Memphis, TN — December 11, 2024, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 3:15 a.m. near Memphis International Airport.
One man was transported to a local hospital after authorities responded to a two-vehicle crash on East Shelby Drive near Louis Carruthers Drive. He was hospitalized in critical condition, police said.
News reports indicate there was a jackknifed semi-truck at the scene of the crash that forced authorities to shut down all traffic on Shelby Drive, which is at the south end of the airport. The truck was partially in the median.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash, or the man who was injured.
The accident remains under investigation at this point.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
While there’s limited information at this point, there are several important elements to analyze:
Jackknifed Semi-Truck: Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out of alignment with its tractor, often due to braking issues, driver error or slick road conditions. Was the road wet or icy? If not, what caused the truck to lose control? Did the truck driver respond appropriately to the situation that led to the jackknife? Inadequate training can cause drivers to panic, leading to avoidable crashes. Overloading or improperly loaded cargo can exacerbate such situations. Mechanical issues such as faulty brakes or uneven tire pressure could also play a role. Obtaining maintenance records for the truck is crucial to understanding if equipment failure contributed.
Time and Location: The crash happened after 3 a.m., a time when fatigue or reduced visibility could play a role. Was the truck driver fatigued? Reviewing hours-of-service logs and the driver’s recent work history could provide insight. The area near the airport likely sees a mix of heavy truck traffic and fast-moving vehicles. Was the driver navigating tight schedules or airport delivery routes? Company policies on scheduling and delivery timelines may need scrutiny.
Crash Scene Evidence: A thorough investigation should include data from the truck’s engine control module (ECM), which could reveal the truck’s speed, braking, and other critical factors at the time of the crash. Authorities must also consider external factors like roadway design, visibility, and signage. Are there blind spots, poor lighting, or confusing traffic patterns that could have contributed?
Official investigations often focus on surface-level causes, in my experience. A deeper probe into the truck’s maintenance, cargo loading and the driver’s condition and training will provide a clearer picture of what happened.
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