COOKEVILLE, Putnam County, Tenn., Oct. 27, 2026 — A pedestrian suffered reported minor injuries Monday night, October 26, after being struck by a vehicle on North Willow Avenue near the Tennessee Tech campus in Cookeville, Tennessee.
The Cookeville Police Department said the crash happened just before 8:30 p.m. near the North Willow Avenue and West 12th St intersection. A man was crossing the roadway on the west side of North Willow Avenue when he was struck by a 2005 Honda Odyssey.
The report, filed by Officer Tiffany Beaty, said the driver had been leaving a parking lot at 1205 North Willow Avenue through its northwest exit. The driver told police he stopped before entering the roadway and that it appeared clear. He then turned left to head south on North Willow Avenue and was merging into a turn lane when the front passenger side of his vehicle struck the pedestrian, the report said.
Beaty noted there was no marked crosswalk at the location. The pedestrian was able to move on his own before emergency crews arrived but reported pain in his back and side, and he was taken by ambulance to Cookeville Regional Medical Center for evaluation. The report said the vehicle sustained little if any damage and was able to leave the scene under its own power.
Investigators said drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, and no charges are expected to be filed.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Cookeville, TN
This pedestrian crash happened at North Willow Avenue and West 12th Street in Cookeville, Tennessee. We cover crashes across Putnam County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Putnam County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections, but drivers and walkers both share responsibility for watching traffic and crossing safely, especially where no crosswalk is marked.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
Even at low speeds, pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer bruising, sprains, and back or hip injuries from the impact or a fall afterward. Head and leg injuries are also common depending on the point of contact.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Cookeville, TN
Anyone crossing streets near busy areas like the Tennessee Tech campus should stay alert for vehicles turning out of parking lots and driveways, since drivers don't always have a clear line of sight. If you're involved in a pedestrian crash, seek medical attention promptly, document the scene if you're able, and request the official police report for your records. Follow up with a doctor in the days after, since soft-tissue injuries and pain can worsen or become more noticeable after the initial shock fades.
