The state of Tennessee requires all of its drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. If a driver causes a crash, liability insurance protects the at-fault party from having to pay for the damages out of pocket. It ensures that the not-at-fault party recovers compensation for their losses.
Unfortunately, despite the law, not all drivers carry insurance. When one of these uninsured drivers causes a crash, the injured party may be unsure whether they can recoup damages. An experienced accident injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process.
Filing a Claim with Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance
When you purchase car insurance in Hendersonville, TN, your insurer is required under law to offer you uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) car insurance coverage. This type of coverage pays for your damages if you are involved in a crash with a driver who does not have insurance, or does not have enough insurance, to pay for your losses. While the insurer is required to offer it, you are not required to accept it and may reject the coverage in writing.
Rejecting UM/UIM coverage is not recommended – if you are in a crash with an uninsured driver and you carry UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.
What Other Options Do I Have?
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you have the right to file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver for damages. However, filing a lawsuit may not yield much compensation if the driver does not have the financial means to settle your claim. Another option is to file a claim through other coverage types in your insurance policy, such as medical payments or collision coverage. Of course, your health insurance should also pay for a portion of your medical expenses.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Accident Attorney
When you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, you may feel hopeless. Our attorneys understand what you’re going through and will help you understand your options for recovering compensation for your pain, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages. We explore all potential sources of compensation, including filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
With more than six decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys know how to investigate your claim and which strategies to employ to improve your chances of getting your maximum compensation award.
We Fight for Your Rights After a Crash
If the actions of an insured driver harm you, our attorneys can help you understand your options. Whether negotiating or litigating, we have the skills, passion, and talent that you are looking for in a Hendersonville car accident attorney.
A consultation with our law firm is free, so there is no reason to contact us to begin the claims process. We look forward to working with you.
