Memphis, TN — Pedestrian in Critical Condition Following Hit-and-Run on N Highland St

Memphis, TN (March 4, 2026) — The Memphis Police Department is searching for a driver involved in a violent hit-and-run that left a pedestrian in critical condition on Tuesday night, March 3. Officers responded to the incident at approximately 7:43 p.m. in the 900 block of North Highland Street, near the intersection of Given Avenue.

According to witnesses, the incident followed an alleged verbal argument. The suspect, driving a green and gray Chevy pickup truck, struck a man and fled the scene without stopping to render aid. The victim was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

We hope that the injured person makes a full and timely recovery.

Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run in Tennessee

Tennessee is an at-fault state, but when a driver flees, the victim’s primary path to compensation is through their own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Because the driver fled, the "unknown vehicle" is legally treated as an uninsured motorist. Additionally, since the crash allegedly followed an argument, the victim may be entitled to Punitive Damages if the driver is identified, as the act could be considered intentional or "willful and wanton."

In a hit-and-run where the driver remains unknown, Tennessee law allows victims to file a claim with their own insurance company under Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage "steps into the shoes" of the fleeing driver to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the victim does not own a car, they may still be covered under a policy held by a resident relative in their household.

Tennessee has a specific "physical contact" requirement for hit-and-run claims. To recover UM benefits, there must be actual physical contact between the vehicle and the victim, or the victim must provide "clear and convincing" evidence of the crash through a third-party witness. In this North Highland case, both the physical impact and the presence of witnesses to the argument provide a strong foundation for a legal claim.

Additionally, in Tennessee, if a driver intentionally strikes a pedestrian, the victim can seek Punitive Damages. These are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. 

If the driver is not immediately found, Tennessee law allows victims to file a lawsuit against "John Doe." This legal placeholder allows the victim’s attorney to use the power of the court to subpoena nearby business surveillance footage (such as from those on N. Highland) and cellular data that might help identify the green and gray Chevy. Filing this suit also protects the victim from missing the one-year statute of limitations while the police continue their search.

At The Dunk Law Firm, we know that recovering from a serious collision is a long process that requires focusing on health first. We can help you navigate the legal side while you focus on the recovery process.

Call The Dunk Law Firm at 414-209-4398 to speak with our truck accident lawyers, ask questions about your situation, and learn what steps may be available to pursue accountability and justice.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. We have not independently verified all details of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Dunk Law Firm so we can promptly review and correct the content for accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship nor constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified attorney. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual scene or parties involved in the incident.