A skilled Memphis car accident lawyer can be your strongest ally when you're injured in a collision on Memphis's busy streets. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we understand the chaos and confusion that follow a crash on I-240, Poplar Avenue, Shelby Drive, or Sam Cooper Boulevard. Our experienced team has successfully represented countless victims hurt in accidents along these major thoroughfares and others like I-55.
Memphis's complex roadways and heavy traffic create dangerous conditions daily. Whether navigating downtown, Beale Street, or the Cooper Young district, or commuting on Union Avenue or Airways Boulevard, the risk of an accident is ever-present. Don't face the aftermath alone. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for your Memphis Car Accident Case
If you are reeling from a car accident in Memphis, you need a legal team that combines local knowledge with national-caliber experience. Cory Watson Attorneys offers exactly that. With over 40 years of experience and more than $4 Billion recovered for our clients, we bring a proven track record to your case.
Our Memphis office, conveniently located on the corner of Court Avenue and North Fourth Street (only a few blocks north of AutoZone Park), ensures we understand the unique challenges of local traffic and legal landscapes. Our national reach provides the resources to take on even the most powerful insurance companies.
At Cory Watson, we believe in putting our clients first. This means being available 24/7, working on a contingency fee basis so you don't pay unless we win, and handling every aspect of your case from start to finish. Our dedicated focus on personal injury law, including car accidents, means you'll benefit from our knowledge and experience.
We're not just negotiators—we're trial-ready attorneys prepared to fight for you in court if necessary. Our experience facing Fortune 500 companies has honed our skills in securing fair compensation for our clients.
Choose Cory Watson Attorneys for your Memphis car accident case and experience the difference of working with a team that combines local insight, national resources, and an unwavering commitment to your well-being. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.
Do I Have a Car Accident Claim in Memphis?
To determine if you have a valid car accident claim, it's crucial to understand the concept of negligence. Negligence forms the foundation of most personal injury cases, including car accidents. In legal terms, negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person.
In a car accident case, negligence might involve speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or failing to yield the right of way. These actions deviate from the standard of care expected of a reasonable driver and can lead to accidents and injuries.
To successfully establish a car accident claim based on negligence, four key elements must be proven:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (the at-fault driver) needed to drive safely and follow traffic laws. All drivers on the road owe this duty to others.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold this duty by acting negligently or recklessly. This could be through actions like speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving.
- Causation: The defendant's breach of duty caused the accident and your injuries. There must be a clear link between their negligent action and your harm.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses or injuries due to the accident. This can include physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
If these four elements can be established in your case, you likely have a valid car accident claim. However, every situation is unique, and the specifics of your case can significantly impact its strength and potential outcome. That's why it's crucial to consult an experienced Memphis car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you understand your legal options.
Who Pays for Car Accident Injuries in Memphis?
Tennessee follows a traditional fault-based system for car accidents. Under this system, the at-fault driver's insurance company is primarily responsible for covering the costs of injuries, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages or income, and pain and suffering of the injured parties.
If you're injured in a car accident in Memphis, you generally have three options for seeking compensation:
- File a claim with your own insurance company, which will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurer.
- File a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver's insurance company.
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in court.
Tennessee law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. These minimums are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
However, these minimum amounts may not cover all damages in serious accidents. If your injuries and losses exceed the at-fault driver's insurance limits, you may need to pursue additional avenues for compensation, such as filing a car accident lawsuit against the driver personally or exploring your own underinsured motorist coverage.
Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit
Every state gives victims a deadline to pursue legal actions against a negligent person or entity that harmed them. If you file a lawsuit after this deadline, the court may dismiss your case.
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is one year from the date of the accident, under Tenn. Code § 28-3-104. To seek financial reparations for property damage claims, you have three years from the accident date, per Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105.
If you have lost someone to a car accident, you can file a wrongful death claim to seek damages, funeral costs, loss of consortium, and more. The deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit is also one year from the date of the accident.
Some exceptions can shorten or lengthen this timeframe, highlighting the importance of consulting a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
When dealing with a car accident claim in Memphis, approach the insurance company’s offer cautiously. While the first offer to resolve your claim may tempt you, doing so is rarely in your best interest.
Here's why:
- Initial offers are often low: Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing their payouts. Their first offer is typically much lower than what your claim may actually be worth.
- The full extent of damages may not be known: Immediately after an accident, you might not yet understand the full extent of your injuries or long-term medical needs. Accepting an early offer could leave you under-compensated for future expenses.
