How can you determine who is at fault?

For personal injury claims, the most challenging part of proving a case involves clearly showing that the other person (or other legal entity) was the one who was directly responsible for a plaintiff’s injuries and that the person responsible should have been able to avoid causing harm by acting in a reasonable manner. One of the best auto accident lawyers in Memphis, TN can explain how this burden may be met in regards to your case.

When it comes to personal injury accidents involving pedestrians, everyone involved—including the pedestrian—is expected to use reasonable care under different circumstances. Just like the person driving the car, the pedestrian is also expected to obey the rules of the road and look both ways, not walk out in the middle of traffic, and cross at a crosswalk. Thus, if a pedestrian did not exercise this care and instead walked out in the middle of the road while the car was clearly within vision, they may be held at least partially at fault for the accident. Similarly, if the motorist had ample time to avoid … Read the rest

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I was injured by broken glass in a car accident, can I recover damages?

A car accident can result in a number of injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, and bruising. Another common type of injury that many people don’t think about is lacerations and cuts from broken glass.

In a car accident, there is a good chance that the glass from windows and mirrors will be broken. When it shatters, glass can fly everywhere, and although, windshield glass has been designed to resist shattering, a large impact can hinder it’s resistance.

Broken Glass Injuries from Vehicular Accidents

Even though windshield and window glass may shatter into tiny pieces, it is still very sharp. If the lacerations are deep, they can cause pain, infection, and scarring. The glass can also cause significant bleeding; which if not treated in a timely manner, could be life threatening. As a car accident lawyer we have known of cases in which an occupant suffered so many lacerations from the glass in a single area of their body, that there was a risk of losing a limb.

Recovering Compensation from Glass Injuries in a Car Accident

If you … Read the rest

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If I suffered injuries in an auto accident, do I need a lawyer?

Many people who experience injuries after collisions wonder if they really need to seek out an auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN has to offer. It’s true that there is substantial effort involved in researching and hiring the right Memphis auto accident lawyer and it may seem easier, initially, to represent yourself when seeking financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

However, choosing to look for the right attorney to guide you through your claim could greatly pay off – not only in a trial setting but also in working with insurers. The aftermath of an auto accident is difficult enough; it can be well worth it to find an auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN clients trust to help you with your injury claim.

When Seeking a Lawyer Is Important

Whether or not you ultimately hire an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN can depend upon a few factors, including the nature of the collision, and the severity of your injuries. For example, the cost of a minor accident that left you with minimal injuries and vehicular damage may not balance … Read the rest

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personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN

Personal Injury Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes With Personal Injury Cases in Memphis

While we encourage our clients to be involved in their cases, it’s easy to make mistakes in personal injury claims. Having our experienced Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer by your side can help you avoid errors, overcome rejected claims, and get the compensation you deserve. Watch out for these common mistakes in your personal injury case.

  • Not Visiting the Doctor After an Accident or Injury

Only you can decide the seriousness of the accident you were in. That said, at Patterson Bray, we often recommend clients visit the hospital before pursuing a personal injury claim.

First, even apparently minor accidents can have serious results. You may not notice the effects of head trauma or whiplash right away after a car accident, but when symptoms appear a few weeks later, you can end up experiencing chronic pain for years. It would be terrible if you had already signed away your right to sue!

Visiting the hospital is also helpful for your Memphis personal injury lawyer in building your case. One of the main Read the rest

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personal injury lawyer Memphis, TN

Tennessee Personal Injury Laws

Important Tennessee Personal Injury Laws

An injury can seriously disrupt your life, but with the help of our Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer, you can get some much-needed compensation. Read on to learn more about Tennessee personal injury laws, and see how they may affect your case.

In Tennessee, personal injury law governs legal disputes arising when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else might be legally responsible for that harm. As experienced Memphis personal injury lawyers, the specialists at our office are adept at navigating these laws to help our clients secure the compensation they deserve.

