Uninsured Motorist Coverage in TN: What Every Driver Should Know
Driving on Tennessee roads comes with inherent risks, and one of the most significant is the chance of an accident with an uninsured driver. Despite state laws requiring auto insurance, many drivers fail to carry adequate coverage, leaving responsible drivers vulnerable to substantial financial losses after a collision. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes critically important.
Understanding the specifics of your auto insurance policy can be complex, but knowing your rights and protections is essential. This guide will answer frequently asked questions about uninsured motorist coverage in Tennessee. The car accident attorneys at Bill Easterly & Associates will explain what it is, what it covers, and why it is a vital safeguard for you and your family.
If you have been in an accident, know that resources like Bill Easterly & Associates are available to help you navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you deserve.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee law mandates that all auto insurance companies include uninsured motorist coverage in every policy they issue. The purpose of this law is to protect insured drivers from the financial consequences of accidents caused by those who illegally drive without insurance.
By default, the UM coverage limits must be at least equal to your policy’s bodily injury liability limits. The state minimum is $25,000 for one person’s injuries, $50,000 for all injuries in a single accident, and $15,000 for property damage. While insurance companies are required to offer this coverage, drivers do have the option to reject it. However, this rejection must be done explicitly and in writing.
Given the high number of uninsured drivers in Tennessee, rejecting UM coverage is not advisable. Opting out might slightly lower your premium, but it leaves you exposed to significant personal and financial risk. Without it, you could be left to cover expensive medical bills and other losses entirely on your own if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protect?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to compensate you for losses when an uninsured driver is at fault for an accident. It acts as a substitute for the liability insurance the other driver should have had. Here are the primary expenses and damages typically covered under a UM policy:
1. Medical Bills
UM coverage can pay for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from the accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
2. Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, UM coverage can reimburse you for the income you lose during your recovery period. This is crucial for maintaining financial stability while you focus on healing.
3. Pain and Suffering
Unlike basic health insurance, UM coverage can provide compensation for non-economic damages. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the injuries have on your quality of life.
4. Broader Protection
Your UM coverage protects more than just you as a driver. It typically extends to you and your family members if you are injured as passengers in your own vehicle, as passengers in another family member’s vehicle, or even as pedestrians struck by an uninsured driver.
5. Hit-and-Run Accidents
One of the most challenging scenarios is a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver is never identified. In these cases, the driver is treated as uninsured, and your UM coverage can be activated to cover your losses.
It is important to note that standard UM coverage primarily applies to bodily injuries. To cover damage to your vehicle, you would need to purchase a separate policy known as uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.
How Bill Easterly & Associates Can Help You
Navigating an uninsured motorist claim can be overwhelming, especially while you are recovering from injuries. At Bill Easterly & Associates, we understand that this experience may leave you feeling strained and alone. Our primary goal is to help you move forward by securing the full and fair compensation you need.
Our experienced team has the skills and determination to advocate on your behalf. We will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring they honor the terms of your policy. Whether it means going head-to-head with an adjuster to negotiate a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit to protect your rights, we are prepared to fight for the compensation you are entitled to. We manage the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling after a car accident with an uninsured driver, you do not have to face it alone. Contact a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Call Bill Easterly & Associates today at (615) 244-2222 to schedule your free consultation. We are ready to get started on your case.