide evidence of your injuries and the associated medical expenses.
Exchange contact details
Exchanging contact details is vital following a car accident as it allows communication between the involved parties,
Establishing communication and cooperation between parties ensures everyone has the necessary information to proceed with legal or
Take photos of the accident scene
Taking photos of the accident scene is crucial in establishing liability and supporting your
Photos provide your lawyer and
Inform your insurance provider
Tennessee is a fault state, meaning victims can claim compensation from the at-fault driver’s
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to investigate the accident and determine the extent of the damages and injuries. Once the investigation finishes, the adjuster will offer you a settlement amount, which you can accept or negotiate. Failing to report the accident can delay the claim process or even lead to a denial of your claim.
Hire a Knoxville car accident lawyer
After a car accident, asking a personal injury attorney for legal advice is crucial. Even in minor matters, an experienced lawyer can guide the legal options available. They can determine whether you have a case and advise you on the best action to take.
An experienced lawyer can also help you navigate the often-complicated legal process, negotiate with
How can a Knoxville car accident lawyer help?
A Knoxville car accident lawyer can help in several ways, including negotiating with the
Negotiate with insurance companies
A car accident lawyer can ensure you receive fair compensation by negotiating with the
For example, suppose your medical expenses amount to $50,000, but your
File a personal injury claim
Your lawyer could file a personal injury claim if your accident resulted in serious injury or damages. They will gather all necessary evidence and documentation to support your claims, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Hiring a lawyer lets you focus on healing and recovery instead of legal issues.
Legal representation
If your case goes to trial, your car accident lawyer can provide legal representation and work to get you the best possible outcome. They will build a strong case for you, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting your case in court.
For example, suppose your lawyer finds that the other party is at fault. In that case, they can argue that the other driver should be held responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Get Help for Your Personal Injury Claims
Car accidents are devastating, especially if it results in injuries or fatalities. You must seek legal help if you get into one in Knoxville as soon as possible. Car accidents are more common than you know, and most people who experience them fail to get compensation.
Your car accident lawyer can help by negotiating with
FAQs on Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer
What's Knoxville’s car accident statute of limitations?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is one year from the date of the incident for injuries and wrongful death. You must file a lawsuit for property damage within three years of the accident. Filing after the deadline may result in a case dismissal, with some exceptions. Therefore, you must be aware of the statute of limitations that applies to your case.
How long will my Knoxville car accident settlement take?
Most accident claims in Tennessee typically resolve within two years of filing. However, settlement timeframes can vary depending on the severity of injuries and the length of medical treatment. It's essential to take your time negotiating a personal injury settlement to get the full extent of your damages.
What if the driver at fault is uninsured?
Having no insurance while driving is a serious offense, and it worsens when an accident causes injuries or fatalities. The court can charge you with a Class A misdemeanor in such situations. This carries a maximum fine of $2,500 and a prison sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days if found guilty. Additionally, you will be liable for any medical and repair expenses arising from the accident from your own pocket.
