A car accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, costly medical bills, missed time at work, and uncertainty about what comes next. Whether the crash was caused by a distracted driver, someone speeding through an intersection, or another act of negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation to help protect your rights.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, a Memphis car accident lawyer at Hearn Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys understand the challenges accident victims face and are prepared to handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm?
Choosing the right Memphis personal injury attorney after a serious car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Hearn Law Firm, we understand that every client is facing unique challenges, which is why we provide personalized legal representation tailored to each individual’s needs.
Clients trust our firm because:
- We have nearly 30 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Tennessee.
- We prepare every case as though it may ultimately be decided at trial.
- We provide direct communication and personalized attention from experienced attorneys.
- We are committed to helping clients recover the compensation they need to move forward after a serious accident.
From the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, our goal is to protect your interests and advocate for the best possible outcome.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Memphis?
Every car accident has its own set of circumstances, but many collisions are caused by preventable driver negligence. When motorists fail to exercise reasonable care, innocent people often suffer the consequences.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Memphis include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Poor weather conditions
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes across Tennessee. Looking away from the road for just a few seconds to send a text message, adjust a navigation system, or check a notification can dramatically increase the risk of a collision.
Speeding is another common factor in serious accidents. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react to changing traffic conditions while increasing the force of impact during a crash. This often leads to more severe injuries for everyone involved.
Although weather conditions such as heavy rain can contribute to accidents, drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely for the conditions. Slowing down, increasing following distance, and remaining attentive are all part of a driver’s responsibility.
Determining what caused a collision often requires more than reviewing a police report. Our attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding each accident to identify the negligent actions that led to our client’s injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
The financial impact of a serious car accident often extends far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Many victims require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work while they recover.
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
No two car accident claims are exactly alike. The value of a case depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the cost of future medical care, the impact on your ability to earn a living, and how the injuries affect your daily life.
Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly before victims fully understand the extent of their injuries. Before accepting a settlement offer, it is important to understand whether it accounts for both your current and future losses. An experienced car and truck accident attorney in Memphis can evaluate your damages and negotiate for compensation that reflects the true impact of the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?
Many people assume the driver who caused the crash is the only person who can be held responsible. While that is often true, some car accident cases involve multiple parties whose negligence contributed to the collision.
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The negligent driver
- An employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident
- The owner of the vehicle
- A manufacturer of a defective vehicle or auto part
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals
- Multiple drivers whose actions contributed to the crash
For example, if a delivery driver causes an accident while making deliveries, the driver’s employer may also be liable for the victim’s damages. Likewise, if faulty brakes or another mechanical defect contributed to the collision, the manufacturer or another responsible company could share liability.
Identifying every responsible party is an important part of building a strong claim. Our attorneys carefully investigate each accident to determine who may be responsible and what insurance coverage may be available.
What Evidence Can Help Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim?
The success of a car accident claim often depends on the quality of the evidence available. While some facts may seem obvious immediately after a collision, insurance companies frequently dispute liability or question the extent of a victim’s injuries.
Evidence that may strengthen your claim includes:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Cell phone records when distracted driving is suspected
- Event data recorder information from the vehicles when available
Medical documentation is especially important because it establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries. Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations and attending follow-up appointments can also help demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries.
Our attorneys also work to preserve evidence before it is lost. Surveillance footage may be deleted, witnesses can become difficult to locate, and physical evidence often disappears over time. Beginning an investigation early helps build the strongest possible claim.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations for personal injury claims in the country. In most cases, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Although that may seem like enough time, waiting too long can make it much more difficult to pursue compensation. Important evidence may no longer be available, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies have additional time to build their defenses.
Certain exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case, but it is generally in your best interest to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Doing so helps protect your legal rights and allows your attorney to begin gathering evidence while it is still available.
Speak With a Memphis Car Accident Lawyer Today
Recovering from a serious car accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. While you focus on healing, you should not have to worry about navigating complex insurance claims or negotiating with adjusters on your own.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision, contact a Memphis car accident lawyer at Hearn Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. We are ready to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward recovery.