Tennessee vehicle accident data

Car accidents are on the rise across Middle Tennessee, and the numbers don’t lie. In busy cities like Nashville and growing communities, crashes and injuries are becoming more frequent every year. Recent data from the Tennessee Department of Safety shows just how serious the problem has become.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, a Smyrna, TN car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Before you get behind the wheel, take a closer look at what the latest numbers reveal about traffic safety in your area.

Traffic wrecks by county

Total car wrecks by county (2022–2024)

Injuries from car wrecks (2022–2024)

(Includes serious, minor, and possible injuries)

Source: Tennessee Traffic Crash Data by County

Crash and injury numbers have gone up and down across Middle Tennessee over the past three years. Rutherford County had fewer crashes each year, dropping from over 25,000 in 2022 to under 23,000 in 2024. Injuries followed the same trend. Davidson County still sees the most wrecks overall, but both crashes and injuries have gone down a bit each year, which could mean road safety is improving. On the other hand, Wilson County crashes have gone up steadily, and more people are getting hurt in those wrecks.

Some smaller counties are showing mixed results. Coffee County had more crashes each year, but injuries stayed about the same. Bedford had more people hurt in 2023 than in other years, even though crash totals dropped in 2024. Hickman County doesn’t have many crashes, but the number of injuries is still high for its size. These patterns show that while some areas are getting safer, others may still need better traffic enforcement or road improvements.

Why are car accidents increasing in Tennessee?

The population boom in Middle Tennessee is changing the way people live and drive. Communities like Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Nolensville are experiencing rapid growth, and as a result, more residents mean more cars on the road. With that increase in traffic comes a higher risk of crashes, especially during peak commuting hours.

But it’s not just about traffic volume. Distracted driving, especially texting behind the wheel, continues to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in Tennessee. Speeding, impaired driving, and driver fatigue may also play big roles.

Infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with growth, either. It’s possible that many roads and intersections weren’t designed to handle today’s traffic levels. Combined with growing pressure on drivers to multitask, these conditions create a perfect storm for wrecks.

Were you injured in a Tennessee car accident?

There’s no need to suffer alone due to someone else’s negligence. The experienced legal team at Weir & Kestner Injury Attorneys is dedicated to providing the best possible representation to victims of car accidents. 

Contact us online or call our office directly at (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll arrange a time to meet with you at one of our offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro, or Chattanooga—whichever location is most convenient for you.