Can I Still Get Compensation if the At-Fault Party Doesn't Have Insurance?
Tennessee law requires all vehicle owners to carry mandatory minimum liability insurance for motor vehicle accidents. Failing to carry this insurance may result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or even license forfeiture, but that does little for victims injured by uninsured drivers on I-65.
Although most car accident cases settle with the liable insurer, this isn’t the only means of getting compensation if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance. The dedicated Nashville car accident lawyers at Raybin & Weissman dig deep into the facts of each case to uncover every avenue of potential financial recovery.
Uninsured/Uncovered Motor Vehicle Accidents
Although some drivers may fail to carry car insurance in direct violation of Tennessee law, most uninsured accidents involve the following:
- Hit-and-runs
- Out-of-state drivers (states with no mandatory insurance)
- Auto policy exclusions
- Failure to pay insurance premiums
- Unlawful rideshares
- Stolen vehicles
- Undocumented drivers
Drivers operate vehicles without insurance at their own risk, but in some cases, the auto insurer may disclaim coverage under the insurance contract. This may occur if the driver was operating an unlawful rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) or the vehicle was stolen. Whether the driver carried no insurance or the auto insurer disclaimed coverage, you need legal help to obtain needed compensation if the at-fault driver was uninsured.
Options for Obtaining Uninsured Accident Compensation in Nashville
When the liable driver did not carry insurance coverage, experienced car crash injury lawyers might still help you obtain damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the following:
Liable Drivers and Vehicle Owners
Ultimately, the negligent driver, his employer (if working), and the vehicle owner bear liability for Nashville car accidents. Insurance helps protect them from direct liability, but failing to carry this coverage does not alleviate their responsibility to you. Personal injury attorneys may review each party’s financial standing and, if appropriate, file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Uninsured Motorist and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Passengers and drivers injured by uninsured motorists may take advantage of any uninsured motorist coverage offered by their auto insurance policies. This type of coverage is not mandatory in Tennessee, but many vehicle owners add these policies. Likewise, most auto insurance companies offer PIP insurance to cover your initial emergency medical bills and lost wages. Legal professionals will demand policy information to determine if this coverage is available.
Liable Third Parties
Truly dedicated attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine whether a negligent third party caused or contributed to the crash. This often occurs if the accident involved roadway defects Davidson County failed to fix, negligent construction workers, vehicle safety failures, or other drivers. In some cases, your personal injury lawyer might help you obtain a portion of your overall damages from an insured third party or entity.
Contact an Experienced Motor Vehicle Injury Law Firm in Nashville for Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Not every law firm handles uninsured motorist cases, but we fight for every dollar you deserve at Raybin & Weissman. This may mean filing multiple demands for compensation if an uninsured driver injured you in Davidson County. Don’t give up if the at-fault driver did not carry car insurance. Call us for free today at (615) 256-6666 or contact us online to discuss your options.