MEMPHIS, Shelby County, Tenn., Oct. 5, 2026 — A man suffered serious injuries Sunday evening, October 4, after a driver struck him at E.H. Crump Blvd and S Camilla St, near South Memphis and left the scene, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Officers were called to the crash just after 7 p.m. The man was reportedly taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The driver who struck him did not stay at the scene, Memphis Police said. Investigators have not released a description of the vehicle involved.
The department has not said whether charges are anticipated. The search for the driver was ongoing as of this report.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
How Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Get Investigated
Piecing together a hit-and-run starts with what's left behind at the scene: paint transfer, broken headlight or mirror fragments, tire marks, and debris that can sometimes narrow down a vehicle's make or model before anyone is identified. Investigators also canvass nearby businesses and homes for surveillance footage, since a doorbell camera or a gas station's exterior camera can capture a plate number or a distinctive vehicle feature that witnesses miss.
Identifying a driver who fled often takes longer than identifying the person who was hurt. Tips from the public, license plate readers, and body shop records of recent repairs all factor into these cases, and that process can stretch on for days or weeks even when a department is actively working the case.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That concentration in cities means departments like Memphis Police handle a steady volume of these crashes, which can also affect how quickly resources get assigned to any single case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Most occur in urban areas, often at or near intersections, crosswalks, or roadways with heavier traffic volume.
Are pedestrian crashes more common at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility after dark raises the risk, especially where street lighting is limited or a pedestrian is crossing outside a marked crosswalk.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 if possible, avoid moving unless necessary, and try to get a description of the vehicle or any witnesses' contact information. A medical evaluation afterward is important even if injuries seem minor at first.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, though drivers and pedestrians both carry a responsibility to watch for each other at intersections.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash in Memphis, TN
If you or someone nearby is involved in a hit-and-run, try to note anything about the vehicle, including color, direction of travel, or partial plate numbers, and report it to police as soon as you can. Seeking medical care quickly matters even when pain or injury isn't immediately obvious, since some injuries take hours to fully present.
Keep a record of who responded, any report numbers given, and the names of witnesses who stopped to help. For families in Memphis navigating the aftermath of a crash like this, staying in contact with the investigating officer and asking for case updates can help keep things moving as the search for a driver continues.
