Mar 20, 2025 Articles

What Is the Most Common Personal Injury Claim In Memphis

This article seeks to answer the commonly asked question: What is the most common personal injury claim in Memphis. Personal injury claims arise when someone is hurt due to another party’s negligence. Among all types of personal injury cases in Memphis, car accidents are the most common. In the U.S., millions of auto accidents occur yearly, leading to severe injuries, property damage, and legal disputes. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in Memphis, John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Memphis Personal Injury Accidents Statistics

Based on available data car accidents in Memphis account for approximately 65% of personal injury cases in Memphis. The statistics on personal injury accidents in Memphis reveal some alarming patterns. Between 2018 and 2021, the city saw an average of over 24 road deaths per 100,000 residents annually, with a significant part attributed to drunk driving. These figures underscore the importance of road safety measures and awareness campaigns to address these challenges effectively.

Why Are Car Accidents the Most Common Personal Injury Claim in Memphis

Car accidents remain alarmingly common in Memphis, with various factors contributing to the frequency and severity of these accidents. Understanding the causes can help both drivers and personal injury victims navigate the complexities of road safety and legal recourse.

  • Distracted driving: Activities like using your to text or call while driving or crossing the road, eating while driving, or adjusting the radio divert attention from the road, significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Speeding: Driving above the speed limit will likely reduce your reaction time and amplifies the impact during collisions. Note: In Memphis, the default speed limit on streets without posted signs is now 25 mph, this change was implemented in early 2021 to improve safety, particularly in areas with higher pedestrian and bike traffic.
  • Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drug impairment leads to poor judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased motor skills, making DUI a major hazard. As stated above driving under the influence is a significant contributor to motor vehicle accidents in Memphis, TN.
  • Reckless or aggressive driving: Behaviors like running red lights, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes create dangerous situations for all road users. How many feet should I stay behind a car in Memphis? In Memphis, the general guide is to keep at least a three-second gap between your car and the one in front of you. The idea behind this is to give you a buffer that allows you enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. If you’re driving in bad weather or operating a larger vehicle, it’s best to increase that distance to ensure safer braking and handling. Staying mindful of following distance helps reduce the risk of accidents and keeps the roads safer for everyone. 
  • Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or ice can make roads slippery and impair visibility, therefore it is advisable for drivers to exercise extra caution. In Memphis adverse weather conditions contribute to a significant portion of accidents. According to recent data approximately 31% of auto accident lawsuits in Memphis involve weather as a contributing factor.

When another driver’s negligence leads to an accident, victims may file a personal injury claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs.

Other Common Types of Personal Injury Claims

While car accidents top the list, other frequent personal injury claims include:

  1. Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Occur in stores, workplaces, or public areas due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
  • Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises.
  1. Medical Malpractice
  • Includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or birth injuries.
  • Requires proving that a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
  1. Workplace Accidents
  • Injuries from unsafe conditions, falling objects, machinery malfunctions, or repetitive stress.
  • Often covered by workers’ compensation but may involve third-party negligence claims.
  1. Product Liability
  • Defective or dangerous products can cause serious harm (e.g., faulty auto parts, unsafe medications, or toxic materials).
  • Manufacturers, designers, and sellers can be held liable.
  1. Dog Bites
  • Owners are responsible for their pets’ actions, especially if they failed to restrain or warn others about a dangerous dog.
  • Injuries range from minor punctures to severe infections or permanent scarring.
  1. Wrongful Death
  • Occurs when negligence leads to fatal injuries (e.g., car crashes, medical errors, workplace incidents).
  • Family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

How to Prove a Personal Injury Claim in Memphis, TN

To successfully claim compensation, you must prove:

  1. Duty of care – The defendant had a responsibility to act safely.
  2. Breach of duty – They acted negligently or recklessly.
  3. Causation – Their actions directly caused your injury.
  4. Damages – You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Memphis

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, hiring an attorney can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers, Memphis offers:

  • Free consultations to assess your case.
  • No upfront fees – You only pay if we win.
  • Decades of experience handling personal injury claims in Memphis.
  • Aggressive representation against insurance companies.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait to seek legal help. Tennessee has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Contact John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us now at 901-529-1111. Our team is available 24/7.

Visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

Or visit our offices in Memphis: 5978 Knight Arnold Rd #400 Memphis, TN 38115.

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