Tennessee roads see thousands of accidents each year, and statistics show that approximately one in eight drivers operates without insurance coverage. When you find yourself involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the situation becomes more complicated than a typical collision claim. The financial burden can shift entirely to you if proper steps are not taken immediately.
A skilled Chattanooga car accident attorney can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve during this challenging time.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Tennessee Accident
Your actions in the first few minutes after an accident with an uninsured driver will significantly impact your ability to recover damages later. Safety should always be your primary concern, but documenting everything becomes even more critical when dealing with uninsured motorists.
First, check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, having an official police report is essential when the other driver lacks insurance. The responding officer will document the scene and may cite the uninsured driver for violating Tennessee’s mandatory insurance laws.
Gather comprehensive evidence while at the scene:
- Take photographs of vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Document the accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signals
- Record the other driver’s personal information and license plate number
- Collect contact information from any witnesses present
Never admit fault or discuss insurance details with the other driver. Some uninsured motorists may try to convince you to handle the matter privately without involving authorities. This approach rarely works in your favor and often leads to disputes later.
What Tennessee Law Says About Uninsured Drivers
Tennessee requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Driving without insurance is a Class C misdemeanor that can result in fines, license suspension, and vehicle registration suspension.
When you are hit by an uninsured driver, Tennessee follows a fault-based system. This means the at-fault driver is responsible for damages, regardless of their insurance status. However, collecting compensation from an uninsured driver presents significant challenges since they often lack sufficient assets to pay for damages out of pocket.
The state also requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage to all policyholders. While you can decline this coverage in writing, doing so leaves you vulnerable when accidents occur with uninsured drivers.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
Uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee provides crucial protection when you are hit by an uninsured driver. This coverage essentially allows your own insurance company to step into the shoes of the uninsured driver and pay for your damages.
There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage available:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage handles vehicle repairs and replacement
- Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the other driver has insufficient limits
- Hit-and-run coverage protects you when the at-fault driver flees the scene
Your insurance company will investigate the claim just as it would any other accident. However, since they are paying the claim, they may scrutinize the details more carefully to ensure the other driver was truly at fault and uninsured.
What To Do if You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Tennessee
Even with uninsured motorist coverage, you may choose to pursue the at-fault driver personally. This approach makes sense when your damages exceed policy limits or when you lack adequate coverage yourself.
Several methods exist for collecting from uninsured drivers:
- Wage garnishment if the driver has steady employment
- Asset seizure, including bank accounts and personal property
- Payment plans negotiated through legal counsel
- Liens against real estate or future insurance settlements
However, many uninsured drivers have limited assets, making collection difficult. A judgment against someone with no money to pay provides little practical benefit. Your attorney can investigate the driver’s financial situation before deciding whether direct pursuit makes sense.
When Medical Bills and Lost Income Mount
Injuries from accidents often result in substantial medical expenses and lost income. When the at-fault driver has no insurance, these costs can create serious financial hardship for victims and their families.
Tennessee allows injured parties to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Working with healthcare providers to establish payment plans can provide breathing room while your claim is processed. Many medical providers will defer payment when they know an active insurance claim or lawsuit is pending.
Areas We Serve
Dennis & Winningham proudly serves clients throughout Hamilton County and the surrounding areas. We handle uninsured motorist cases in Chattanooga and the following zip codes: 37343, 37350, 37363, 37377, 37379, 37401, 37402, 37403, 37404, 37405, 37406, 37407, 37408, 37409, 37410, 37411, 37412, 37415, 37416, 37419, 37421, 37450, and 37421. Our local knowledge of Tennessee traffic laws and court procedures helps us provide effective representation for accident victims.
We also serve clients in Bradley County, Walker County, Catoosa County, and other nearby communities where uninsured driver accidents occur frequently.
We Are Here for You
Uninsured motorist coverage provides valuable protection, but insurance companies do not always offer fair settlements without pressure.
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact Dennis & Winningham today for a consultation. Our experienced team will review your case and explain your options for recovering full compensation.
