Rutherford Co., TN (March 15, 2025) – A fatal multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 24 late Wednesday night left one person dead and caused an extended highway closure in Rutherford County.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that the crash happened just after 11 p.m. on March 12 in the westbound lanes near Waldron Road. According to investigators, the driver of a Nissan Altima was traveling west toward La Vergne when he swerved, striking a Kia Optima. The Altima then collided with a cement barrier before being hit by a semi-truck. Sadly, the driver of the Kia Optima, identified as 34-year-old Brandon Smith, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. The drivers of the Nissan and the semi-truck were not hurt. Due to the severity of the crash, all westbound lanes between Smyrna and La Vergne remained closed for several hours. Officials urged drivers to take alternate routes as crews worked to clear the wreckage. By approximately 5:20 a.m. Thursday morning, the roadway was fully reopened.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision.

Our sincere sympathies go out to the family of Brandon Smith during this grieving time.

Truck Accidents in Tennessee

Tennessee's highways see a high volume of commercial truck traffic, increasing the risk of severe accidents. According to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety, large trucks were involved in nearly 14,000 crashes statewide in 2023. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Several factors contribute to crashes involving semi-trucks, including:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and exhaustion can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots where smaller vehicles can disappear from the driver's view, increasing the risk of side-impact collisions.
• Brake Failures: Mechanical issues, such as failing brakes or tire blowouts, can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to severe crashes.
• Speeding and Tailgating: High speeds and close following distances reduce stopping time, making it harder to avoid sudden traffic changes.
• Improper Lane Changes: Trucks require more space to switch lanes safely, and misjudging this distance can result in catastrophic accidents.

If you have lost a loved one in a Tennessee truck accident, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help you understand your legal rights. Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties such as trucking companies and insurance providers.Our proficient and empathetic Rutherford County wrongful death attorney at DZ Law can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and work to secure fair compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other damages.

At DZ Law, we are committed to helping families who have suffered losses due to truck accidents. We know how devastating these crashes can be, and we are here to provide the legal guidance you need. Our team offers free consultations to discuss your case and explore your options. Call us today at 865-259-0020 to get started.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.