Driver in Nissan Rogue strikes turning Ford Ranger on Hartsville Pike
December 14, 2025 | Wilson, TN
A 79-year-old Wilson County resident lost his life in a tragic two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Hartsville Pike and Rutledge Lane.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with charges pending against those involved.
What Happened in the Crash?
Rex Lewis Adams, 79, of Wilson County, died after his 2002 Ford Ranger was struck on the driver’s side by a Nissan Rogue while turning from Rutledge Lane onto Hartsville Pike.
The incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 when Rex Lewis Adams was driving his 2002 Ford Ranger eastbound on Rutledge Lane. As he attempted to turn onto Hartsville Pike, his vehicle was struck on the driver's side door by a southbound 2020 Nissan Rogue.
- Location: Hartsville Pike and Rutledge Lane, Wilson, Tennessee
- Time: Approximately 6 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 2002 Ford Ranger, driven by Adams, and 2020 Nissan Rogue
- Driver of Nissan Rogue: 38-year-old woman
- Passenger in Nissan Rogue: 4-year-old child
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
Adams sustained fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nissan Rogue driver and her young passenger both suffered injuries but are expected to recover. Notably, troopers reported that neither the driver nor the passenger in the Nissan was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues to investigate the factors leading to the collision, including road conditions, visibility, and potential violations. Preliminary findings suggest the turn maneuver and southbound travel contributed to the severity.
Crash Statistics and Contributing Factors
Motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 33,654 fatal crashes in 2018, resulting in 36,560 deaths—an average of 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.13 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.
Year |
Fatal Crashes |
Total Deaths |
Deaths per 100,000 People |
Deaths per 100 Million Miles Traveled |
|---|
2018 |
33,654 |
36,560 |
11.2 |
1.13 |
Common contributing factors in intersection crashes like this one include:
- Failure to yield during turns
- Speeding in residential areas
- Lack of seatbelt usage
- Poor visibility at dusk
Road conditions, lighting, and driver attentiveness are often examined in such investigations, as noted by safety professionals.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions at intersections, thorough analysis is crucial to understanding the sequence of events.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on similar incidents:
- Investigations may involve competent reconstructions to determine the fault.
- Families affected by such tragedies deserve comprehensive support.
- Compensation can address medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized the emotional toll:
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to 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 outcome of the Tennessee Highway Patrol's investigation, the family of Rex Lewis Adams may pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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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).