Authorities in Memphis are investigating a serious two-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer that left one person critically injured Friday morning.
According to the Memphis Police Department, the crash occurred at the intersection of South Third Street and East Mallory Avenue. One person was transported to Regional One Health in critical condition. Details on the sequence of events or the cause of the collision have not yet been released.
Whenever I hear about serious injury crashes involving tractor-trailers, I think about how important it is to fully understand the actions of the commercial driver and the condition of the truck.
Could Fatigue or Distraction Have Affected the Truck Driver’s Awareness?
Crashes at intersections, particularly involving large commercial vehicles, often come down to whether the truck driver was fully alert to changing traffic conditions. Even a brief lapse in attention due to distraction or fatigue can leave a commercial driver unable to respond in time. Investigators should examine the driver’s hours-of-service logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and phone records to determine if distraction or drowsiness played a role.
Was the Truck Functioning Properly at the Time of the Crash?
Another question investigators must explore is whether any mechanical issue with the tractor-trailer contributed to the crash. Braking problems, steering defects, or tire failures can all limit a truck’s ability to avoid a collision.
A thorough inspection of the semi’s braking system, tires, and maintenance records may help determine whether mechanical condition was a factor. Failures like these don’t always leave obvious signs, which is why comprehensive testing is so important.
What Evidence Will Help Determine How the Crash Happened?
To understand how this crash occurred, investigators should gather physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle resting positions, skid marks, and any damage patterns. Engine Control Module (ECM) data can provide insight into whether the truck was braking, accelerating, or attempting evasive action at the time of impact. Dash cam or traffic camera footage, if available, could also offer crucial perspective on how the vehicles came into contact and whether there was a missed opportunity to prevent the crash.
Why a Full Investigation Matters in Semi-Truck Crashes
From my experience, crashes involving tractor-trailers in city environments are rarely simple. They demand a full understanding of the driver’s attentiveness, the vehicle’s condition, and how the collision unfolded moment by moment. When someone is left critically injured, it’s essential to get clear answers.