Cumberland County, TN — May 9, 2025, One person was injured in a car accident that occurred around 5:45 P.M. on Rockwood Airport Road W.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the evening hours of May 9th. According to official reports, Brenda McClure was traveling in a Nissan Altima in the area of Rockwood Airport Road West and Golliher Road when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway where it struck a culvert followed by multiple trees.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that McClure had sustained serious injuries and she was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of her injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a single-vehicle crash results in a vehicle leaving the roadway and striking multiple fixed objects, it’s critical that investigators explore all possible causes to understand how the incident occurred. The May 9th crash involving a Nissan Altima on Rockwood Airport Road West near Golliher Road, in which the driver sustained serious injuries after colliding with a culvert and multiple trees, raises several important questions. To determine what led to the loss of control and whether it could have been prevented, the investigation should begin by addressing three core areas.

First, has the scene been thoroughly examined to establish the vehicle’s path and environmental conditions? Roadway features such as curves, surface irregularities, shoulder drop-offs, and lighting conditions can all contribute to a loss of control. Investigators should analyze skid marks, the trajectory of the vehicle, and the placement of the culvert and trees to determine whether the departure from the road was gradual or sudden, and whether there was any attempt to correct course before impact.

Second, has the vehicle been inspected for potential mechanical failures? A sudden issue with steering, braking, or tires could cause a vehicle to veer off the roadway unexpectedly. In addition, the condition and performance of the vehicle’s safety systems—such as anti-lock brakes and stability control—may influence both the cause and outcome of the crash. Investigators should also consider whether the vehicle’s restraint systems functioned as intended during the collision sequence.

Third, has all electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved and analyzed? The Altima is likely equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records critical data in the moments leading up to a crash—including vehicle speed, throttle position, brake pressure, and steering input. This data can provide a clearer picture of how the vehicle was being operated and how it responded. If any dash cam footage or nearby surveillance video exists, it could further illuminate the sequence of events and offer additional context.

Single-vehicle crashes often raise more questions than answers initially, especially when there are serious injuries and no clear witness accounts. These three investigative questions—focused on the roadway, vehicle condition, and electronic data—are essential to building a complete, evidence-based understanding of the crash. Only with that level of insight can those affected begin to understand what happened and whether steps could be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.