Sparta, TN (June 21, 2025) – A serious crash involving an SUV and a tractor‑trailer occurred on June 19 on State Route 111 at Cane Creek Cummingsville Road, resulting in at least four people needing airlifted medical care.

Rescue crews were dispatched just before 2:30 p.m. after reports of the crash. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered the SUV had collided with a tractor‑trailer. Two occupants in the SUV were trapped and required extrication by volunteers from Piney, Doyle, Central View, and Spencer Fire Departments, along with Sparta Rescue Squad. Four medical helicopters responded to transport victims to local hospitals. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Van Buren County Sheriff's Office are investigating the cause. The incident led to road closures while crews cleared debris and secured the scene.

Our hearts go out to those injured in this accident as they recover.

Car Accidents in Tennessee

Car accidents remain a leading cause of serious injury in Tennessee. Each year, thousands of drivers are involved in collisions on highways, rural roads, and city streets across the state. In 2024 alone, the Tennessee Department of Safety reported over 900 fatal crashes and more than 200,000 total traffic accidents. Many of these result from speeding, distracted driving, or impaired operation of vehicles. While Tennessee has made progress in safety initiatives, the volume of traffic and mix of rural and urban roads continue to present significant risk.

Here's something you should know if you or a loved one has been harmed in a wreck in Tennessee:

1. Carbon monoxide poisoning from idling vehicles: Older vehicles without proper ventilation may leak exhaust when idling after a crash—or while stuck on scene. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly in SUVs and trucks without adequate airflow, causing dizziness, headache, or worse. Awareness of this hidden danger could help prevent secondary injuries after a crash.
2. Rollover risk in high‑center‑of‑gravity vehicles: SUVs and lifted trucks—especially in emergency maneuvers—are prone to rollover crashes. These rollovers often lead to roof collapse, side‑impact injuries, and ejection of occupants. Recognizing this risk can explain severe injuries in seemingly moderate impacts.
3. Delayed onset of whiplash symptoms: Whiplash and other soft‑tissue injuries may not appear immediately after impact. Victims often experience neck pain, headaches, or back discomfort days after discharge. Timely evaluation and medical documentation are important for long‑term care and legal claims.
4. Rear‑impact collisions and lumbar spine injury: Even lower‑speed rear‑end collisions can cause significant compression of the lower spine. The lumbar region may absorb impact forces, resulting in fractures, herniated discs, or chronic pain—especially in older adults or those with pre‑existing conditions.

If you've been involved in a crash like this one, it's crucial to speak with a qualified legal advocate right away. A Sparta truck accident attorney can explain your rights, protect you from insurance companies, and ensure that medical expenses and lost wages are covered. Having local representation provides access to state statutes, experienced investigators, and timely filing of injury claims. Waiting too long can risk losing time‑sensitive evidence or exceeding filing deadlines.

For compassionate, dedicated legal support, call DZ Law for a free consultation at 865‑259‑0020. Our team in Sparta is here to guide you through every step—answering your questions, arranging medical care, and pushing for the best outcome on your behalf. We fight to hold at‑fault parties accountable and help you focus on healing while we handle the legal work. Your well‑being and rights are our top priority—call DZ Law 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.