Who pays for car damage after an accident in Tennessee?

Car accidents can leave survivors grasping at straws. Even with the right insurance policy, paying for repairs and obtaining medical benefits often seem like an uphill battle. While Tennessee state law provides options for compensation, securing a fair settlement may present unexpected challenges.

Tennessee’s Fault-Based Insurance System

Tennessee, like most states, has a fault-based insurance system. After an accident, liability typically lies with the party who caused the collision. Under most circumstances, victims can file a claim for compensation against the at-fault motorist and their insurance company.

Since Tennessee recognizes that most people lack the means to pay for an accident out-of-pocket, the state requires motorists to purchase minimum liability coverage for:

$25,000 per injury or death per accident
$50,000 for total injuries or deaths or per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident

While state law mandates that every motorist carry a policy covering a minimum of $25,000 in property damage, insurance companies are for-profit enterprises—and it’s rarely in their best interest to offer large settlements without any negotiation. Even if you have a seemingly open-and-shut case—and the evidence to back it up—the other motorist’s insurer may try to offload its own liability through opaque investigative tactics.

Determining Who Pays for Car RepairsAfter an Accident

If you or a loved one was involved in a Tennessee automobile accident that wasn’t your fault, you could receive compensation for car repairs through the following.

The At-Fault Motorist’s Insurance Company

If the other driver’s negligence caused or contributed to your Tennessee car accident, they’re liable for your repairs and other expenses. However, negotiating a settlement can take time, and you may not receive immediate relief—especially if the adjuster has doubts about the claim or the true extent of your damages.

Your Own Insurance Company

If liability can’t be determined, your car insurance provider might pay to repair or replace your vehicle. Should the other motorist be found at fault, your insurer will request reimbursement from their policy carrier.

An Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Policy

The Volunteer State has one of the highest percentages of uninsured motorists in the country, with nearly 25 percent of all drivers lacking coverage. If someone doesn’t have insurance and lacks the means to settle out-of-pocket, you might not be able to recover the damages necessary to repair or replace your vehicle.

However, if you previously purchased an uninsured or underinsured motorist policy for your vehicle coverage, it should disburse benefits for your accident.

When Your Expenses Go Beyond Property Damage

Property damage is a near-certainty in most accidents. However, you may be entitled to compensation for losses beyond property damage.

Depending on the circumstances of your Tennessee car crash, you could receive reimbursement for expenses, losses, and damages including:

Your past, present, and future medical expenses
Physical rehabilitation
Prescription medication co-pays
Reconstructive surgery
Lost income from work
Diminished earning potential
Emotional pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment
Disfigurement
Disability
Wrongful death

Tennessee, unlike some other states, currently doesn’t cap damages available in most car accident claims. However, you must act fast, as there’s a strict statute of limitations applicable to all personal injury claims. If you wait too long to contact an experienced attorney, the statute of limitations could lapse, and the court may dismiss your case without consideration of its merits.

Were You Injured in a Tennessee Car Accident?

Whether you were a ride-share passenger or a driver or occupant of another vehicle injured by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. The skilled team at Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers is ready to help. Contact us online or call our office directly at 615.220.4180 to schedule your free consultation. We’ll arrange a time to meet with you at one of our offices in Smyrna, Nashville, Murfreesboro or Chattanooga—whichever location is most convenient for you.

by Tony Kestner

Helping personal injury victims win their case and lose their stress.

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