After a car accident, questions of responsibility immediately surface—and in Tennessee, those questions matter significantly more than in some neighboring states. Tennessee operates under a fault-based system where responsibility determines who pays for damages after a collision. This approach stands in contrast to no-fault states where your own insurance typically covers your losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
A Knoxville car accident lawyer can help navigate Tennessee’s fault-based system, ensuring you pursue the compensation you deserve from the responsible party.
Fault versus No-Fault Car Accident States
In fault-based states like Tennessee, the person responsible for causing an accident bears financial responsibility for the resulting damages. This means if another driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle, their insurance company should pay for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other damages. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance exists for this purpose.
By contrast, no-fault states require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that covers their own injuries regardless of who caused the accident. In these states, you generally cannot sue the other driver unless your injuries meet certain thresholds. The no-fault system aims to reduce litigation and speed up compensation for medical expenses, but it often limits your ability to recover damages for other important losses, like pain and suffering.
Tennessee’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Tennessee law requires all drivers to demonstrate financial responsibility, typically by purchasing liability insurance. The minimum coverage requirements include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
However, damages in car accident claims often exceed these minimum requirements. If you cause an accident and only carry the basic coverage, you may be on the hook for the victims’ remaining damages. Higher coverage limits provide better protection for your assets if you cause a serious accident.
Your liability policy covers family members driving your vehicle and others who use it with your permission. Remember that liability insurance only pays for damages you cause to others—it doesn’t cover your own injuries or vehicle repairs after an accident you cause. For that protection, you need additional policies like collision coverage or medical payments insurance.
Your Legal Options After a Car Accident in Tennessee
After a Tennessee car accident, you have several paths toward compensation. If another driver caused your crash, you can file a claim directly with their insurance company and negotiate a settlement. When negotiations stall or the insurer offers inadequate compensation, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage, you can also file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. This coverage is not required in Tennessee but it can protect your interests if you find yourself in a challenging situation. However, you must carry an active uninsured/underinsured motorist policy at the time of the accident in order to use it.
Take Your First Steps Toward Justice with The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto
Navigating Tennessee’s fault-based insurance system can be challenging without proper legal guidance. At The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto, we have deep knowledge of Tennessee’s insurance laws and how they affect your case. We can guide you on your path to justice.
Contact our office at (865) 691-2777 for a free consultation and discover how our attorneys can advocate for your best interests.