Memphis, Tennessee is known for barbecue, jazz music, and Elvis Presley. In 2014, the city's population was 656,861 people, making it the largest city in the state at that time. The greater metro region has a population of 1,317,314 people as of 2014.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Shelby County (which is where Memphis is located) had the most licensed drivers in the state.
Shelby County has the second highest motor vehicle crash rate in the state and the second highest injury-to-crash ratio. When looking at fatal crashes, the city placed 79th in the state. Of the crashes reported in Shelby County during 2016, there were 7,143 accidents leading to either death or injury.
When minor injuries are taken into account, the figures are much higher. If you have been involved in a Memphis car accident, you should consult with a Memphis personal injury attorney for guidance regarding the recovery of damages you have suffered.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Memphis
Accidents can happen on any road, but Memphis has some roads that are more prone to seeing auto crashes than others. These are more dangerous roads that require extra caution when traveling. Some of those more dangerous roadways are:
I-40
I-40 is one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. It has more accidents reported than any other road in Tennessee, and the part that goes through Memphis and Shelby County is no exception.
Hacks Cross
The most dangerous road in Shelby County would be Hacks Cross. It has numerous crashes reported every year, with many of them causing fatalities or serious injuries. During the last three years, the road has averaged 217 crashes per year.
Highway 64
Highway 64 is a dangerous road that makes its way through the area. It has more than 150 accidents every year. Many of those crashes claimed lives or resulted in permanent disabilities.
What to Do After a Crash
If a Memphis car accident has left you with injuries, you might be wondering where to turn. You need to make sure you keep all the needed evidence to put yourself in the position to file a personal injury claim against the liable party to recoup damages suffered because of the crash. Here are some tips on what you should do after a car accident:
- Call 911. You need a police officer to complete an accident report—you’ll need the report later. If anyone has serious injuries, ask for an ambulance.
- If possible, take photos of the damages and the crash scene. You can use your smartphone to do this.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses; they might be needed later.
- Seek medical care at the nearest emergency room.
Memphis Hospitals
Seek medical care after an auto accident. Even if you think you aren't seriously injured, your injuries might be worse than you initially believe. Go to the nearest hospital to seek medical care so you can be thoroughly examined. Here are some hospitals in the Memphis area:
Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis
6019 Walnut Grove Rd.
Memphis, TN 38120
Saint Francis Hospital
5959 Park Ave.
Memphis, TN 38119
Methodist University Hospital
1265 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Memphis Auto Repair
If a Memphis car accident has left you with injuries, your car most likely needs repairs. Those damages will require written estimates from local auto body shops.
You should also keep receipts for towing, any repairs you pay for, and any rental vehicle you might use in the time being. All these documents are needed to negotiate with the insurance company. Take photos of the damages as well.
Here are some Memphis auto body repair shops and towing services:
Icon Collision Services
2160 Spicer Cove
Memphis, TN 38134
Service King Collision Repair of Bartlett
6957 Stage Rd.
Memphis, TN 38133
Matthew Towing Care Care Center
3994 Raleigh Millington Rd.
Memphis, TN 38128
The Most Important Resource: A Personal Injury Attorney
Following an accident that has left you with serious damage, your most valuable asset is an experienced personal injury attorney. You might suffer in various ways after a Memphis auto accident and your lawyer can help you pursue a claim that will allow you to recover those losses.
Damages might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages. Because personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you have nothing to lose. Schedule a case evaluation right away.