Falling Tree Injures Two in Crash on Hwy 36 in Sullivan Co., TN

Sullivan County, TN (September 28, 2026) – Two people were hurt on Sunday, September 27, when a falling tree struck a pickup truck that was traveling north on Highway 36 in Sullivan County. 

The tree landed on the bed of the truck, according to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The force sent the pickup airborne and over the guardrail. It then rolled down an embankment into a creek. Officials have not disclosed the full scope of the injuries. 

Investigators continue to investigate the accident. 

We are thinking of those hurt as they recover.

Who May Be Responsible for a Roadway Hazard on Highway 36 in Sullivan County, TN?

When a falling tree or other roadway hazard causes a crash, responsibility does not always fall on a driver. Depending on where the tree stood, liability can potentially rest with a private property owner, a timber company, or a government entity responsible for maintaining the road and its surroundings.

Tennessee law generally requires a landowner to act reasonably in maintaining trees near a roadway, particularly if there were visible signs of decay, disease, or instability beforehand. 

However, it is important to take into account that a claim against a government entity works differently and usually requires written notice within a set period under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act, along with proof that the entity knew or should have known about the hazard.

To fill a potential claim, it is necessary to have strong evidence. This includes weather reports, photographs of the tree and surrounding area, and any prior complaints about that tree or stretch of road can all help establish whether someone knew about the risk beforehand.

Tennessee's modified comparative fault system means more than one party can share responsibility for a single incident, and the outcome usually depends on evidence gathered quickly, before a fallen tree is cleared and the scene changes. A premises liability lawyer can help identify which party may be responsible and can work to preserve evidence before it disappears.

At Fox & Farmer, we are open to help people navigate through these types of situations across Tennessee. If you are dealing with a similar case, we can review the details and help you understand your possible next steps. 

To learn more, call Fox & Farmer at 423-390-0000 to talk through what happened and clear all your doubts.  

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fox & Farmer has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fox & Farmer so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fox & Farmer. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.