Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Memphis, Tennessee

1. Daniel Law Firm

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, slip and fall injuries, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, premises liability

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes, defective brake accidents, product liability motorcycle cases

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation claims

Background: Daniel Law Firm was founded in 1968 by Lundy W. Daniel and has been serving Memphis and the Mid-South for over 50 years. Ben L. Daniel joined the firm in 1993 and received his J.D. from Memphis State University School of Law. He has been licensed in Tennessee since 1993 and has over 30 years of legal experience. Elizabeth K. Daniel joined the firm in 1995 and serves as Senior Attorney. The attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Notable recoveries include a $9 million award following a deadly 18-wheeler accident, a $2.85 million settlement for a multi-car wreck fatality, a $2.5 million verdict for a woman injured due to defective brake repairs, and a $2 million settlement for construction workers killed on a highway.

Location: 145 Court Avenue, Second Floor, Memphis, TN 38103

Contact: (901) 525-5555 | [email protected] | https://www.daniellawfirm.com

Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis, no fees unless case is won

2. The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, workplace accidents, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, Social Security Disability

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash injuries, amputation injuries, maritime accidents

Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, witness interviews, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, Social Security Disability appeals

Background: David E. Gordon received his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School in 1982 and his B.A. from Tufts University in 1976. He is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Tennessee Supreme Court and Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, placing him among fewer than 2% of Tennessee lawyers with such certification. He has over 30 years of legal experience, including 11 years as an insurance defense attorney, providing valuable insight into insurance company tactics. Attorney Gordon holds a 10.0 rating on Avvo, an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. He has been named a Super Lawyer from 2011 through 2025. He is admitted to practice before all Tennessee state courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th, 6th, and 9th Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Location: 1850 Poplar Crest Cove, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119

Contact: (901) 818-4889 | (901) 444-4444 | [email protected] | https://www.davidgordonlaw.com

Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee basis

3. Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, premises liability, slip and fall injuries, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy, Social Security Disability

Case Types Handled: Motorcycle versus car collisions, motorcycle versus truck collisions, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, left-turn accidents involving motorcycles, intersection motorcycle accidents, highway motorcycle accidents, wrongful death from motorcycle accidents, catastrophic injuries from motorcycle collisions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, amputation injuries

Background: Darrell Castle received his J.D. from Memphis State University Law School (now University of Memphis) in 1979 and his B.S. degrees in History and Political Science from East Tennessee State University in 1970. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1970 and served four years, including service in Vietnam. He founded his private firm in 1984 and is licensed to practice in Tennessee since 1979 and Missouri since 2010. He is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The firm has earned a 5-star rating on Avvo, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and the Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubbell for client satisfaction. Attorney Castle is a member of the Memphis Bar Association and Tennessee Bar Association.

Location: 4515 Poplar Ave, Suite 510, Memphis, TN 38117

Contact: (901) 327-2100 | https://darrellcastle.com

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis

4. Reaves Law Firm, PLLC

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries

Background: The attorneys at Reaves Law Firm have experience as former insurance defense attorneys, providing insider knowledge of insurance company tactics and strategies. The firm has a track record of success in taking on insurance companies that attempt to minimize compensation for injured motorcyclists. The attorneys understand the bias that motorcyclists often face in accident claims and work to present evidence establishing that the other driver was negligent. The firm represents clients throughout the Memphis metropolitan area and provides personalized attention to each case.

Location: Memphis, TN

Contact: (901) 209-8599 | https://beyourvoice.com

Consultation: Free consultation available

5. The Gold Law Firm

Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, wrongful death claims in Mississippi and Tennessee

Background: The Gold Law Firm serves Shelby County and the Memphis area with a focus on personal injury cases including motorcycle accidents. The attorneys understand the unique challenges of motorcycle accident claims, including combating stereotypes about reckless riding that insurance companies use to minimize compensation. The firm handles wrongful death suits in both Mississippi and Tennessee, understanding the special rules in each jurisdiction regarding standing to sue and statutes of limitations. The firm emphasizes faster case resolution, often progressing from accident to settlement within months rather than years.

Location: Memphis, TN

Contact: (901) 244-5003 | https://www.dgoldlaw.com

Consultation: Free consultation, no upfront fee, contingency fee basis

Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Tennessee

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: One year from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. This is one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: One year from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Three years from the date of the accident for property damage claims.

