Car Accident Lawyer Memphis, TN

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Memphis, you’re likely facing a situation that feels out of control. Medical bills arriving before you’ve even finished treatment. An insurance adjuster asking for recorded statements. Questions about fault, coverage limits, and what comes next.

Our Memphis, TN car accident lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC has represented injured drivers and passengers in Shelby County for over 20 years. We handle car crash claims from the initial investigation through settlement or trial, dealing directly with insurance companies so our clients can focus on getting better. Managing Partner Chris Patterson established this firm to provide real legal help to people dealing with serious injuries.

We offer free consultations for car accident cases. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose Patterson Bray PLLC for Car Accidents in Memphis, TN?

Attorneys Who Handle Car Accident Claims

Attorney Will Patterson concentrates his practice on tort litigation and personal injury cases, including vehicle collisions throughout Memphis and Shelby County. He earned his law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and holds bar admissions in Tennessee, Mississippi, and multiple federal courts.

Will has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America from the 27th through 32nd editions in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. He also received recognition in Commercial Litigation from the 30th through 32nd editions. The Tennessee Supreme Court awarded him the 2017 Attorneys for Justice Pro Bono Service Award, acknowledging his commitment to serving clients who need legal representation.

Our personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN handles vehicle collision cases including minor fender-benders with disputed injuries to more difficult cases like multi-vehicle crashes involving catastrophic harm. We know how insurance companies evaluate claims, what evidence matters most, and when to push back on lowball settlement offers.

Track Record in Injury Cases

For years Patterson Bray has helped clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts. Each case is different, and past results don’t mean future outcomes will be the exact same. But our record shows what happens when attorneys prepare cases thoroughly and fight for what their clients deserve.

We’ve handled car wreck cases involving:

• Disputed liability where fault wasn’t immediately clear
• Insurance companies denying coverage or undervaluing claims
• Serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
• Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Cases that required litigation when settlement wasn’t possible

Contingency Fee Representation

We take car accident cases on contingency. That means you pay no attorney fees up front. We get paid only if we recover compensation for you. This allows people to hire experienced legal representation without worrying about hourly bills while they’re already dealing with medical expenses and lost income.

What Clients Say About Working With Us

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“I appreciate that the team was open to speaking directly with clients. The representative explained everything thoroughly about personal injury cases and what a new client should expect.” — MN

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Memphis

Car crashes happen in many different ways, and each type presents unique challenges when pursuing compensation. At Patterson Bray, we handle the full range of motor vehicle collision cases in Memphis and throughout Shelby County.

• Rear-end collisions. These crashes often cause whiplash and soft tissue injuries that insurance companies try to minimize. We fight to ensure these injuries are taken seriously.
• T-bone accidents. Side-impact collisions at intersections often result in serious injuries because there’s less protection on the sides of vehicles. Determining who had the right of way is crucial.
• Head-on collisions. Frontal crashes are among the most dangerous. Even at moderate speeds, the combined force can cause life-altering injuries.
• Hit-and-run accidents. When the at-fault driver flees, you may need to pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We help navigate these claims.
• Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain-reaction crashes involve multiple insurance companies and complex liability questions. Sorting out who caused what requires thorough investigation.
• Drunk driving crashes. When an impaired driver injures you, you may have claims against both the driver and potentially against establishments that over-served them.
• Distracted driving accidents. Texting, phone use, and other distractions cause thousands of crashes annually. Proving distraction often requires obtaining phone records and other evidence.
• Uninsured motorist claims. Tennessee has a significant number of uninsured drivers. When one hits you, your own UM coverage becomes critical.
• Uber and Lyft accidents. Rideshare crashes involve layered insurance policies that complicate claims. The driver’s status at the time of the crash determines which coverage applies.
• Rental car accidents. Collisions involving rental vehicles raise questions about which insurance policy covers what.

Tennessee Legal Requirements for Car Accidents

Tennessee law shapes every car accident claim filed in Memphis. Understanding these rules helps you know what to expect and why certain things matter to your case.

Statute of Limitations

Tennessee Code § 28-3-104 gives you one year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is shorter than most states. Miss it, and you lose your right to sue. The clock starts ticking on the day of the accident, not when you finish treatment or figure out the full extent of your injuries.

Property damage claims have a slightly longer window under Tennessee Code § 28-3-105, but the one-year deadline for personal injury claims catches many people off guard. Insurance negotiations can drag on for months, and some people don’t realize they need to file suit until it’s nearly too late.

Fault-Based Insurance System

Tennessee uses a fault-based system for car accidents. The driver who caused the crash bears financial responsibility for the harm they caused. This differs from no-fault states where each driver’s own insurance pays regardless of who was at fault.

