Chattanooga, TN (January 15, 2026) – An accident occurred late Wednesday morning, January 14, on East Brainerd Road in Chattanooga involving an ambulance with a patient inside. According to Chattanooga Police, three people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a vehicle crossed into the ambulance's lane and struck the emergency vehicle.

The crash occurred between the Walmart Neighborhood Market and the Publix grocery store. The ambulance was from Common Spirit-Memorial Hospital, formerly known as CHI Memorial.

Karen Long, a spokesperson for Common Spirit-Memorial, confirmed that the ambulance was in transit with a patient at the time of the accident. Fortunately, all three individuals involved in the crash – including the paramedics and the patient – sustained only minor injuries. They were quickly assessed at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further medical care.

The Chattanooga Police Department is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash. 

We hope for a full recovery of those injured in this accident. 

How Much Time Do Victims Have to File a Claim in Tennessee?

If you've been involved in an accident in Tennessee, it's important to know that you have a limited time to file a claim for compensation. For most injury accidents, including those involving a car or ambulance, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the accident. This means that you must file a lawsuit within one year of the accident in order to preserve your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

This one-year time limit is crucial because failing to file a claim within this period can result in your case being dismissed, and you may lose your ability to pursue compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Therefore, it's essential to start the process of filing your claim as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and that all deadlines are met.

In some cases, the statute of limitations can be extended or tolled depending on the circumstances. For example, if the victim is underage or mentally incapacitated, the time to file a claim may be extended. 

Similarly, if the at-fault party is a government entity, different rules may apply, and you may need to provide notice of your claim sooner than one year.

It's also important to note that while the statute of limitations gives you one year to file, waiting until the last minute can complicate your case. The sooner you contact a car accident attorney, the sooner you can start gathering the necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and police reports. 

A lawyer can also help you navigate the insurance process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

If you've been involved in an injury accident in Chattanooga or anywhere across East Tennessee, don't wait too long to take action. At DZ Law, we work with injured victims across East Tennessee to help them understand the next steps, protect their rights, and ensure they receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact DZ Law today at (865) 259-0020 to schedule a free consultation.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.