Move Over Violation Leads to Injury Crash on I-24 in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, TN (October 2, 2026) – A driver who failed to move over for a stopped tow truck hit the tow truck operator on westbound I-24 near Westside Drive on Thursday, October 1. 

Chattanooga Police said the collision happened while the worker was on the shoulder with emergency lights flashing.

Investigators said the driver crossed the line that separated the shoulder from traffic and struck the man. He was taken to a hospital in stable condition with serious injuries. 

The driver was cited for failing to move over, failing to use due care, and failing to maintain her lane.

The investigation into this accident remains ongoing. 

We are thinking of the injured worker and we wish them a strong recovery. 

Why Traffic Citations Matter in Chattanooga, TN Injury Claims

When a driver is cited for breaking a traffic law, that citation can carry weight beyond the ticket itself. Under a legal concept called negligence per se, violating a safety statute, such as Tennessee's Move Over Law, can serve as evidence that a driver acted unreasonably, which may support a civil injury claim.

A citation alone usually is not the end of the story. Insurers can still dispute how the violation relates to the injuries or argue that other factors contributed to what happened. Police reports, witness statements, and documentation of the roadway conditions at the time can all help connect a citation to the harm that followed.

Tennessee applies a modified comparative fault rule, so even when a citation supports one driver's fault, an insurer may try to assign some blame elsewhere to reduce what it owes. 

To make sure that fault is divided fairly, a personal injury lawyer in Chattanooga can help gather the citation, crash report, and any available video to show how a violation led to an injury. 

If you were hurt in a crash that involved a cited driver in Tennessee, you can reach out to Fox & Farmer for clear legal guidance. We can go over the details of your case and explain what options may be open for you under state law. 

To learn more, call Fox & Farmer at 423-531-9400. Our team is ready to talk with you to clear all your doubts whenever you need us.

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.