When you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tennessee, time is not on your side. The law sets strict deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can cost you the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.



In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is one year from the date of the accident. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country, making it critical to act quickly. If the claim involves wrongful death, the one-year period typically begins on the date of the person’s passing, not the accident itself.

For property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs, Tennessee allows three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, when both injury and property damage are involved, most cases move forward under the stricter one-year injury timeline.

While these are the general rules, exceptions can sometimes extend or shorten the deadline. For example, claims involving government entities may require notice within just a few months, and special circumstances like delayed discovery of injuries may affect the timeline. Because of these complexities, it’s important to get legal guidance as soon as possible.

At McLaughlin Law Office, we can provide legal assistance to the Memphis public. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, we can review your case, explain your options, and help you take timely action to protect your right to compensation.