  • Statute Of Limitations In Tennessee Personal Injury Cases

One of the most critical aspects of personal injury law in Tennessee is the statute of limitations. In Tennessee, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within one year of the date of the accident or injury. This timeframe is among the shortest in the United States, making prompt legal consultation essential. Failure to file within this period generally results in the loss of the right to have the Read the rest

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Common Car Accident Injuries

Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents in Tennessee

It’s important to visit a doctor following any type of car crash. Don’t let anyone convince you to avoid going to the hospital, not even well-meaning family members. Getting medical care matters because not all injuries are easy to see, and they can have adverse effects on your health without proper treatment. Additionally, having medical records of any injuries can help our Memphis, TN auto accident lawyer build a strong case on your behalf.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a common and serious effect of car accidents. These dangerous injuries happen when your head impacts against another object at high speed, such as the steering wheel or rear windshield. Every year, up to 90,000 people experience long-term disability from TBIs.

  • Back Injuries

Back injuries can cause intense pain that lasts for years or decades. These are some of the most common injuries in a car accident. At Patterson Bray, we often advise our clients to keep an eye out for back problems in the days or weeks after a Read the rest

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Documenting Evidence After an Auto Accident

How to Document Evidence After an Auto Accident

Getting into an auto accident is definitely jarring and usually quite frightening. It can be hard to think clearly after a collision, especially if anyone in your vehicle or another vehicle has been severely injured. When all the dust settles you may find you are in need of our Memphis, TN auto accident lawyer. It’s important that you know in advance the best way to document evidence after a car crash so that you can act quickly for any potential cases.

  • Take Detailed Photos

Once everyone is safe and any injuries have been tended to, it is best to take as many photos as possible of the aftermath of the accident. Err on the side of too many photos if you can, as extras can always be deleted, but you will then have plenty to share with Patterson Bray. Take photos of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Pay attention to any skid marks and obtain photos of those. Also, make sure to include pictures of the surroundings or intersection Read the rest

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What Are Common Roadway Hazards? 

With so many fatalities each year, it is easy to see that roadway hazards can be the main cause. Not everything is caused by other people but there are some hazards that are. Below are the most common hazards people can face while in a vehicle. 

Bad Traffic 

No matter where you are in the state there is going to be traffic. When traffic biomes bumper-to-bumper during commutes it can lead to drivers only paying some attention to the road while taking advantage of the slow speeds to check their phones. Because of this, there is a good opportunity for a collision to happen. Typically this ends in a rear-end accident which then can turn into a pileup if other drivers aren’t paying attention. 

Reckless Drivers 

Sadly, other drivers are common roadway hazards. This happens when a driver isn’t watching the road, obeying traffic rules, or even following the speed limit. A reckless driver is also someone that could be speeding, driving under the influence, driving the wrong way, or simply running a red light. These collisions can be hard Read the rest

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5 Things to Look for When Selecting a Memphis Car Accident Attorney

Discovering a trustworthy vehicle mishap legal representative to deal with is more crucial than you may think. If you have actually recently been hurt in a car mishap, you’ll desire a car accident legal representative who can represent your best interests, so you can concentrate on healing. A good accident legal representative will have the ability to make certain all the best documents are submitted, supply basic legal guidance, identify an accurate settlement price quote, gather proof to reinforce your injury case, work out with insurance adjusters, and represent you in court if needed. Reach out to Patterson Bray to learn more. 

To ensure you discover a reputable car and truck mishap lawyer you can depend manage your case to the best of their abilities, look for the following things when talking to potential legal representatives:

Clear Communication

A great legal representative will make it simple for you to comprehend what they will do to assist you with your case. They will provide you with clear information about their process, costs, worths, and more. If you have any questions, they Read the rest

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Relying on Witnesses For Your Car Accident Claim

Often, people assume they have a car accident claim nailed down because they believe it is obvious that the other party caused the accident. Even if you believe that it is clear you were the victim in the car accident, you cannot rely on this when you are filing a claim. Instead, your attorney will want to make sure you have solid evidence that proves the other party was responsible for the accident and that you deserve to receive damages. One way you can provide good evidence for this is if you have witnesses who are willing to give their statements. 

Can witnesses really help your claim

When you have witnesses to your accident, this can provide much-needed, third-party information that you may never have been able to provide. In fact, it is possible that a witness may have seen the other driver talking on the phone or texting when the accident occurred and you may have no idea that was why the accident happened. Witnesses can help:

  • Provide a better, fuller picture when it comes to the circumstances surrounding
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