The state of Tennessee saw more than 1,000 motor vehicle accident deaths in 2012, a significant increase from the rate of fatalities recorded the previous year. Despite efforts by local and state authorities to reduce the risk of fatalities caused by traffic accidents in Tennessee, there were 72 more deaths on roadways across the state in 2012 than in 2011, bringing the grand total to 1,002. If you have suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in Tennessee, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, contact our experienced attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to discuss your legal options. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another person or party, you may have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit for compensation.
With the assistance of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, two digital “Click It or Ticket” signs urging motorists to wear their seat belts were stationed on roadways in Obion County, Tennessee in July. Obion County alone saw 12 motor vehicle fatalities in 2012, including a triple fatality resulting from the first accident of the year, in early January. Including this tragic accident, Tennessee was on par to approach an all-time high for motor vehicle accident deaths during the first three months of 2012. In response to this disturbing trend, the Department of Transportation put a running tally of car accident deaths in Tennessee on 150 digital signs across the state in April, along with important public safety messages. Although the rate of roadway fatalities in Tennessee surpassed 1,000 in 2012, the final tally was still well below the 1,300 traffic accident deaths recorded in the state in 2004.
In an effort to curb motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities throughout Tennessee, authorities are cracking down on what they deem to be high-risk driving behavior, including drunk driving, drowsy driving, reckless driving, distraction and negligence. Drinking and driving was a major concern for the New Year’s Eve holiday, as Tennessee law enforcement aggressively sought out impaired drivers across the state through January 1, also enforcing seat belt and no-texting laws. If you have been injured in a car accident in Tennessee, don’t wait to protect your legal rights; contact our knowledgeable lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today for legal help. Our team of skilled attorneys has experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims, and will work hard to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.