Nashville is located at the center of several major interstate highways, making it invaluable for freight transportation throughout the Southeast. The large freight trucks that power this industry are driven by experienced, licensed professionals, and each vehicle is subject to strict safety precautions.
Unfortunately, despite comprehensive training and precautions, accidents can still occur. In Nashville, with its interconnected highways, certain areas are more prone to trucking and auto accidents than others. Read along to learn which roads in Nashville you should drive more cautiously to get home safely.
Whether you were driving the commercial truck or the passenger vehicle, securing experienced legal representation after a truck accident in Nashville is essential. The Nashville accident attorneys at Bart Durham Injury Law pursue accountability from negligent drivers and trucking companies, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve!
You can trust our 75+ years of experience with your accident claim, knowing that you have a legal team that will work tirelessly on your behalf.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents are frequently caused by a combination of factors. Driver exhaustion is one of the biggest causes—long hours on the road paired with tight delivery deadlines can drive truckers over the federal Hours of Service limit.
Distracted driving, whether using GPS or tablets, often leads to crashes, especially in congested metropolitan areas like downtown Nashville.
Other common reasons include mechanical issues (such as brake or tire blowouts), poor cargo loading, which transfers weight, and inclement weather—ice and heavy rain can transform roadways into hazards overnight.
Nashville’s Major Trucking Routes
Nashville’s strategic location makes it a crossroads for several trucking routes from various areas of the country:
- Interstate 40 (I-40): Running west to east throughout the city, it connects Nashville to Memphis and Knoxville.
- Interstate 24 (I-24): Running southeast through Antioch, it connects Nashville to Chattanooga and Atlanta.
- Interstate 65 (I-65): Running north to south throughout the city, it connects Nashville to Louisville and Huntsville.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident along any of these major trucking routes, Bart Durham Injury Law is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
Accident Hotspots
While accidents can occur anywhere, certain hotspots in Nashville consistently see higher crash rates involving commercial trucks.
Interchanges
- I-40 at I-24 Interchange: This interchange, located near the International Airport, connects traffic from Antioch and Hermitage as they merge to enter downtown.
- I-24 at I-65 Interchange: Located near Trinity Lane, this interchange connects western downtown and eastern downtown traffic, with drivers switching lanes to exit towards Clarksville or Indianapolis at the fork.
- I-24 at Briley Parkway: Located near Harding Place, this interchange is often used by drivers who hope to avoid downtown traffic. It is also used frequently by truckers.
- I-40 at Briley Parkway: This interchange is near the exit for the airport, often causing traffic and accidents due to confusion among drivers.
Along I-40
- Midtown Exit (Exit 209): Downtown’s frequent exits and multiple lane highways, combined with high speed, contribute to rear-end and side-swipe collisions.
- Donelson Pike (Exit 216): Hotels, restaurants, and a location near Opry Mills Mall and the Airport make this exit a frequent hotspot for accidents during peak hours.
Along I-24
- Harding Place Exit (Exit 56): Running east to west from the airport to Bell Meade, this exit is often backed up, and drivers often attempt to avoid traffic by cutting off others.
- Bell Road Exit (Exit 59): Connecting Nolensville and Brentwood to the West and Antioch to the east, it is a busy road that often poses challenges for truckers.
Along I-65
- Old Hickory Blvd Exit (Exit 74A): Located right at the border of Davidson and Williamson counties, this exit is busiest during rush hours.
- Goodlettsville Exit (Exit 95): Located near Rivergate Mall, this exit splits from the 4-lane highway into a 2-lane roadway, causing traffic and side-swiping accidents.
How to Protect Yourself
Adhering to these practices can reduce truck accident risk:
- Maintain Safe Following Distance: Trucks require up to 40% more stopping distance than cars.
- Use Proper Signals: Signaling lane changes and turns gives truckers ample time to react.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Refrain from riding alongside the truck’s trailer, especially the right side.
If you are involved in an accident, take these crucial steps:
- Call 911 for any needed medical help.
- Document the scene with photos and videos, and witnesses if possible.
- Preserve evidence such as medical reports, accident reports, etc.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer like the ones at Bart Durham Injury Law.
If your safety precautions were not enough, and you need to discuss your case, reach out to Bart Durham Injury Law at 800.844.1712 immediately.
Your Advocate After a Truck Accident
Trucking is essential to Nashville’s economy, but with high freight volumes come elevated risks. Trucking accidents can be life-altering, even resulting in fatalities. When accidents happen, you need a law firm with proven experience in complex commercial vehicle litigation.
From catastrophic injuries to complex liability issues, Bart Durham Injury Law has decades of experience winning justice for crash victims. When it comes to trucking accident claims in Nashville, put the power of a dedicated legal team in your corner.
Don’t navigate the aftermath of a trucking accident on your own. Contact Bart Durham Injury Law by visiting our website or calling us at 800.844.1712 and learn how our experienced legal team can help you get the justice you deserve!
