No one ever expects to be hit by an uninsured driver, but it happens more often than you might think. When you’re left holding the bill for someone else’s mistake, it’s easy to feel like the system is stacked against you.
The good news is you still have options. With the right knowledge and legal support, you can get through this situation and come out the other side with the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re unlucky enough to be hit by an uninsured driver, here’s what you need to do:
We can’t stress this enough: always call the police after an accident, especially if the other driver is uninsured. The police report establishes an official record of the crash, which is crucial for filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. It also helps prove fault and liability, which can be tricky in he-said, she-said situations.
TCA § 55-12-102(12)(A) mandates that all drivers maintain proof of financial responsibility, which most motorists commonly achieve through a liability insurance policy.
The minimum liability insurance requirements in the state are:
Alternatively, drivers can demonstrate financial responsibility by:
However, not everyone follows these rules. That’s where uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes into play.
UM coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy that protects you in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
If you have UM coverage, your insurance company will step in to cover the costs that would have been paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance up to your policy limits.
You may be eligible to file for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage with your insurance company if you have a UM/UIM policy.
This claim can help cover the following:
The process typically involves submitting proof of the accident, the other driver’s lack of insurance, and the extent of your damages.
Your insurer will then assess your claim and determine the appropriate compensation based on your policy limits and the evidence provided.
In some cases, filing a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance might not be enough to fully compensate you for your losses. This can happen if:
In these situations, you might need to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Of course, if they didn’t have insurance, they might not have many assets to go after. But it’s still worth exploring your options with a knowledgeable attorney.
Navigating the aftermath of an uninsured driver accident can be complicated and overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. That’s where a skilled Tennessee car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
At Pickford Law, we can:
You don’t have to go up against the insurance giants alone. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Tennessee, contact Pickford Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. With our dedicated team in your corner, you can focus on healing while we work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Shalondra Grandberry Pickford is a highly skilled attorney and the founder of Pickford Law. Her legal practice is committed to representing clients on various legal matters, including social security disability, veterans’ disability, estate planning, and personal injury. With over ten years of experience in law and a license to practice in Tennessee and Arkansas, Shalondra is committed to providing personalized and effective legal representation to each client.
Shalondra received her Juris Doctorate from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and is a member of the Tennessee and Arkansas State Bar Associations. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the exclusive Rising Stars award from Super Lawyers in 2017 and again in 2022.
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