Cocke County, TN (January 29, 2026) – A wrong-way crash on Interstate 40 in Cocke County left three people injured, including a 2-year-old child, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The accident happened late Tuesday night, January 27, near Mile Marker 1.

Troopers reported that a truck driven by a 68-year-old man traveled eastbound on I-40 at around 10:43 p.m. Investigators said the driver failed to stay in his lane and crossed into westbound traffic. The truck then struck another vehicle head-on.

A 24-year-old woman drove the second vehicle. A 2-year-old child was riding inside the car at the time of the crash. Authorities confirmed that three people suffered injuries, one of them being the child, though officials have not released details about how serious those injuries were.

Emergency units responded to the scene and provided medical assistance to those involved. Paramedics evaluated the injured victims and transported them for further care when needed.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated that charges remain pending against the driver of the truck as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet shared additional information about what may have caused the driver to enter the wrong-way lane.

Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

Our thoughts remain with those hurt as they continue receiving treatment and recovering from their injuries.

How Long Do Parents Have to File an Injury Claim for Their Child After a Tennessee Crash?

In Tennessee, parents often have a limited amount of time to file an injury claim on behalf of their child after a car accident, but the deadline rules can differ for minors. In many cases, the statute of limitations pauses while the child remains under 18, which may allow more time. Still, families may benefit from learning about these rules early, so they understand what options may be available.

Tennessee injury crashes involving children can create long-term medical needs. Some young passengers may require follow-up visits, therapy, or continued monitoring even after leaving the hospital. Keeping medical records organized helps parents track recovery and document how injuries affect daily life.

Parents may also face questions about insurance communication after a serious accident. Insurance companies often request statements or paperwork quickly. Families may not always know what information they should share or how a claim may affect future treatment costs.

A car accident lawyer can review the situation and explain how Tennessee deadlines may apply to a child injury claim. An attorney may also help gather reports, organize medical documentation, and clarify what types of compensation may be available, such as coverage for medical care or future support needs. Legal guidance can help parents understand the next steps without making assumptions about outcomes.

At DZ Law, our team has extensive experience reviewing injury crash cases across East Tennessee involving children and helping families understand what options may apply. 

If you have questions after a serious collision, contact DZ Law at (865) 259-0020 to speak with an attorney about your situation and learn more about available actions.

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.