The north end of I-26 runs through Sullivan County into Kingsport, where the interstate ends at the junction of US-11W and US-23. This stretch carries commuters heading to Eastman and downtown Kingsport, traffic coming off I-81, and through traffic heading north into Virginia on US-23.
My office is on Wilcox Drive in Kingsport, a few minutes from this part of I-26. If you were hurt in a wreck here, I can usually meet you the same day.
Trouble spots on the Kingsport end of I-26
The I-81 interchange
Where I-26 and I-81 meet, drivers are merging, changing lanes and picking exits at interstate speed. Interstate-to-interstate merges are a classic setting for sideswipes, unsafe lane changes and rear-end crashes when traffic backs up on a ramp.
Rock Springs Road and the curves near mile marker 7
In one recent crash, the Highway Patrol reported that a pickup traveling west on I-26 tried to take a curve near mile marker 7, ran off the left side of the interstate and hit the cable barrier. Five vehicles were involved, two people were hurt, eastbound I-26 was shut down for hours near the Rock Springs Road exit, and charges were pending against a driver. Curves plus speed plus heavy traffic is a recipe for exactly that kind of chain reaction.
The north end where I-26 meets US-11W and US-23
Where the interstate ends, traffic has to slow down and sort itself into city streets and highways. Drivers who don’t adjust in time cause rear-end crashes.
Who investigates and where your case is filed
Wrecks on this stretch may be worked by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Kingsport police or the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. If your case has to be filed, it will usually go to Sullivan County, where I try cases.
What to do next
- Get the crash report number and the agency that took it.
- Photograph every vehicle, especially commercial trucks and their DOT numbers.
- Get medical care and keep every record.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company.
Read the full I-26 wreck guide, or learn about car wreck and truck wreck cases.
An 83-year-old driver hit by a company vehicle. $500,000.
My client was 83 when a vehicle owned by a local company hit her at an intersection on Center Street in Kingsport on a rainy evening. She broke her ankle, her sternum and several ribs. The defense pointed to her osteoporosis and argued some of the fractures were old.
I sued the driver, the vehicle’s owner and the company in Sullivan County and got her doctors ready to testify. The case settled for $500,000 just before they took the stand.
Every case is different. A past result does not guarantee the same outcome in your case.
Wrecked on I-26 in Kingsport? Don’t wait. Call Bates.
Call or text Robert at (423) 765-1215. Free consultation, no fee unless we win.