1. Reaves Law Firm, PLLC
Focus Area: Catastrophic injury and wrongful death representation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, motorcycle accidents
Background: Founded by Henry E. Reaves III. Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients in the Memphis area and throughout West Tennessee.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 209-9182 | https://beyourvoice.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won)
2. Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC
Focus Area: Personal injury representation for serious accidents
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, nursing home abuse, premises liability, workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability
Background: Over 40 years of experience serving injured people in western Tennessee and surrounding Arkansas and Mississippi areas. Attorney Michael Montesi authored “Show Me the Money” (2016) to help accident victims understand the claims process. The firm has helped thousands of clients recover compensation.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 526-2126 | https://www.gkbm.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation, contingency fee structure
3. Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC
Focus Area: Catastrophic injury and complex litigation
Practice Areas: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation claims
Background: Founded by Thomas R. Greer. The firm has established a reputation for willingness to take cases to trial and has achieved multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Additional attorneys include Eric H. Espey, Andrew C. Clarke, Ronald A. Young, and R. Sadler Bailey. Represents clients throughout West Tennessee including Memphis and Jackson.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (877) 819-4414 | https://www.greerinjurylawyers.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement
4. The Gold Law Firm
Focus Area: Comprehensive personal injury representation
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, wrongful death, nursing home negligence
Background: Lead attorney David Gold has practiced law for over 20 years and has helped injured victims in Tennessee recover millions in compensation. Family-owned practice that emphasizes direct attorney-client relationships rather than delegating to case managers. Extensive knowledge of Tennessee law and local court procedures.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 244-5003 | https://www.dgoldlaw.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation, no legal fees until case is won
5. The Chiozza Law Firm
Focus Area: Auto accidents and personal injury
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, product liability, wrongful death, premises liability
Background: Many years of experience handling personal injury cases across Memphis and the Southeast. The firm takes a family-oriented approach where each team member participates in cases. Experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and reducing medical bills for clients.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Contact: (901) 526-9494 | https://www.chiozzalaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (attorney fees only if compensation is recovered)
Personal Injury Laws in Tennessee
Statute of Limitations: Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the nation. Injured parties have only one year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims, the deadline extends to three years. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of the right to seek compensation.
Negligence Rule: Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence system. If the injured party is found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident, they may still recover damages, but the compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If the injured party is determined to be 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages.
Damage Caps: Tennessee places a $750,000 cap on non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases. For cases involving catastrophic injuries (including spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputation, and wrongful death), the cap increases to $1 million. There is no cap on economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or twice the amount of compensatory damages awarded, whichever is greater.
Auto Insurance Requirements: Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for resulting damages. Required minimum liability coverage is 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory but is offered by insurers. Approximately 21% of Tennessee drivers are uninsured according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Government Claims: Claims against state government must go through an administrative process rather than direct lawsuits. Claims against local governments have limited immunity protections and damage caps of $300,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the one-year deadline in Tennessee so strictly enforced for personal injury claims?
A: Tennessee courts apply the one-year statute of limitations without exception in almost all cases. The deadline exists to ensure claims are filed while evidence remains fresh and witnesses can still recall events accurately. Because some insurance carriers have even shorter claim deadlines, injured parties in Memphis should contact an attorney immediately after an accident to determine all applicable time limitations.
Q: How does Tennessee’s comparative negligence rule affect my ability to recover damages if I was partially at fault?
A: Under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your award will be reduced proportionally to your share of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Q: What makes Memphis particularly dangerous for drivers, and how does this affect personal injury claims?
A: According to NHTSA data, Memphis has the highest traffic fatality rate among major U.S. cities at 25.96 deaths per 100,000 residents. The city also has the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities at 7.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. These statistics are often relevant when pursuing claims because they demonstrate the prevalence of negligent driving in the area and can influence jury perceptions.
Q: What compensation can I seek if I am injured in a car accident in Memphis?
A: Tennessee injury victims may seek economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future medical care) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Economic damages have no cap, while non-economic damages are generally capped at $750,000 or $1 million for catastrophic injuries. If the at-fault driver’s conduct was particularly reckless, punitive damages may also be available.
Q: Should I accept an insurance company’s settlement offer without consulting an attorney?
A: Insurance adjusters frequently contact accident victims shortly after incidents and may pressure them to accept quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known. These initial offers are typically far below what claims are worth. An attorney can evaluate your case, calculate the true value of your damages including future medical needs, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Most Memphis personal injury firms offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.