- You may deserve more: Without a thorough investigation and proper legal guidance, you might not be aware of all the types of compensation you're eligible to receive.
- Pressure tactics: Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to encourage quick settlement, including implying that this is the "best" offer they can make.
- Waiver of rights: Accepting an offer usually requires signing a release, which can waive your right to seek additional compensation later, even if your condition worsens.
Instead of accepting the first offer, consider these steps:
- Seek medical attention and follow through with all recommended treatments.
- Document all accident-related expenses and impacts on your life.
- Consult an experienced Memphis car accident attorney who can accurately value your claim.
- Allow your attorney to handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Remember, you have one opportunity to settle your claim. It's crucial to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. Don't let the pressure to settle quickly leave you shortchanged. Contact us for a free consultation before accepting any insurance company offer.
What if I'm Partly at Fault for My Car Accident Injuries?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation if you're partially at fault for your car accident.
Under this system, your potential compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident as long as your fault is less than 50%. If you're found to be 50% or more at fault, you're barred from recovering any compensation.
Determining fault percentages can be complex and often involves detailed investigations, expert testimony, and legal arguments. Insurance companies may try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to reduce their payout or avoid liability altogether.
Even if you think you might have been partly at fault, you may still recover compensation. The specific circumstances of each case can greatly affect fault determination.
The insurance company may inaccurately or unfairly assess fault. Let an experienced lawyer help you navigate this complex aspect of Tennessee law and work toward securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
What Compensation is Available to Car Accident Victims in Memphis?
Car accident victims in Memphis may recover compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. These damages are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Here's an overview of the compensation that may be available:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future costs for treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages or income: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery or medical appointments.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or limit your career prospects.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Any other costs directly related to the accident or your injuries, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications for accessibility.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Mental anguish: For psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse due to your injuries.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Car Accident Case?
In Memphis car accident cases, determining liability may require hiring a lawyer. While the at-fault driver is often the primary responsible party, various other entities may share liability depending on the circumstances. We can help determine all potentially liable parties to ensure you receive full compensation. Here are some parties who may be held liable:
Other Drivers
The most common scenario is when another driver's negligence causes the accident. This could involve speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or violating traffic laws.
Vehicle Owners
If the at-fault driver doesn't own the vehicle, you can hold the owner liable under Tennessee's "vicarious liability" laws, especially if they knowingly let an incompetent or unlicensed driver use their vehicle.
Employers
If the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer might be held responsible under the doctrine of "respondeat superior."
Government Entities
You can hold local or state government agencies liable in cases where poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of road maintenance contributed to the accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident or worsened injuries, you can hold the manufacturer responsible through a product liability claim.
Parts Manufacturers
Similarly, if a defective auto part played a role in the accident, you can hold the company that manufactured that part liable.
Maintenance Providers
A mechanic or maintenance company might share liability if improper vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident.
Alcohol Vendors
Under Tennessee's "dram shop" laws, you can hold establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors who then cause an accident partially responsible.
Construction Companies
If road construction contributed to the accident, you can hold the construction company liable if it didn't put proper safety measures in place.
Multiple Parties
In some complex cases, multiple parties may share liability, each responsible for a portion of the damages.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in maximizing your compensation. At Cory Watson Attorneys, our experienced Memphis car accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to uncover all sources of liability. We understand the nuances of Tennessee law and how to build strong cases against multiple defendants when necessary.
Don't risk overlooking a responsible party in your car accident case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation. We'll work diligently to hold all negligent parties accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Contact the Memphis Car Accident Lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys Today
Car accidents can be life-altering events, leaving you to navigate a complex web of medical treatments, insurance claims, and legal proceedings. In these challenging times, having a skilled and dedicated legal team on your side can make all the difference.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, our Memphis personal injury lawyer are committed to providing comprehensive support for Memphis car accident victims. Our skilled team can provide:
- A thorough investigation of your accident
- In-depth analysis to determine liability
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies
- Access to top medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- Preparation for trial if a fair settlement can't be reached
- Handling all paperwork and legal procedures
- Regular updates on your case progress
- No upfront costs - we only get paid if you win
Don't face a car accident claim alone. With over 40 years of experience and more than $4 Billion recovered for our clients, Cory Watson Attorneys has the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (901) 479-0227 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free case consultation.