MEMPHIS, Shelby County, Tenn., Sept. 30, 2026 — A man was in critical condition Monday afternoon, September 28, after a crash involving a sedan, a garbage truck and a semi truck on Lamar Avenue in Memphis. The Memphis Police Department said officers responded just south of Getwell Road.
Police said the call came in at 3:14 p.m. Scene footage showed the sedan with heavy damage to both its front and rear end, and the vehicle was described as totaled in the impact.
One man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to police. No other injuries were reported.
Traffic backed up in the area as crews worked to clear the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, police said.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Truck Crashes and Impairment: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4 percent of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher in 2023. That figure is lower than the rate seen among passenger vehicle drivers in fatal crashes, a pattern researchers have tied to the licensing and drug-testing rules commercial drivers face.
The low percentage does not mean truck crashes are rare or minor. Large trucks and garbage trucks weigh far more than passenger cars, so even a crash without alcohol involved can leave a sedan crushed on both ends, as seen in collisions where a car is caught between two heavy vehicles.
Investigators looking at truck involved crashes typically examine speed, braking distance, driver logs and mechanical condition alongside any signs of impairment, since the cause of a multi-vehicle wreck is often a mix of factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers share the road with trucks and garbage trucks safely?
Give them extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots near the cab and rear, and expect wider turns and longer stopping distances than a passenger car needs.
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Fatigue is a recognized factor in commercial vehicle crashes nationally, though it is not confirmed in any specific incident unless an agency releases that finding.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, stay clear of traffic lanes if possible, seek medical evaluation even for injuries that seem minor, and get the responding agency's report number for your records.
Why do large trucks need so much room to stop?
Their weight and size mean braking distances can run several times longer than a car's, especially at highway speeds or in wet conditions.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Memphis, Tennessee
If you're involved in or witness a crash like this one, move to safety if you're able and call 911 right away. Even if injuries aren't obvious at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a high-impact collision take hours to show symptoms. Don't forget to get the names and badge numbers of responding officers, and ask how to obtain the official report once it's filed. Make sure to take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and reach out to your insurance company promptly to start documenting the claim.
