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Tennessee Car Accident Statistics

Motor Vehicle Collision Attorney Serving Knoxville and East Tennessee

Car accident statistics show that many crashes in East Tennessee are preventable. If you are injured in a wreck caused by someone else, Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark Hartsoe can help you file a lawsuit to pursue damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. He is ready to assert your rights to the fullest extent of the law.

Tennessee Car Accident Statistics

In 2016, road rage was the cause of at least 43 accidents in Knox County. Careless or erratic driving was the cause of at least 525 accidents. A failure to yield the right of way was the cause of at least 1,823 accidents. Improper following was the cause of at least 3,248 accidents. Improper lane changes were the cause of at least 426 accidents. Some other causes of car accidents in Knox County included driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, failing to obey traffic signals, failing to signal intentions or use lights, and getting distracted by the GPS.

Many car accidents could have been prevented if one or more drivers had used reasonable care to avoid harm to others. Using reasonable care in many situations simply means paying attention to what is happening on the road and reacting appropriately. For example, leaving sufficient space when following another car allows a driver enough time to brake without rear-ending the other car. If you were rear-ended in Tennessee, it may have been the other driver's fault, and you can potentially bring a lawsuit for negligence. Most juries will find that improper following breaches a driver's duty to use reasonable care, and if improper following caused an accident that resulted in your injuries, the following driver probably will be held liable.

If a driver fails to obey a traffic signal and thereby causes your injuries, negligence per se, which means negligence as a matter of law, may apply. For negligence per se to apply, you must show that a safety law was violated, the violation was the legal cause of your injuries, and your injuries were of the type that the law was intended to prevent.

For example, all drivers in Tennessee are prohibited from texting while driving. If a police officer sees someone texting, they may issue a citation. After a car accident that causes injuries, you should contact the police. If you saw the other driver texting while driving, you should let the police know this. A citation in the police report for an accident may help you establish negligence per se. Once negligence per se is established, the focus of your case is likely to become the extent of the damages, rather than whether the other driver's negligence caused the accident.

Damages that you may be able to recover may include lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and mental anguish resulting from your injuries. If someone’s drunk driving caused the accident, you may be able to recover punitive damages as well.

Explore Your Options After a Car Accident With Knoxville Lawyer Mark Hartsoe

Tennessee car accident statistics reflect the importance of using appropriate care while driving. If you suffered injuries as a result of another driver's negligence, you should consult Knoxville car accident attorney Mark Hartsoe. Call the Hartsoe Law Firm at 865-804-1011 or contact us via our online form to schedule a free consultation. Mark Hartsoe represents victims who need a motor vehicle collision attorney in many areas of East Tennessee, including Knox, Blount, Monroe, Loudon, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, Campbell, Hamblen, Greene, Anderson, Cumberland, and Fentress Counties.


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I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
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I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
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I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
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Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
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