What Can You Do after an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist in Tennessee?

Car accidents are commonplace in our hectic, fast-paced world. The leading cause of accidental injury and death in the United States is motor vehicle accidents, which is why every driver is required to carry auto insurance. However, there are always drivers who try to thwart the law and drive without car insurance, or without adequate insurance. If you get into an accident that was caused by a driver who was uninsured or underinsured, what happens next?Tennessee’s financial responsibility laws require that drivers carry the following minimum limits of liability coverage:

• $25,000 for one injury or death
• $50,000 for all injuries or deaths
• $15,000 for property damage for one accident

However, these are just the minimum coverages required by law. All insurance companies operating in Tennessee are required to automatically include Uninsured/underinsured coverage unless the policy holder signs a letter declining the coverage. With UM/UIM coverage, your insurance company will cover your medical bills and auto repair bills from the accident. It will also cover lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and other losses related to the accident.

Accidents where no one has the correct – or any – insurance

If you do not have UM/UIM coverage on your policy because you declined the coverage to lower your insurance premiums, and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you would have to pay for your own medical bills and auto repair bills.

After the car accident, call your insurance company and notify them. Let them know that you will be filing an uninsured motorist claim. Be mindful of your insurance company’s deadlines for filing a claim. Then call us and talk to one of our dedicated Memphis car accident lawyers, who can help you through the process of filing a UM/UIM claim.

To discuss the details surrounding your accident with an experienced personal injury attorney, please contact Bailey & Greer, PLLC about scheduling a consultation. We are proud to serve clients in and around Memphis, Jackson and West Tennessee.