Tennessee is an at-fault state for car accidents.That means the driver who causes a car accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages, and injured victims pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company rather than their own.
Unlike no-fault states, Tennessee does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
Tennessee’s At-Fault Insurance Rules
Tennessee law requires every driver to carry liability insurance to cover the harm they may cause. The current minimum coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
These limits are commonly referred to as 25/50/25 coverage. They represent the maximum the insurer will pay after a car accident, not what your claim is worth. In a serious crash, damages often exceed these minimums. That is why many drivers choose to purchase higher limits.
After a crash, you may pursue compensation through a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer, a claim under your own applicable coverage, or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver.
Optional Insurance Coverages in Tennessee
Minimum liability coverage protects the people you might injure in a crash. It does not offer financial benefits to you after a crash.
Tennessee drivers can add optional coverages that fill that gap, including:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage pays for your losses when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little to cover your damages.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) covers your medical bills after a crash regardless of fault.
- Collision Coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage covers vehicle damage from non-collision events such as theft, weather, and vandalism.
Many drivers choose to purchase a combination of these coverages for maximum protection after a collision.
The Modified Comparative Fault System
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you share fault for a car accident, you may recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your award is then reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $70,000. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you aren’t entitled to any compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Tennessee?
If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your financial losses and the personal hardships resulting from the accident.
A successful injury claim or lawsuit may provide money for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital and surgical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medication expenses
- Future medical care and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle replacement costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of a Tennessee car accident claim depends on numerous factors, including the severity of the injuries and the available insurance coverage. An skilled truck accident attorney in Nashville can help you determine the damages you’re entitled to.
Contact an Experienced Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer for Help
After a wreck, Tennessee’s at-fault system puts the burden on you to prove the other driver caused the crash and owes you compensation for your damages. An experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer can help you navigate your claim and seek full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Contact Selvidge Injury Law to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options after a crash. We can help you understand how Tennessee’s at-fault insurance system applies to your case.
