MEMPHIS, Shelby County, TN, Sept. 24, 2026 — Three people were injured Wednesday morning, September 23, when a car reportedly involved in a hit and run struck a home in the Parkway Village area of Memphis, Tennessee. The Memphis Police Department responded to the scene at Chuck Ave. and Goodlett Rd. around 6 a.m., according to the department.
Police said the driver was fleeing the scene of an earlier hit and run before the car hit the residence. The driver was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-critical and was later detained, the department reported.
Two people inside the home were hurt when the vehicle struck the structure, according to police. An adult man was hospitalized in critical condition. A juvenile in the home was also injured but was treated at the scene rather than taken to a hospital, the department said.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the initial hit and run or the driver's identity.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Where Home-Involved Car Crashes Tend to Happen
Cars that leave the roadway and strike a house tend to cluster in residential neighborhoods where streets meet at intersections close to front yards and driveways, leaving little buffer between traffic and structures. Corners, especially where one driver is speeding, fleeing, or losing control, put homes directly in the path a vehicle takes when it leaves the pavement.
Wide, straight residential streets can also encourage higher speeds than the posted limit, and a driver who overcorrects or loses control near an intersection has little distance left to stop before reaching a front lawn or porch. Older neighborhoods built before modern setback requirements place homes nearer the curb, narrowing that margin further.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Crashes that end with a vehicle leaving the road and hitting a fixed structure are a small share of that total, but they show how quickly a crash on a residential street can reach people who were never on the road at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Distracted driving takes a driver's attention off the road for critical seconds, during which a vehicle can travel far enough to miss a turn, run off the roadway, or fail to stop for a hazard. Even brief distractions raise the odds of losing control or reacting too late.
How do weather and road conditions contribute to crashes?
Rain, fog, and low light reduce visibility and traction, making it harder for drivers to judge distances and stop in time. Poorly lit intersections and uneven pavement can also make it more likely that a driver drifts off course.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Check for injuries, call 911, and move to a safe location if possible. Exchange information with other drivers involved, take photos of the scene, and wait for police to arrive and file a report.
What to Do After a Car Crash Into a Home in Memphis, TN
Anyone inside a home struck by a vehicle should get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor at first, since impacts can cause delayed pain or internal injuries. It's also worth documenting damage to the structure and any belongings before repairs begin, in case of insurance claims.
If you witness or are involved in a similar crash, stay clear of any unstable parts of the building and let emergency crews assess the structure before going back inside. Keep a copy of the police report and any photos taken at the scene, and follow up with your insurance provider promptly to start the claims process.
