Memphis, TN — March 12, 2025, one person was injured in a three-truck accident shortly after 8:15 a.m. along East Shelby Drive.

According to authorities, the accident took place at the East Shelby Drive and Malone Street intersection.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between two 18-wheelers and a dump truck. One person reportedly sustained injuries of unknown severity, though their condition was not described as to have been critical. It does not appear that anyone else was harmed. Additional information pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves two 18-wheelers and a dump truck, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What triggered the collision? Multi-truck accidents don’t happen in isolation—something set off the chain of events. Did one truck fail to stop in time? Did a driver attempt an unsafe lane change? Investigators should review dashcam footage, black box data, and witness statements to determine how the wreck began.

Was speed or following distance a factor? Large trucks require significantly more stopping distance than smaller vehicles, and even minor miscalculations can lead to collisions. If one of the trucks was following too closely or traveling too fast for traffic conditions, that could have contributed to the crash. Investigators should analyze braking distances, black box data, and traffic flow at the time of the wreck.

Did cargo play a role? Dump trucks often carry loose material that can shift if not properly secured, and improperly loaded 18-wheelers can become unstable. Investigators need to determine whether shifting cargo, an overweight load, or improper weight distribution played a role in any of the trucks losing control. Reviewing cargo manifests, weigh station records, and truck inspection reports could provide insight.

Did the trucking companies play a role? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and following safety regulations. If any of these drivers were fatigued, under pressure to meet tight deadlines, or operating poorly maintained trucks, investigators need to uncover those details. Reviewing company policies, safety records, and prior violations could provide insight into whether broader issues contributed to the crash.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity they deserve.