In practice, this means you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. You can also sue them directly if necessary. But it also means their insurance company will try hard to minimize their driver’s responsibility or shift blame to you.

Comparative Fault Rules

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault under Tennessee Code § 29-11-103. If you bear some responsibility for the accident, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Insurance adjusters use this rule aggressively. They look for anything that might suggest you contributed to the crash. Speeding slightly, not wearing a seatbelt, following too closely. Even if these factors had nothing to do with causing the collision, they’ll raise them to reduce your payout or deny the claim entirely.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. These minimums often prove inadequate for serious injuries. Medical bills from a single hospital stay can exceed policy limits, leaving injured people with unpaid expenses.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Memphis Car Accidents?

Tennessee law allows car accident victims to pursue compensation across three main categories. Understanding what you can recover helps set realistic expectations as your case moves forward.

Economic Damages

These cover the financial losses you can calculate with receipts and documentation. Medical bills often make up the largest portion, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages matter too, whether you missed two weeks or can no longer work in your field. Property damage, rental car costs, and out-of-pocket expenses like prescription medications all fall under economic damages. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance provides resources on minimum coverage requirements that may affect your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering compensation addresses what the bills cannot capture. Chronic pain that lingers months after the crash. The anxiety you feel every time you get behind the wheel. Sleep disruptions, depression, loss of enjoyment in activities you once loved. Tennessee does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though calculating these losses requires careful documentation and often expert testimony.

Punitive Damages

Courts reserve punitive damages for egregious conduct. If the at-fault driver was intoxicated, street racing, or exhibited reckless disregard for others, you may qualify. According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-104, punitive damages cannot exceed twice the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. These awards aim to punish wrongdoing rather than compensate victims directly.

Your recoverable damages depend on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of fault, and the available insurance coverage. A Memphis car accident attorney can evaluate which categories apply to your specific situation.

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Memphis?

The actions you take immediately after a crash affect both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Check for injuries and move to safety. If possible, move out of traffic. Don’t leave the scene, but get yourself and any passengers to a safe location.

2. Call 911. Report the accident to police. Tennessee law requires reporting crashes involving injury, death, or significant property damage. The police report becomes important evidence.

3. Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number. Note their vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate.

4. Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved from multiple angles. Photograph the overall scene, traffic signs and signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These pictures preserve evidence that may disappear quickly.

5. Gather witness information. If anyone saw the crash, get their names and phone numbers. Independent witnesses can provide crucial support for your version of events.

6. Seek medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding don’t show immediate symptoms. Early medical records connect your injuries to the accident.

7. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer. Stick to basic facts about when, where, and what happened. Don’t speculate about fault or downplay your injuries.

8. Be cautious with the other driver’s insurer. You have no obligation to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

9. Keep records of everything. Save all medical bills, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and any documentation related to lost wages or other expenses.

10. Consult a car accident attorney. An attorney can evaluate your case, handle insurance negotiations, and advise you on the best path forward. Initial consultations are typically free.

Car Accident Statistics in Memphis

Memphis roads see thousands of crashes each year, making vehicle collisions one of the leading causes of injury in Shelby County.

According to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Shelby County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for traffic crashes. The county records hundreds of serious injury collisions annually, along with numerous fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks crash data nationwide. Tennessee’s traffic fatality rate exceeds the national average, a pattern that has persisted for years. Contributing factors include distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and inadequate use of safety restraints.

Interstate 40, which runs through Memphis, sees particularly heavy traffic and frequent accidents. The interchange with Interstate 240 creates congestion and merging conflicts that lead to collisions. Surface streets like Poplar Avenue, Union Avenue, and Elvis Presley Boulevard also appear regularly in crash reports.

Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that vehicle size, safety features, and crash avoidance technology all affect injury outcomes. But even modern vehicles with advanced safety systems can’t prevent injuries when collisions occur at higher speeds or involve specific impact angles.

Distracted driving has become an increasingly significant factor. The NHTSA estimates that distracted driving crashes killed over 3,000 people nationally in a recent year. Tennessee has laws restricting phone use while driving, but enforcement remains challenging.

Weather conditions also contribute to Memphis crashes. Rain and wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distances. Memphis sees frequent rain, particularly in spring months, leading to seasonal spikes in weather-related accidents.

Memphis Car Accident Infographic

Memphis Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

How much does a Memphis car accident lawyer cost?

Most car accident attorneys, including Patterson Bray, work on contingency. You pay no upfront fees. We receive a percentage of your recovery only if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe no attorney fees.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim?

Not every accident requires an attorney. Minor fender-benders with no injuries may be simple enough to handle yourself. But if you suffered injuries, if liability is disputed, or if the insurance company isn’t offering fair compensation, having legal representation typically results in better outcomes.

