Memphis, TN — Pedestrian Struck and Killed on I-40 Near N Germantown Pwy
Memphis, TN (February 24, 2026) — A late-night collision on Interstate 40 claimed the life of a pedestrian on Monday evening, February 23. Memphis Police responded to the eastbound lanes of I-40 near the North Germantown Parkway exit shortly before 11:00 p.m.
Preliminary reports indicate that a Ford F-150 was traveling east when it struck a pedestrian who was on the highway. Emergency medical crews arrived quickly and rushed the victim to Regional One Health in critical condition. Tragically, the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The driver of the Ford truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.
Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the person who lost their life.
Options For Families After a Fatal Crash in Memphis
When a loved one is killed in an accident, families often face immediate financial burdens and long-term emotional loss. In Tennessee, you have several options to seek accountability and support, ranging from "Wrongful Death" claims to accessing "No-Fault" benefits that may exist on the victim’s own insurance policy.
The primary option for families in Tennessee is a Wrongful Death lawsuit. This allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents to seek compensation for the "pecuniary value" of the life lost. This doesn't just cover funeral costs; it accounts for the future earnings the person would have provided and the loss of emotional support and companionship.
While a Wrongful Death claim focuses on the family's loss, a Survival Action focuses on the victim's experience. This allows the estate to recover damages for the physical pain and mental anguish the victim suffered from the moment of the crash until they passed away at the hospital. These funds can be used to settle outstanding medical bills or be distributed to the heirs.
In pedestrian cases on interstates, the driver’s insurance company may argue that the pedestrian shouldn't have been on the road to avoid paying. If the driver is found to be only partially at fault, or if they have very little insurance, the victim's family can often turn to the victim’s own UM/UIM coverage.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means a family can still recover damages as long as the victim was less than 50% responsible for the accident. A legal professional can investigate factors that favor the pedestrian, such as the driver's speed, failure to use high beams, or distracted driving, to ensure the victim isn't unfairly blamed for being on the roadway.
If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident in Memphis or nearby areas, don’t face this process alone. Call the Dunk Law Firm at 414-209-4398 today for a case evaluation.
Our knowledgeable wrongful death attorney can explain your rights, guide you through each step of the claims process, and help you seek justice and closure for your loved one’s loss.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. We have not independently verified all details of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Dunk Law Firm so we can promptly review and correct the content for accuracy and reliability.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship nor constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified attorney. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual scene or parties involved in the incident.
