Memphis, TN (January 13, 2026) – A Memphis police officer was involved on Monday, January 12, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Elvis Presley Boulevard and Winchester Road in Whitehaven. The crash occurred just after 7:30 a.m. when an unmarked police vehicle collided with a Toyota Tacoma.

Surveillance video shows a Chevy Malibu traveling east on Winchester Road striking the Toyota Tacoma, which was heading north on Elvis Presley Boulevard. 

Investigators revealed that the police officer was driving east on Winchester when they crashed into the driver's side of the pickup truck. At the time, the officer was not driving in emergency mode and was not using an in-car video system, according to the police report.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and both the officer and the other driver were taken to the hospital for treatment. Investigators noted that the officer sustained minor injuries. No further details about the severity of the injuries to the other driver were immediately available.

The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the incident. 

We hope for a full recovery of both drivers. 

What Compensation Is Available In Accidents Involving Government Vehicles?

When public entities, such as police cars, are involved in a crash, crash victims may still be eligible to seek compensation for their injuries. In Tennessee, these cases can become more complex due to the involvement of government agencies. However, victims still have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage resulting from the crash.

When an accident involves a police car or other public vehicle, the legal process differs slightly because of the protections provided to government entities. Government agencies may have sovereign immunity, which protects them from certain types of lawsuits. 

However, victims can still file claims under specific conditions, especially if negligence or reckless behavior is involved. 

In many cases, victims can pursue claims through the government entity's insurance, if available. Legal claims against a public agency may also require following certain procedural steps, such as filing a notice of claim within a specific timeframe.

Consulting with a car accident lawyer can help victims understand their rights and options, particularly when a government vehicle is involved in the accident. A lawyer can guide victims through the claims process, ensuring they meet the necessary legal requirements and deadlines.

If you've been injured in a crash involving a public entity in Tennessee, DZ Law can assist you in understanding your legal options. 

We can review your case and guide you through your next steps. Contact DZ Law 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.