You didn’t ask for this crash, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
If you are reading this, your life has likely just been turned upside down. Whether you were rear-ended in the gridlock on I-240, T-boned at a busy intersection on Poplar Avenue, or hit by a distracted driver on Germantown Parkway, the result is the same: chaos. Suddenly, you are juggling hospital visits at Regional One or Methodist, fighting with insurance adjusters who act like your best friend while denying your claim, and worrying about how you’ll pay your bills while you’re out of work.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed. It is normal to be angry. But here is the good news: You have family in the legal business.
At Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, we believe you deserve more than just a suit-and-tie attorney who sees you as a case number. You need a team that understands the unique dangers of Memphis roads and treats you with the compassion of a family member. Founded by Missy “Mama Justice” Wigginton, our firm has become the fastest-growing woman-owned law firm in the country for one simple reason: We fight like a mother for our clients.
We know that a car accident in Shelby County isn’t just a legal problem—it’s a personal crisis. Our job is to step in, take the weight off your shoulders, and handle the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. From the moment you call us, you stop being a victim and start being part of the Mama Justice family.
Why Choose the Memphis Car Accident Lawyers at Mama Justice?
There are plenty of personal injury lawyers in Memphis with catchy jingles and billboards. But when your health and financial future are on the line, you don’t need a mascot—you need a warrior.
Choosing the right attorney is the most critical decision you will make after a wreck. Here is why hundreds of clients across the South have trusted Mama Justice to lead the fight, and how we specifically help you win in Memphis:
1. We Know Memphis Streets and Shelby County Courts
We aren’t just lawyers; we are locals. We understand that an accident on I-40 near the bridge involves different liability challenges than a fender-bender in Midtown. We know how the Memphis Police Department handles accident reports, we know the local judges in Shelby County Circuit Court, and we know the tactics local defense attorneys use to try to minimize payouts. This “home-field advantage” allows us to build stronger, location-specific strategies for your case that out-of-town firms simply can’t match.
2. We Shield You from Predatory Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies are businesses, not charities. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, often by tricking you into admitting fault or accepting a “quick check” that barely covers your ambulance ride. When you hire Mama Justice, that harassment stops immediately. We take over all communication. We know their tricks, we refuse their lowball offers, and we force them to treat you fairly. Your job is to heal; our job is to handle the paperwork and the pressure.
3. We Treat You Like Family, Not a File
At many high-volume firms, you might never speak to your actual attorney. At Mama Justice, that is unacceptable. We pride ourselves on being accessible, patient, and supportive. We take the time to listen to your story, understand how this injury has impacted your daily life, and explain your options in plain English, not legal jargon. We fight for you with the same ferocity we would use for our own children.
4. No Recovery, No Fee—Ever
We believe justice shouldn’t be expensive. You are already facing medical bills and lost wages; you shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees too. We work on a strict contingency fee basis. This means you pay us $0 upfront. We front all the costs for investigations, experts, and filing fees. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t get you a check, you don’t owe us a dime.
Ready to get the help you deserve? Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear or the insurance company to close your file. Call Mama Justice today, and let our family fight for yours.
After a motor vehicle accident, taking the right steps can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal case. Here’s what you should do:
Follow Medical Advice – Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Keeping up with your treatments and recovery is vital for your health and your case.
Document Everything – Keep a detailed record of your injuries, medical treatments, and any symptoms you experience. Also, save any receipts or bills related to your accident.
Report the Accident – Inform your insurance company about the vehicle accident, but do not give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
Gather Evidence – Collect any photos, witness contact information, and police reports from the car wreck. These pieces of evidence are crucial for building a strong case.
Avoid Discussing Your Case – Don’t discuss your car accident claim with anyone other than your lawyer, especially on social media. The other driver or their insurance company can use your online comments and photos against you.
Contact a Lawyer – Our experienced Tennessee car accident lawyers will guide you through the legal process and handle all the details of your claim, so you have less to worry about.
How We Investigate Car Accident Cases
Our Memphis injury lawyers leave no stone unturned when investigating an auto collision. Our thorough process starts with gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to understand the full scope of the crash. We will also examine the accident scene, take photos, and review any available video footage. In some cases, we’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly how the crash happened.
Additionally, we’ll look into the driving history of those involved and any potential issues with the vehicles. We strive to build a solid case proving the other party’s negligence and your need for compensation. By compiling this detailed evidence, we can negotiate effectively with insurance companies or present a compelling case in court.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Car Accident Claim
Your car accident compensation varies depending on your lost income, injuries, whether you develop any long-term disabilities, and other factors. Our job as a car accident law firm is to help you recover compensation for all your losses, which may include money for:
Past and future medical expenses related to your car accident injury or injuries
Your lost income while you heal
Any reduction in your future earning potential due to your injuries
Your pain and suffering
Your emotional distress
Your diminished quality of life due to your injuries
Any damaged personal property, including vehicle repair/replacement costs
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Memphis
Depending on how the collision occurred, multiple parties could be liable for your injuries. The potentially liable parties in your case may include:
The Other Driver – Often, the other driver’s negligence is the primary cause of an accident. Common examples of negligent driving behavior include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or running a red light.