Fault System: Tennessee is an at-fault state where the law of negligence governs motorcycle accidents. The person found to be at fault can be held accountable for injuries and damages.

Comparative Negligence Rules: Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. A plaintiff can only recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident. If found 50% or more at fault, the injured party cannot recover any compensation. Damages are reduced proportionally by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.

Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Tennessee requires minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage (25/50/15). Proof of insurance is required when registering a motorcycle.

Helmet Laws: Tennessee has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets meeting federal safety standards (DOT approved). Senate Bill 1536 passed in 2021 created some exceptions for riders 26 and older with proper insurance coverage. Riders 21 and older leading funeral processions may go without helmets under specific conditions (fewer than 50 miles, maintaining 30 mph or slower). Violating the helmet law is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $50 and potential jail time up to 30 days. Helmet law violations are secondary offenses, meaning officers cannot pull over riders solely for not wearing helmets. Failure to wear a helmet can affect personal injury claims under comparative negligence principles, particularly for head injuries.

Eye Protection Requirements: Eye protection is required if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windscreen. Acceptable eye protection includes safety goggles, face shields, or glasses with impact-resistant lenses.

Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Laws: Lane splitting is not explicitly addressed in Tennessee law but is generally considered illegal under following-too-closely and improper lane usage statutes.

Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Tennessee requires a Class M motorcycle license. Applicants must pass written and skills tests. Motorcycle safety courses are available and recommended.

Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have a left-side and right-side mirror, a muffler, and functioning headlights, taillights, and brake lights. Headlight use during daylight hours is required. Passenger seats and footrests are required if carrying passengers. Children can only be passengers if they keep feet on footpegs or travel in a sidecar.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: UM/UIM coverage is optional but recommended to protect against drivers without adequate insurance.

Damage Caps: Tennessee does not cap economic damages. Non-economic damages are capped at $750,000 in most cases, with a cap of $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries resulting in paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputation, or third-degree burns over 40% of the body. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $500,000 or twice the amount of compensatory damages.

Dram Shop Liability: Tennessee has dram shop laws allowing injured parties to hold alcohol-serving establishments liable under certain circumstances.

Wrongful Death Claims: Eligible claimants include the surviving spouse, children, parents, and next of kin. The personal representative of the estate may bring the action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Memphis, Tennessee?

Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country for personal injury claims. You have only one year from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. This deadline is strictly enforced, and failing to file within this one-year period will likely result in the court dismissing your case, forever barring you from seeking compensation. Property damage claims have a longer three-year deadline. Given this tight timeline, it is critical to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident to preserve evidence, gather documentation, and ensure all legal deadlines are met. If a defendant is also facing criminal charges for the accident, certain exceptions may pause the statute of limitations.

How does Tennessee comparative fault affect my motorcycle accident claim?

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system with a 50% bar to recovery. This means you can only recover damages if you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident. If a court or jury determines you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000. Insurance companies often try to attribute fault to motorcyclists based on stereotypes about reckless riding, even when the evidence shows the other driver caused the accident. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can counter these tactics and present evidence establishing the other party’s negligence.

Can I recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a universal helmet law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets. Some exceptions exist for riders 26 and older with proper insurance coverage following a 2021 law change. If you were not wearing a helmet and sustained head injuries, the defense may argue that your failure to wear protective equipment contributed to your injuries under comparative fault principles. This could reduce your total compensation. However, not wearing a helmet does not automatically disqualify you from recovering damages. An experienced attorney can argue that the primary cause of your injuries was the other party’s negligence and work to minimize the impact of helmet non-compliance on your claim. If your injuries were unrelated to head trauma, helmet use would likely not affect your compensation.

What compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Tennessee?

Motorcycle accident victims in Tennessee may recover several categories of damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle and gear, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life, though these are generally capped at $750,000 or $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries. In wrongful death cases, families may recover for loss of companionship, loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, capped at the greater of $500,000 or twice compensatory damages.

What should I do after a motorcycle accident in Memphis?

First, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries appear minor, as some symptoms may not manifest until later. Contact law enforcement to file an official police report. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved and witnesses. Do not admit fault or provide recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney. Preserve evidence including your damaged helmet and gear. Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and time missed from work. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney promptly, given Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations. Insurance companies often act quickly to minimize claims, so having legal representation early can protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery.