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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A man was struck and thrown by another vehicle on Interstate 24 westbound Friday evening, just after he stepped out of his car following a minor crash, according to the Chattanooga Police Department.
The initial wreck involved the man’s vehicle on the westbound side of the interstate. Witnesses described it as a minor collision. The driver got out to check the damage and was standing near his car when a passing vehicle drove through the scene and hit him. Police said the force of the impact threw him onto the pavement.
Emergency crews were called to the scene and provided medical treatment. The man was then taken to a hospital. His identity and current condition have not been released. As of Thursday, May 7, 2026, authorities had not provided an updated medical status.
No one else was reported injured. The second collision did not appear to involve any other vehicles, according to police. The roadway was temporarily slowed while officers investigated and vehicles were removed, but the lane has since reopened.
Chattanooga police have not said whether the driver of the striking car stopped at the scene. Investigators have also not said whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role. No charges have been announced.
Police are working to determine exactly what happened in the moments before the man was hit. They are asking anyone driving on I-24 westbound around that time to come forward, especially drivers who may have captured the incident on a dash camera.
The investigation is being led by Chattanooga Police Department’s traffic division. Additional details may be released as the case develops.
The crash is a reminder of how dangerous it can be to get out of a vehicle on an interstate. After a minor collision, many drivers step out to talk with the other driver or inspect their car. But passing traffic can create a serious threat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises drivers involved in a crash to move the vehicle to a safe location if it is drivable. If the vehicle cannot be moved, drivers should remain inside with the seat belt fastened and wait for help, if staying in the car does not put them at greater risk.
In this case, the man had already exited his vehicle before the second car arrived. Police have not said whether he was in the shoulder or in a travel lane when he was hit.
The incident also highlights the state’s Move Over Law. Tennessee law requires drivers to move over a lane when approaching stopped vehicles with flashing lights, including police cruisers, tow trucks, and roadside assistance vehicles. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down and pass with caution.
Violations of the law can lead to fines. If a violation causes injury, the penalties can be more severe. Even when a driver is not legally required to stop, they are still expected to slow down and stay alert near any stopped vehicle on an interstate.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Chattanooga Police Department. Dash-camera footage from westbound I-24 traffic at the time could help investigators understand how the man was struck and whether the driver of the other vehicle was aware of the crash scene.
Police have not confirmed whether the striking vehicle was found. They have also not confirmed whether the driver remained on the scene or left afterward.
A routine fender-bender on I-24 westbound became a far more serious injury crash Friday evening when the man standing outside his car was hit and thrown by another vehicle. The Chattanooga Police Department continues to investigate, and no further details have been released as of the latest update on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
This is a developing story. Additional information may be shared by authorities after the investigation moves forward.
