Knoxville, TN (April 11, 2025) – A University of Tennessee police officer was injured in a crash Tuesday morning after another driver failed to yield in West Knoxville.

The crash took place on April 8 around 8:15 a.m. on Kingston Pike near Sanwood Road. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the officer was traveling eastbound when another vehicle attempting to turn left from the westbound lane struck the cruiser. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and prompted a rapid response from emergency services.

UT Police Department spokesperson Ryan Moore confirmed that the officer was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, and the officer is expected to recover. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

Despite the collision resulting from a failure to yield, the Tennessee Highway Patrol indicated that no citations or charges have been issued at this time. The crash caused temporary disruptions along Kingston Pike during the morning commute.

We hope the officer makes a full and swift recovery.

Car Accidents in Tennessee

Tennessee drivers continue to face a high risk of injury on the roads each year. With a mix of urban and rural highways, the state sees more than 175,000 traffic crashes annually. Of those, tens of thousands result in injuries, often leading to extensive medical costs and lost productivity. Local and state agencies continue to stress the importance of driver awareness, especially in high-traffic zones.

If you've been involved in a crash, here are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• Failure to Yield Is a Leading Cause: Many crashes occur at intersections or during turns when a driver fails to yield the right of way. These types of incidents often happen quickly and leave little time to react. Victims may be left with injuries that take weeks or months to heal, and the legal aftermath can be frustrating.
• First Responder Accidents Require Special Handling: When law enforcement or emergency responders are involved in crashes, additional procedures may apply. Agencies conduct internal reviews, and liability can be more complex. In these cases, it's essential for all parties to maintain clear records and seek legal advice.
• Understanding Hospital Evaluations: After a crash, being evaluated at a hospital is crucial—even when injuries seem minor. Symptoms from concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal trauma may not surface immediately. Early medical documentation can also strengthen any potential claim down the line.
• The Role of Crash Reports: Tennessee Highway Patrol and local police departments compile detailed crash reports, which become critical evidence in determining fault. These documents also provide key support when filing insurance claims or legal actions.

In the aftermath of a Knoxville crash, it's essential to have someone looking out for your best interests. Reaching out to a Knoxville car accident attorney as soon as possible can ensure your rights are protected and that you're not alone through the recovery process. Your attorney can explain your options and take on the legal challenges while you focus on healing.

At DZ Law, we know how confusing and stressful car accidents can be. Our Knoxville legal team is here to guide you through every step. Whether you're facing hospital bills, missed work, or insurance issues, we're ready to listen and help. We offer free consultations to all injury victims and families. Let us walk you through your rights and help you find the best path forward. Call us today at 865-259-0020 to schedule your free case review. We're ready when you are.

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.