Tennessee drivers have witnessed a troubling trend in recent years—an alarming rise in traffic fatalities. Unfortunately, the roads we travel daily have become avenues of tragedy for far too many individuals and families.
Traffic deaths in 2023 already top the previous two years
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, seeking legal representation from an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer is crucial. At the Law Office Of Eric Beasley, we can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Schedule a free consultation today.
How many traffic fatalities has Tennessee had in 2023?
The year isn't over, and Tennessee has already seen 1,000 traffic fatalities in 2023. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), 2021 had the highest number of road deaths in Tennessee within the last decade. In 2022, the numbers were slightly lower than the previous year but still staggeringly high.
So far, the numbers in 2023 are 2.6% higher than the previous two years. In addition to over 1,000 traffic fatalities, another 3,661 people sustained serious injuries on Tennessee roads. That amounts to over 4,700 statewide crashes causing serious injuries and fatalities.
Additional findings showed that:
- The majority of fatal Tennessee crashes during 2023 happened in urban areas.
- In nearly 58% of all fatal and injurious crashes, a vehicle occupant wasn't wearing a seatbelt.
- Nearly 10% of all statewide crashes involved an impaired driver.
- More motorcyclists died on Tennessee roads in 2023 than in the previous two years. That accounts for over 5.7% of motorcycle accidents across the state.
- Over 480 statewide crashes were caused by distracted driving.
- Crashes typically happened during the afternoon and early evening hours.
What should I do if I lost a loved one in a car accident?
Losing a loved one in a crash can result in years of emotional anguish, pain, and suffering. Knowing what course of action to take can be difficult while you're mourning the loss of a loved one. However, you can take legal action against the at-fault driver and seek to recover damages through a wrongful death claim.
This is a legal action brought by the surviving family members or beneficiaries of a person who has died due to another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Wrongful death claims aim to provide compensation for the losses and damages suffered by the deceased person's survivors as a result of their death.
These damages may include:
- Medical expenses.
- Funeral and burial costs.
- The deceased's pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
- Compensation that the deceased person would have earned if they were alive.
- Loss of financial support.
- Loss of companionship.
Typically, only certain individuals are eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Common beneficiaries include spouses, children, parents, and, in some cases, other dependents or financial beneficiaries. In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the crash to file a wrongful death claim. But the sooner you act, the better your chance of recovering damages.
Contact an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer
Whether you've lost a loved one or sustained serious crash-related injuries, it's in your interest to consult an experienced attorney and review your potential legal options. Car accident cases are often complex, and dealing with insurance companies can be equally complicated.
This is because insurance companies often use various tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Having a skilled Nashville car accident attorney on your side can help you navigate these challenges and work toward the best possible outcome of your case.
Tennessee has seen a troubling rise in traffic fatalities, with over 1,000 reported in 2023 alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer can protect your rights.
With the Law Office Of Eric Beasley on your side, the insurance companies can't take advantage of you. We can investigate your crash and fight to hold the responsible party accountable for your losses. To learn more about how our law firm can help you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.