Jeep veers off roadway and down embankment after Lincoln strikes vehicle near mile marker 9
November 13, 2025 | Clarksville, TN
A tragic two-vehicle collision on Interstate 24 claimed the life of 52-year-old Michael Atzert, a pilot with Air Evac Lifeteam 62 based in Kentucky.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning near mile marker 9, sending Atzert's vehicle into the Red River.
Michael Atzert, 52, died after his Jeep Wrangler went down an embankment into the Red River following a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 24 near mile marker 9 in Clarksville.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that the collision involved a 2004 Lincoln Town Car traveling westbound and a 2022 Jeep Wrangler driven by Atzert. The impact forced the Jeep off the roadway, down an embankment, and into the waterway around 5 a.m.
Key details include:
- Location: Interstate 24, near mile marker 9, Clarksville, Tennessee
- Date and Time: Nov. 13, 2025, approximately 5 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2004 Lincoln Town Car and 2022 Jeep Wrangler
- Outcome: Atzert sustained fatal injuries; the 28-year-old driver of the Lincoln faces pending charges
The force of the crash highlights the dangers of interstate travel, especially in areas with nearby waterways.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death in Tennessee. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding tops the list of contributing factors, followed by impaired driving, lane deviations, failure to yield, and distractions.
Contributing Factor |
Description |
Impact on Fatal Crashes |
|---|
Speeding |
Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions |
Primary cause, increases severity |
Alcohol/Drugs/Medication |
Impaired judgment and reaction times |
Second leading factor |
Failure to Stay in Lane |
Veering into other lanes or off-road |
Common in multi-vehicle incidents |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving right-of-way to others |
Leads to side-impact collisions |
Distracted Driving |
Use of phones or other diversions |
Rising concern with technology |
Road conditions, poor visibility, and lighting also play roles, as noted in investigations of similar wrecks.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, determining the precise cause is crucial for accountability and support for affected families. National legal analysts provide perspective on navigating these complex situations.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Accident reconstruction teams help piece together events for accurate findings.
- Families may explore compensation for damages or losses through thorough investigations.
- Legal guidance ensures rights are protected during official probes.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending the probe, Atzert's family could consider a wrongful death claim to address loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Crash Statistics in Tennessee
The NHTSA reports 1,339 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in Tennessee during 2023, marking a 1.9% rise from the prior year. This underscores the ongoing need for safer driving practices on highways like I-24.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).