Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Nashville

Hit by a Driver with No Insurance?

Tennessee law requires insurance companies offer uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage as part of a policy, but people can opt out of UM/UIM coverage in writing. Many people do opt out of this coverage: Some do because they just signed the waiver and did not read the paperwork, some are concerned with keeping the premiums on the policy low, and most people like to think they will never have an uninsured motorist accident.

If you have been hit by a driver who caused a car accident with little to no insurance coverage and are unsure about filing an insurance claim, you should speak to our lawyer as soon as possible.

Attorney Stan Davis offers free consultations to explore all the options you may be able to take, which may include filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy, filing an underinsured/uninsured driver claim against your own policy, and/or filing a lawsuit against the driver at fault.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Tennessee?

While Tennessee does require that companies offer UM/UIM, the state does not require drivers to have this coverage. While it is understandable that policy holders wish to keep their premiums low, waiving UM/UIM insurance can be a huge mistake. Our personal injury law firm sees many injured people who have been hit by uninsured motorists. Many of these victims have a difficult time getting money from the driver at fault for to cover their injuries, hospital bills, and car repairs.

We always recommend purchasing UM/UIM coverage in the largest amount you can afford. This will help guard against unexpected, but not uncommon, car accidents with uninsured motorists. Unfortunately, some motorcycle, truck, and car accidents with underinsured or uninsured drivers can result in extreme financial hardships, foreclosure, and bankruptcy when those involved are unable to work because they are recovering from injuries and do not have the money to pay their medical or household bills.

Protect Your Family from Accidents with Underinsured Motorists

Even if the other driver has minimum insurance coverage, it is often not enough to cover the full amount of accident damages. This is known as an accident with an underinsured driver. Purchasing UM/UIM coverage means if the amount of damages exceeds the amount the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will cover, your own insurance company will compensate for the difference.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Against Uninsured Drivers

If the other driver at fault has little or no coverage and you do not have UM/UIM insurance, there may be another option. A person hit by an uninsured driver can sue the driver in civil court for damages. Once a judgment is rendered, the innocent driver will have to collect the money from the driver at fault, which can include liens on property and/or wage garnishment.

Can I Sue the Uninsured Driver Who Hit Me?

Even though the law requires every driver to purchase a minimum of insurance protection, many drivers fail to do so. When these drivers cause an accident, you need to know the options available to recover your damages.

Typically, any damages caused by a vehicle accident are covered by the insurance of the at fault driver. In cases where the other driver does not have car insurance, filing a lawsuit against them may not make sense. This is because any judgment you gain for damages must come from their own pocket. This money can be hard, if not impossible, to receive. Filing a claim with your underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) insurance policy can be the most effective way to obtain compensation for the damages.

However, it is not always easy to deal with an insurance company — even your own — to receive the funds you need to make a full financial recovery after an auto accident. Ask an attorney what you need to know about handling this type of insurance claim and how having a lawyer on your side could make all the difference.

do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

Insurance companies often pursue uninsured drivers to recover the costs associated with accidents or damages caused by them. When an uninsured driver is at fault in an accident, insurance companies may seek reimbursement for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses incurred by their policyholders or the insurance company itself.

In some cases, insurance companies may take legal action against uninsured drivers to recover the financial burden resulting from the accident. This can involve filing a lawsuit to compel the uninsured driver to pay for the damages they caused. Additionally, insurance companies may report the uninsured driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for driving without insurance, which could lead to fines, license suspension, or other penalties.

Reach Out to Our Lawyer for Free Legal Advice

If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may feel overwhelmed and worried you will have to pay out of pocket for the damages not covered by insurance. Attorney Stan Davis can help you look at your options and create a strategy to help you pinpoint all the possible sources of car accident compensation that may be available.

Call our law office at (615) 866-3938 for more information or fill out our online form to schedule a free review with our attorney today.