Quick answer: If you were hurt in an accident in Memphis, Tennessee generally gives you one year from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Memphis personal injury lawyer at Mama Justice can investigate, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call 24/7 for a free consultation.
Written by the Mama Justice legal team · Legally reviewed by Missy Wigginton, Founding Attorney (“Mama Justice”)
Last reviewed: September 30, 2026
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, we know how overwhelming a severe injury can be. Not only are you dealing with intense pain, but you also have to worry about paying your medical bills, making up your lost income, and living with the deep emotional distress a major injury can cause. A compassionate, supportive guide is what you need to get you through this situation and help you recover fair compensation for your losses.
A Memphis, TN, personal injury lawyer from Mama Justice can lift the legal burden from your shoulders. We pride ourselves on putting your well-being first. Our founder, Missy “Mama Justice” Wigginton, built our firm on the values of compassion, integrity, and a fierce commitment to our clients. We offer more than just legal advice; we provide a holistic approach to care that includes emotional support and healthcare referrals.
With Mama Justice, you’ll find a nurturing environment where your needs are top priority. As the fastest-growing female-owned law firm in the country, and with over 1025 five-star reviews from our clients, we’re among the most trusted by Southerners seeking justice for their accidents. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Can a Memphis Personal Injury Lawyer Do for Me?
Hiring one of our Memphis personal injury attorneys can make a significant difference in your case. First, our lawyers will carefully investigate the details of the accident to understand what happened and who is responsible for your injuries. This process includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and working with experts to build a robust case.
Next, your lawyer will handle all the paperwork and legal procedures. That way, you know that someone else is filing everything correctly and on time. By handling these steps for you, we’ll avoid any legal pitfalls that could jeopardize your personal injury claim. Your attorney and our support staff will also keep you informed throughout the legal process and answer any questions you have so you never feel lost or alone.
Our attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Read our guide to maximizing your personal injury settlement in Memphis. Insurance companies might be reluctant to provide full compensation for your losses, but with Mama Justice on your side, you’ll have someone fighting for your interests.
If we cannot achieve a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court and defend your rights before a judge or jury. Our extensive courtroom experience means we fully understand all the rules and procedures of civil trials and how to apply them for your benefit in a personal injury case.
In addition to providing comprehensive legal support, Mama Justice also offers emotional and practical assistance throughout your case. We can connect you with healthcare providers and offer guidance throughout your recovery. With our compassionate approach, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Most importantly, we know you’re struggling financially after a serious injury, so we don’t charge anything unless we win compensation for your case. If you lost a family member, we also help with Memphis wrongful death claims. With no upfront costs, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
What Compensation Could I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Case?
We can’t fully assess your potential personal injury compensation until we investigate the accident and determine the full value of all your losses. If your injuries are life-changing, our team also handles Memphis serious and catastrophic injury cases. However, we’ll help you seek compensation for the losses related to your injuries, including money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning potential
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
What Is My Memphis Personal Injury Case Worth?
No honest lawyer can promise a number before learning the facts. What we can do is explain what drives the value of a Memphis injury claim. The biggest factors are:
- How serious your injuries are and how long recovery takes.
- Your medical bills, both what you have paid and what you will need later.
- Income you lost and any loss of future earning power.
- The pain, stress, and disruption this has caused in your daily life.
- Who was at fault, and whether you share any blame. In Tennessee, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- The insurance coverage that is actually available.
On that last point, Tennessee’s minimum liability coverage is only $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (see Tenn. Code § 55-12-102). Serious injuries can cost far more than that, so we look for every insurance policy that may apply, including your own. Tennessee also limits non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in many injury cases (Tenn. Code § 29-39-102), and we explain how that may affect your claim.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Injury in Memphis?
Not every bump needs a lawyer. But if you were hurt, missed work, or an adjuster is already calling you, it is smart to talk with a lawyer before you say much. Insurance companies are businesses, and their job is to pay as little as possible. A Memphis personal injury lawyer from Mama Justice knows how adjusters think, and we stand between you and the pressure.
You should call us as soon as you can if:
- You went to the ER or need ongoing medical treatment.
- You missed work or cannot do your job the way you used to.
- The other driver, a business, or a property owner is blaming you.
- An insurance company wants a recorded statement or wants you to sign something.
- You lost someone you love because of someone else’s mistake.
The call is free. We work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless we win compensation for you. And because Tennessee generally gives you only one year to file, waiting can cost you more than you think.
Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
There’s a good chance you can still recover compensation if you are partly to blame for your injuries. Tennessee law says that as long as your level of fault for an accident is less than 50 percent, you maintain your right to compensation.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. So, for example, if an insurer or court decides you bear 10 percent of the fault for your injuries, you lose 10 percent of your compensation.
