Smithville, TN (June 23, 2025) – Early Saturday morning, June 21, a head‑on collision on Smithville Highway led to multiple injuries. DeKalb County first responders were called just after 2:30 a.m. when two vehicles slammed into each other near the county line. One car ended up in a roadside ditch, while the other remained on the highway.

A Greenbrier mother and two others were trapped following the impact, with one vehicle catching fire. Deputies used fire extinguishers to control the blaze until firefighters could arrive. Fire crews worked quickly to free a person who was pinned inside the second car. Paramedics treated all three crash victims on scene before rushing them to Cookeville Regional Medical Center. At least one person was hurt in the accident, and all those injured were transported for further care. The crash prompted Smithville Highway to be shut down for several hours as crews cleared the wreckage. Traffic delays were reported throughout the early morning as emergency personnel managed the scene. Authorities say the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department is investigating the cause of the collision.

We hope those injured in this accident recover rapidly.

Car Accidents in Tennessee

Tennessee sees a significant number of motor vehicle accidents each year, with an average of over 900 fatalities and more than 95,000 injuries reported annually. While many result in minor injuries, serious crashes like head‑on collisions remain a leading cause of death. Rural highways—such as Smithville Highway—account for a large share of these accidents due to higher speeds and limited visibility. These crashes also place emotional and financial strain on families and communities.
Here's a look at a common issue tied to accidents in Tennessee:

• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or adjusting a radio can draw attention from the road. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, distracted driving contributes to more than 25 percent of traffic accidents statewide. Even a few seconds of inattention at highway speeds can make avoiding a sudden hazard nearly impossible.
• Speeding: Many collisions occur when drivers exceed posted limits. High-speed impacts amplify the force of a crash, often resulting in more severe injuries. In rural areas, drivers may feel less restricted and push beyond safe speeds.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment remains a frequent factor in Tennessee crashes. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office reports that approximately 30 percent of fatal crashes involve impairment. Even legally sober drivers can have reduced reaction times under the influence of prescription medication.
• Lack of Seat Belt Use: Not wearing a seat belt increases the likelihood of serious injury. Studies show that seat belt compliance is slightly lower in rural counties compared to urban areas. Without proper restraint, occupants can be ejected or suffer major trauma in a collision.
  Victims dealing with injuries or vehicle damage may be left handling medical bills, lost income, and legal questions.

After a crash, it is essential to call our Smithville car accident attorneys at DZ Law right away. Our Smithville car accident attorney can help protect your rights following a collision. We know how stressful managing medical reports, insurance claims, and hospital bills can be while recovering. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence, review crash reports, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Making that call early helps preserve critical evidence—such as skid mark measurements and witness statements. We will also work to ensure any compensation covers both current medical costs and future treatment needs. Let our Smithville car accident attorneys guide you through every step and fight for the financial support you deserve.

DZ Law offers free consultations to help accident victims and their families move forward. Our team is here to listen, review your case, and explain your legal options with care and compassion. Drawing on years of experience handling serious car crashes across Tennessee, we know how to build a strong case. Our attorneys handle all negotiations and paperwork so you can focus on recovery.

We strive to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You won't pay anything upfront—we only get paid if we win. Call our Smithville car accident attorneys at 865‑259‑0020 today 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.