Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Memphis

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Memphis, Tennessee?

  To reach the Memphis Police Department for non-emergencies, call (901) 545-COPS / (901) 545-2677.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Memphis, Tennessee?

  To obtain a copy of a police report from the Memphis Police Department, call the Central Records Unit at (901) 636-3650.

• What should you do if an insurance company tells you that you don't need an attorney after suffering a personal injury in Memphis?

  Insurance companies in Memphis may resort to casually telling you to avoid hiring a lawyer to try to downplay your injuries or to keep you from discovering the actual value of your case. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney, especially if you know that you need a high amount of compensation to cover all your incurred damages.

• How does a personal injury attorney help you with your case in Memphis?

  Your attorney in Memphis can help in many ways, which include:

  • Evaluating your claim and informing you of your legal options
  • Negotiating on your behalf to try to keep the case from going to court
  • Preparing all of your legal documents
  • Researching the law and reviewing all of the collected evidence
  • Filing the complaint for you

• Can you, as a dog owner, still be held liable for a dog attack injury in Memphis if your pet had no prior history of biting someone?

  Yes, you may still be held liable for your dog's action resulting in personal injury due to the state law called the Dianna Acklen Act of 2007. This means a dog owner in Memphis is no longer off the hook for a bite injury even if their dog had not previously attacked anybody.

• Can you sue your neighbor if your child, who was technically trespassing, got injured within their property in Memphis?

  Cases like this can get very tricky, and your child's age may have to be considered to determine your claim's validity. However, while trespassers in Memphis generally cannot sue the property owner for their injuries, there are exceptions if the offender in question is a child, especially if they walked into the property because they were attracted by something, such as colorful garden gnomes or a friendly dog.

• Is it alright to accept an offer from an insurance company for a personal injury in Memphis?

  It depends. Since insurance companies are going to look out for their best interests, a fast offer from them is usually not enough to cover all the damages you have incurred. Therefore, hiring a Memphis attorney to evaluate your case and file a claim is always the best course of action.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.