An experienced attorney from Mama Justice can collect evidence to minimize your liability for your injuries and maximize your compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Memphis, Tennessee?
State law says you usually have one year from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s not a lot of time to build a case, so it’s crucial to contact our law firm right away after an accident. You might have even less time to file a lawsuit if your case involves a state or local government agency.
You can best protect your rights and interests by reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Memphis today. With an attorney from Mama Justice on your side, you can get help preparing and filing your injury claim on time.
How Long Does a Memphis Personal Injury Case Take?
The length of a personal injury case can vary widely, with some cases concluding within a few months and others lasting several years.
One of the main factors influencing the timeline is the case’s complexity. Cases with clear liability and minor injuries may conclude quickly, while those involving severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputes over liability can take much longer.
Another factor is the investigation and evidence-gathering process. Thoroughly collecting and reviewing medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions takes time. Additionally, negotiations with insurance companies can prolong the process, especially if they initially offer low settlements that do not cover all your losses.
If both sides cannot agree on a fair settlement, the case might go to trial, which adds to the duration. Court schedules, the availability of witnesses, and legal procedures can significantly extend the timeline.
What Kinds of Memphis Injury Cases Does Mama Justice Handle?
Every injury is different, and so is every fight. Our Memphis team helps people who were hurt in many kinds of accidents, including:
Not sure which one fits your situation? Call us. We will listen, explain your options in plain English, and point you in the right direction.
What Should I Do After an Accident in Memphis?
The first hours after an accident are confusing. Here is a simple plan you can follow:
- Get medical care right away. Even if you feel okay, some injuries show up later. A doctor’s visit protects your health and creates a record.
- Call 911. Ask for the police report number before you leave the scene.
- Take photos and video. Capture the scene, the vehicles, the road, and your injuries.
- Collect names and numbers. Get contact and insurance details for everyone involved, plus any witnesses.
- Stay off social media. Insurance companies look at your posts, and a simple photo can be twisted against you.
- Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything. Tell the adjuster to call your lawyer.
- Keep every record. Save medical bills, pay stubs, receipts, and notes about how you feel each day.
- Call Mama Justice at 888-805-6010. We answer 24/7, and the consultation is free.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Injury in Memphis?
The person who pays depends on who caused the harm. In Memphis injury cases, the responsible party may be:
- A negligent driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or ran a light.
- An employer when a worker caused the harm while doing their job.
- A property owner or business that failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition.
- A manufacturer when a defective part or product caused the injury.
- A government agency when poor road design or upkeep played a role. Claims against the government can have shorter deadlines and special notice rules, so call us quickly.
More than one person can share the blame. Part of our job is to find every responsible party so that no source of compensation gets left behind.
Where Do Memphis Injury Claims Get Filed?
Memphis sits in Shelby County, Tennessee. Many injury lawsuits that start here are filed in Shelby County Circuit Court, though the right court depends on the facts of your case. We know the roads where people get hurt, including I-40, I-240, and I-55, and we know the major hospitals that treat injured patients, such as Regional One Health and Methodist.
Knowing the local courts, roads, and insurance habits helps us build a case that fits Memphis, instead of a one-size-fits-all claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Personal Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Memphis, Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tenn. Code § 28-3-104). Some claims, including claims against a government agency, can have shorter deadlines or special notice rules. Confirm your deadline with a Memphis personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a Memphis personal injury lawyer at Mama Justice?
You pay nothing upfront. Mama Justice works on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we win compensation for you. Ask us about case costs and how fees are handled during your free consultation.
What if I was partly at fault for my accident in Tennessee?
You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50 percent at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50 percent or more at fault, you generally cannot recover. An attorney can gather evidence to keep your share of blame as low as possible.
What types of compensation can I recover after a Memphis injury?
Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for past and future medical bills, lost income, reduced future earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, and damaged property. The amount depends on the facts of your case, and no result is guaranteed.
How long does a personal injury case take in Memphis?
Some cases settle in a few months. Others take a year or more, especially when injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or the case goes to trial. Many claims are not ready to settle until your doctors know how well you will recover, so your case is not rushed.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company after a Memphis accident?
Be careful. You should not give a recorded statement, guess about your injuries, or sign a release before talking with a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to protect the insurance company, not you. Send them to Mama Justice and we will handle it.
What should I do right after an accident in Memphis?
Get medical care, call 911 so a police report is made, take photos, collect witness and insurance information, avoid posting about the accident online, and call a lawyer. Seeing a doctor quickly protects your health and creates a record of your injuries.
Is Tennessee a no-fault state?
No. Tennessee is an at-fault state, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault person’s insurance, or sometimes against your own coverage, such as uninsured motorist coverage.
