While Tennessee laws require all drivers to carry liability insurance coverage for all registered vehicles, some drivers ignore this law and do not insure their vehicles. Recovering damages after an accident with an uninsured driver can be more difficult as opposed to an insured one. Because of this, you should hire the services of an experienced car accident attorney to help you navigate the claim process. Below are the steps you should take if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Tennessee:
After getting into a crash with an uninsured driver, you should remain at the accident scene and notify the police of the incident. Also, let them know of the property damages, deaths, or injuries incurred due to the accident. Even if there are no injuries or major damages, it’s important to notify police as the statement you record with them will be used by the insurance companies to assess and determine the extent of your damages and claim settlement. The uninsured driver will also be awarded a ticket and other penalties to keep them off the road.
As you wait for the police to arrive at the accident scene, ensure to collect the uninsured driver’s information, including their name, license information, phone number, and license plate numbers. Also, ask for the name of the organization the driver works for if they were working at the time of the accident. All this information will be useful during the claims process.
You should seek medical care immediately after the crash, even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt. Delaying medical attention after an accident can exacerbate the injuries, negatively affecting the claim process. Some injuries, such as brain trauma, do not show immediate symptoms and can only be discovered through medical scans and tests.
It can be difficult to recover damages from an accident caused by an uninsured driver. For this reason, you should contact your insurance agent or provider to notify them of the incident and ask if your insurance policy covers such damages from underinsured or uninsured motorists. If you have UIM/UM insurance coverage, your insurance provider will compensate you for such damages as lost wages, incurred medical bills, and property damage.
If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Tennessee, we can help you at The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III. Contact us online or give us a call at (865) 558-8030 to speak with our lead attorney, G. Turner Howard III, and discover how we can help.
