Memphis, TN — June 30, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:00 A.M. on South Cooper Street.

According to reports, a vehicle was traveling on South Cooper Street when it lost control for unknown reasons and left the road, crashing into the porch of a restaurant.

When first responders arrived at the scene they found one person injured and transported them to the hospital, though it's unclear if this was the driver or someone in the restaurant. No other injuries have been reported, and officials have not released an update on the investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle veers off a public roadway and crashes into a structure, it raises concerns that go beyond driver error. The investigation needs to address whether the vehicle performed as expected, and whether the systems in place were functioning properly at the time of the incident.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
When a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes a fixed structure, investigators should examine the full sequence of events leading up to the crash. That includes mapping tire marks, reviewing any surveillance footage in the area, and determining whether there was any attempt to brake or steer. It's also important to clarify whether the driver experienced a medical issue or was reacting to something outside the vehicle. Without a complete scene review, those factors remain speculative.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Sudden loss of control may result from issues like brake failure, power steering malfunction, or stuck throttle—all of which can prevent a driver from safely navigating or stopping a vehicle. If the crash involved a mechanical failure, it’s essential that the vehicle be fully inspected before any conclusions are drawn. These failures often leave few visible signs, and they won’t be uncovered without a hands-on technical review.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles can provide crucial data—speed, brake use, steering inputs, and whether any driver assistance systems engaged or failed. That information could explain whether the vehicle failed to respond to the driver’s input, or if no attempt to control the vehicle was made. Either scenario has very different implications, but both require access to that onboard data to verify.

When a car crashes into a building, it’s easy to label it a driver mistake. But until the data, systems, and vehicle itself are examined, the cause remains an open question.

Takeaways:

• Crashes involving fixed structures require full analysis of the vehicle’s path and behavior.
• Mechanical issues, including braking and steering problems, should be ruled out through inspection.
• Onboard data is essential to understanding driver actions and vehicle response.