How long will my car accident case take?

Timeframes vary considerably. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. Complex cases with disputed fault, serious injuries, or litigation can take a year or longer. Rushing to settle before understanding the full extent of your injuries often leaves money on the table.

What compensation can I recover after a car accident?

Tennessee law allows recovery for economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, plus non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may apply.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Tennessee requires insurers to offer UM coverage, though drivers can decline it. If you have UM coverage, it acts as substitute liability coverage when an uninsured driver injures you.

What if I was partially at fault?

Tennessee’s comparative fault rules reduce your compensation by your percentage of responsibility. If you’re under 50% at fault, you can still recover. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate victims’ fault to reduce payouts.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Be very careful. The at-fault driver’s insurance company has no obligation to treat you fairly. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Consider consulting with an attorney before giving any recorded statements.

How do I know if the settlement offer is fair?

Settlement offers should cover your actual damages: past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Early offers often fall far short of these amounts because insurers hope injured people will accept quick money before understanding what their claim is worth.

What if my injuries don’t appear right away?

Delayed symptom onset is common after car accidents. Adrenaline masks pain immediately following a crash. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and even some fractures may not become apparent for days. This is why seeing a doctor promptly matters even if you feel fine initially.

Can I sue the other driver personally?

Yes. If insurance doesn’t cover your damages, or if the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can pursue a personal lawsuit. Whether collecting any judgment is practical depends on whether the defendant has assets.

What happens if someone died in the car accident?

Surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Tennessee law allows certain relatives to recover compensation for their losses when a family member dies due to another’s negligence.

How does health insurance affect my car accident claim?

If health insurance pays for your treatment, those costs still factor into your damages. However, your health insurer may have subrogation rights, meaning they can seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive.

Will my case go to trial?

Most car accident cases settle without trial. But being willing to go to trial if necessary often produces better settlement offers. Insurance companies know which attorneys actually try cases and which ones always settle.

What evidence should I preserve after an accident?

Keep everything: photos of the scene and vehicles, medical records and bills, pay stubs showing lost wages, correspondence with insurance companies, police reports, and any receipts for accident-related expenses. Even your damaged vehicle is evidence until the case resolves.

How do I start a car accident claim with Patterson Bray?

Contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review what happened, evaluate your potential case, and explain your options. There’s no obligation, and you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in Memphis

Certain Memphis roads and intersections see far more collisions than others. Heavy traffic volume, confusing lane configurations, and high speeds contribute to the problem.

Interstate 240 remains one of the most dangerous stretches in Shelby County, particularly near the I-40 interchange where merging traffic creates daily hazards. Poplar Avenue through East Memphis sees frequent rear-end collisions due to stop-and-go congestion near shopping centers. Winchester Road between Hickory Hill and Airways Boulevard has earned a reputation for serious crashes, especially during rush hour.

Intersection hotspots include:

• Lamar Avenue and Airways Boulevard
• Union Avenue and McLean Boulevard
• Third Street and Crump Boulevard
• Summer Avenue and Highland Street
• Elvis Presley Boulevard and Brooks Road

The Tennessee Department of Transportation publishes crash data showing these corridors consistently rank among the region’s worst. If your accident happened at one of these locations, you are far from alone. High-risk areas often mean clearer patterns of negligence, which          can strengthen your case when pursuing compensation.

What Are Important Local Resources for Car Accidents in Memphis?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Memphis, the following local resources may help with various aspects of your situation. Patterson Bray PLLC does not endorse any of these organizations, and inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation.

Law Enforcement:

• Memphis Police Department – For accident reports: (901) 545-2677
• Tennessee Highway Patrol – For interstate crashes: (615) 251-5166
• Shelby County Sheriff’s Office – County roads: (901) 222-5500

Medical Care:

• Regional One Health – Level I Trauma Center: (901) 545-7100
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare: (901) 516-7000
• Baptist Memorial Hospital: (901) 226-5000

Vehicle and Administrative:

• Shelby County Clerk – Title and registration
• Tennessee Department of Safety – Crash reports and driver services

This list is provided for informational purposes only. Patterson Bray PLLC does not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider, law enforcement agency or other organization.

Patterson Bray PLLC, Memphis Car Accident Lawyer

8001 Centerview Pkwy, Suite 103, Cordova, TN 38018

Contact Patterson Bray PLLC

A car accident can change your life in an instant. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain make it difficult to focus on anything else. Meanwhile, insurance companies are working to minimize what they pay you.

Patterson Bray PLLC represents injured drivers and passengers throughout Memphis, TN. We handle auto accident claims on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Your consultation is free. We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and explain what options you have. Contact us to discuss your Memphis car accident case with an attorney who will listen to what happened and give you an honest assessment.