What if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Being involved in a car accident can be quite distressing. But what happens if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver? Tennessee law requires drivers to purchase minimum liability insurance. However, many motorists in Tennessee are not insured. According to the III, in 2022, 20.9% of drivers in the state were uninsured. If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be worried about your legal options. This article discusses what you need to know about handling a car accident involving an uninsured driver. Read on!
Understanding Tennessee Insurance Requirements
Tennessee law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. You may only be exempted from carrying liability insurance if you no longer own the vehicle in question, or if the car is inoperable or stored.
The required minimum limits under the law are;
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- $25,000 for harm or death to one person
- $50,000 for all injuries and deaths per accident
Despite these laws and these not being high limits, Tennessee ranks among the states with the highest number of uninsured motorists. In 2022, the III ranked Tennessee fourth in the nation for the highest percentage of uninsured drivers.
What Are Your Options After a Tennessee Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, recovering compensation for your injuries and damages can be complicated. However, the good news is that if you were involved in an auto accident in Tennessee with an uninsured driver, you may have options, including the following;
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Tennessee does not mandate drivers to purchase uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. However, the law requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to drivers when they purchase a policy. If you did not waive this coverage when it was offered, you can pursue a claim with your insurance company. UM coverage pays for injuries and damages caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. UM coverage can pay for, among others;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Collision Coverage
This coverage helps pay for car repairs after an accident, regardless of fault. You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have this coverage.
- Suing the Uninsured Driver
You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you don’t have UM or collision coverage. However, an uninsured driver may not have sufficient financial resources to pay a judgment, so even if you win your case, you may not recover the damages you are owed. However, this is not always the case.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contacting a car accident attorney is in your best interest. Even if you are filing a claim with your insurance company, it does not mean the insurance company will treat you fairly. A skilled lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement. Additionally, if you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, an attorney can ensure you file your claim within the designated statute of limitations to ensure you are within your rights to seek compensation.
Contact a Knoxville Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Tennessee, contact our skilled Knoxville auto accident attorneys at Reynolds, Atkins, Brezina & Stewart, PLLC at 865-500-3121 for legal help.
Source:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists#:~:text=View%20Archived%20Tables-,Top%2010%20Highest%20And%20Lowest%20States%20By%20Estimated%20Percentage%20Of%20Uninsured%20Motorists%2C%202022%20(1),-Highest