The Vehicle Owner – If the driver who hit you didn’t own the vehicle, the owner could be responsible for your injuries, especially if they allowed an unqualified or careless driver to use their car.
Employers – If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, the driver’s employer might be liable if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. Employers are legally obligated to make sure their drivers are properly trained and follow safety regulations.
The Vehicle Manufacturer – Sometimes, a defective part or mechanical failure contributes to an accident. For example, defective brakes or steering systems can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash. In these cases, the vehicle or parts manufacturer may be liable for the accident.
Government Entities – Poorly maintained roads, faulty traffic signals, or unclear signage can lead to accidents. When this happens, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
Could You Recover Compensation if You’re Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?
In many cases, you can still recover compensation after a car accident if you’re partly liable for the crash. Under Tennessee’s comparative negligence laws, you can recover compensation for your injuries as long as your share of fault for the crash is less than 50 percent.
However, your compensation in these circumstances is reduced by your degree of fault, which could cost you dearly. An experienced attorney from Mama Justice knows how to find and present evidence that can minimize your degree of fault as much as possible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee law gives you just one year from the crash date to file a car accident lawsuit. Therefore, it’s essential to speak with an attorney immediately after a crash to preserve your right to compensation. If you wait too long to talk to a lawyer, critical evidence could disappear or deteriorate, or you might lose your right to compensation altogether. A knowledgeable lawyer from Mama Justice can help you take legal action within the required deadlines under Tennessee law.
Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents
Some common types and causes of car accidents we often handle include:
Rear-End Collisions – Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, often leads to rear-end collisions. Tailgating is another example of negligence that can cause a rear-end crash, as following too closely reduces drivers’ reaction times.
Head-On Collisions – These severe accidents often result from negligent behaviors like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or falling asleep at the wheel.
T-Bone Accidents – Running red lights or stop signs can cause T-bone accidents at intersections. Failure to yield the right-of-way is also a common factor in these collisions.
Sideswipe Accidents – Unsafe lane changes, often caused by not checking blind spots or failing to signal, can cause sideswipe collisions.
Drunk Driving Accidents – Driving under the influence impairs drivers’ judgment and reaction times, often leading to accidents.
Distracted DrivingAccidents – Activities like texting, eating, or using in-car technologies while driving divert drivers’ attention from the road and often result in accidents.
Speeding Accidents – Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions shows a disregard for safety and increases the likelihood of severe accidents and injuries.
Uninsured MotoristAccidents – Drivers who fail to maintain proper insurance coverage create significant complications for accident victims seeking compensation on their own.
Uber/Lyft Accidents – Accidents can result when rideshare drivers are distracted by their apps, tired from long hours, or fail to follow traffic laws.
Hit-and-Run Accidents – Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Tennessee. By attempting to evade their legal responsibilities, hit-and-run drivers make it harder for victims to get compensation without legal assistance.
Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision
Memphis car accidents often cause painful, life-changing injuries, such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Severe burns
Internal bleeding
Internal organ injuries
Crushed, severed, or amputated limbs
Broken bones
Severe lacerations
Soft-tissue injuries
Emotional distress
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Car Accident Cases
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Tennessee?
Tennessee has one of the shortest deadlines in the country. You generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). If you miss this deadline, you are likely barred from recovering compensation forever. Do not wait—evidence disappears and the clock is ticking.
Can I still get paid if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Yes, under Tennessee’s Modified Comparative Fault rule, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of blame. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible, you receive nothing. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your fault to hit that 50% bar, which is why you need an attorney to protect your side of the story.
What happens if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
With nearly 1 in 4 Tennessee drivers being uninsured, this is a common problem in Memphis. If the at-fault driver has no insurance (or not enough), we file a claim against your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy. This coverage pays for your medical bills and lost wages as if it were the other driver’s insurance. Using your UM coverage generally does not raise your rates if the accident wasn’t your fault.
How do I get a copy of my Memphis Police accident report?
If your accident was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD), you typically cannot pick it up the next day. It usually takes 3 to 5 business days to process. You can request it in person at the MPD Central Records office (170 North Main Street) or order it online via the Tennessee Department of Safety’s “Purchase a Crash Report” portal. You will need the date of the crash and the agency tracking number provided by the officer.
How much is my Memphis car accident settlement worth?
There is no “average” settlement because no two injuries are the same. Your case value depends on your medical bills, lost wages, the severity of your pain and suffering, and the insurance limits available. While minor injury claims may settle for $15,000–$30,000, cases involving surgery, permanent disability, or trucking negligence often result in six or seven-figure payouts.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster?
No. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and we strongly advise against it. Adjusters are trained to ask “trap” questions to make it sound like you weren’t hurt or were distracted. Tell them to speak to your attorney at Mama Justice, then hang up.
Contact a Memphis Car Accident Lawyer Today
Mama Justice has the experience, grit, and personalized approach you need in a car accident lawyer. We’re ready to take on your legal burden and fight like a mother for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Call us today or reach out online for a free case review with a dedicated and determined Memphis car accident attorney.