What Should You do if You are Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
When a collision with an uninsured driver leaves you suffering serious injuries, our Nashville car accident attorneys can assist you in getting the compensation you need to recover.
Even the safest and most experienced of drivers can end up in crashes and collisions that result in serious injuries. When car accidents occur as the result of someone else’s reckless driving behavior, you are entitled to seek compensation for the damages you suffer through a claim against the at-fault party’s insurer. If the crash involves an uninsured driver, our Nashville car accident attorney can assist you in seeking compensation through your own insurance policy or by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Uninsured Drivers in Tennessee
According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, all drivers in our state are financially responsible for accidents they cause and must maintain a minimum amount of liability coverage. This includes at least $25,000 for injuries or deaths caused by a collision, up to $50,000 per incident, and at least $10,000 to cover any property damage. Failure to maintain these minimum amounts could result in heavy fines and the loss of driving privileges.
Despite these penalties, there are still a considerable amount of drivers who lack insurance coverage. Drivers may mistakenly allow their policy to lapse or gamble on avoiding accident risks. In some situations, a poor driving record puts the cost of insurance out of financial reach, or the driver may be operating a vehicle illegally and without the proper license or registration. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that roughly 20% of the drivers on the road in Tennessee lack insurance coverage, putting themselves, their passengers, and other motorists at risk.
Handling Car Accidents With Uninsured Drivers
In the aftermath of any type of car accident, you should pull over immediately, notify law enforcement, and exchange personal contact information, driver’s license and registration, and insurance information with the other drivers involved. In the event the other driver is uninsured, you have several options in terms of seeking compensation:
- File a claim with your own policy: While Tennessee does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection, insurers are obligated to offer it as part of your coverage. If you have this type of insurance in place, it may cover some of the costs associated with your accident.
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver: You may file a lawsuit in court against the at fault driver, seeking compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages you suffer. Even if the other driver cannot pay off the total judgment, the court can enforce payments through wage garnishments, liens, and asset seizures.
Reach Out to Our Nashville Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents can leave you suffering serious damages, which can impact your health and financial security for years to come. To ensure you get the compensation you need to recover, contact Bednarz Law and request a one-on-one consultation with our Nashville car accident attorney today.