Wrong-Way Driver Injures Trooper in Crash on I-40 in Dickson, TN

Dickson County, TN (September 25, 2026) – A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper and an elderly man were hurt after the man drove the wrong way into oncoming traffic on Interstate 40. 

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the two vehicles struck each other near mile marker 176, close to the Interstate 840 interchange.

The trooper was driving back to Memphis from a training session in Nashville at the time. He encountered the wrong-way vehicle in the westbound lanes of I-40.

Both men were taken to the hospital following the wreck. Officials said each is expected to make a full recovery.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under review. 

We are thinking of both men as they continue their recovery.

Why Wrong-Way Crashes Raise Negligence Questions in Dickson County, TN

Driving the wrong way on an interstate violates Tennessee traffic law, and violating a safety law can support a claim of negligence alone. This legal principle allows an injured person to argue that breaking a specific traffic law is evidence of a driver's failure to use reasonable care, without needing to separately prove every element of ordinary negligence.

Video and vehicle data can matter a great deal in these claims. Dash camera footage, 911 calls, and Tennessee Highway Patrol reports can all help establish that a driver entered traffic going the wrong direction, along with how long the vehicle traveled before the two vehicles met.

Medical records created in the days and weeks after a crash can play a significant role in a negligence claim. These records document the immediate injuries, the treatment received, and how those injuries progressed over time, and consequently create a timeline that connects the wreck directly to the harm a person experienced. Gaps in treatment or delayed visits can sometimes be used to question how serious an injury really was, so consistent documentation matters. 

A car accident lawyer can use these records to help establish the extent of someone's injuries and connect them to the at-fault driver's actions. Reviewing medical records alongside police reports, video, and witness statements can help build a clearer picture of both what happened and how it affected the people involved. 

At Fox & Farmer, we can help drivers across Tennessee make sure they understand the options that may be open for them after being involved in a wrong-way crash. 

If you have doubts after being involved in a crash, you can call Fox & Farmer at 865-531-9400 to speak with our team and get a clearer picture of where your case stands. We are here to review the details of your case and guide you through the process.  

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fox & Farmer has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fox & Farmer so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fox & Farmer. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.