What if I’m Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Nashville?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Nashville, you can still recover compensation through your own insurance coverage, especially if you carry uninsured motorist protection. In many cases, however, you may need legal help to ensure your insurer honors your policy terms or to explore other options for recovering damages. 

Car crashes involving uninsured drivers can be incredibly frustrating. If you’re hurt in one of these accidents, our Nashville accident attorney at The Morgan Law Group will advocate for you by knowing and upholding your rights through all available legal remedies key to getting paid for your car accident damages.

What Is the Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Nashville?

Tennessee law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to legally operate a motor vehicle. 

These minimums  include:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident (if more than one person is injured)
• $25,000 for property damage

This is often referred to as “25/50/25” coverage. The policy is meant to pay for injuries and damages suffered by the other driver if the insured driver is the party at fault.

However, despite these legal requirements, some drivers still operate vehicles without any insurance or with lapsed policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Tennessee ranks among the top states for uninsured motorists in 2023, with over 20% of drivers estimated to be uninsured.

When uninsured drivers cause accidents, they leave victims with limited ways to recover losses, unless the victim is prepared with the right insurance or representation.

What Can I Do After an Uninsured Driver Hit Me in Nashville?

If you’re struck by a driver who doesn’t have insurance, the actions you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. Even if the at-fault driver can’t provide their insurance card at the scene, there are still ways to protect yourself legally and financially.

Here are the key steps to take:

Step 1: Report the Accident

Tennessee law requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. A Nashville police report becomes essential when dealing with uninsured motorist claims, as it serves as official documentation of the crash.

Step 2: Request the Other Driver’s Information

Even if the driver admits they’re uninsured, collect their:

• Full name
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Contact details
• Vehicle make and model

Don’t argue with the driver. Just focus on collecting details for your insurer and your Nashville accident attorney.

Step 3: Document the Scene

Photographs can help prove the circumstances of the accident. 

• Take clear pictures of:
• Damage to all vehicles
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals
• Your visible injuries

Also, gather witness statements if anyone nearby saw the crash.

Step 4: Get Medical Care

Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and delaying treatment may harm both your health and your legal claim.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Let your insurer know about the accident right away. Mention that the at-fault driver did not have insurance. You may need to rely on your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or other parts of your policy.

Step 6: Speak with an Attorney

Accidents involving uninsured drivers can trigger disputes with your own insurer, especially when it comes to valuing your losses. An accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf and explore other possible legal actions.

What Insurance Covers Uninsured Driving Accidents in Nashville?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still be eligible for payment under your own insurance, depending on the coverage you purchased.

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Tennessee insurers are required to offer UM coverage to policyholders, but drivers can reject it in writing. 

If you did purchase UM coverage, it can pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs (in wrongful death claims)

UM coverage steps in to replace the liability insurance that the at-fault driver should have carried.

2. Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Sometimes, the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your full losses. In these cases, UIM coverage can help make up the difference between what their policy covers and what your damages total.

3. Medical Payments Coverage

Regardless of who was at fault or whether the other driver has insurance, MedPay can help cover your initial medical expenses. This is especially helpful if you don’t have health insurance or need immediate treatment.

4. Collision Coverage

If your vehicle is damaged, collision coverage on your own policy can help pay for repairs, even when the other driver is uninsured.

Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver in Nashville?

You can sue an uninsured driver, but recovering damages directly from the uninsured driver can be difficult in practice. Many uninsured drivers don’t have the financial means to pay a judgment, which is often why they are uninsured in the first place.

Still, your accident attorney can investigate whether suing the driver makes sense in your situation. A court judgment might allow you to garnish wages or place a lien on their property, depending on their assets.

Deadline to File an Uninsured Accident Claim in Nashville?

Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 1 year from the date of the accident. This applies whether you’re filing a car accident case against an at-fault driver or using your own UM coverage.

It’s essential not to wait. Insurers may also impose their own internal claim deadlines, sometimes much shorter than 1 year. If you delay notifying your insurance company or pursuing a claim, you risk losing your right to recover.  Working with accident attorneys ensures your claim is filed properly, on time, and includes all recoverable damages. 

If you or a loved one has been injured by an uninsured driver, speak with our accident attorneys at The Morgan Law Group today. Our team helps clients stand up to insurance companies, evaluate all options for compensation, and take legal action when needed. 

Call us today at (504) 826-3271 or contact us using our online form for a free case evaluation at our office in Nashville about your injury after an uninsured driver hit you.