The Importance of Having Uninsured Insurance
Being involved in any accident can be extremely upsetting; however, when you learn that you’ve been in a collision with an uninsured driver, your emotions may intensify. If this should happen, you may have very little options to recover compensation for your losses. For this reason, it is important to have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage. That being said, just because you had the foresight to protect yourself does not necessarily mean you will be compensated by your own insurance company.
As an uninsured accident lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee, we, at The Higgins Firm, know of many clients whose own insurance company denied them of their claim. In other cases, the insurance company challenges the value of the damages; thereby, offering a settlement that is not enough. Unfortunately, this is more common than not, which is why you should take time to understand your rights and legal options when it comes to filing an uninsured motorist claim.
If you have been injured in an accident, and the at-fault driver was not insured, or uninsured, you should consult an uninsured accident lawyer Nashville residents can count on. Call The Higgins Firm now.
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Suing the At-Fault Driver
You might be thinking that you can simply file a lawsuit against the uninsured at-fault driver as an attempt to recover your losses. Although this is possible, as a Nashville uninsured accident lawyer might explain to you, in more cases than not, the reason the at-fault driver did not have insurance is because they could not afford it. If this is true, more than likely, even if you won the lawsuit, you would find it difficult to receive payment. When you call The Higgins Firm, this scenario may be considered, but is not always practical, and will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Understanding How Uninsured Driver Insurance Can Help You
In Tennessee, both uninsured and underinsured insurance is part of an insurance policy that offers drivers protection when they are involved in an accident with another party who does not have insurance, or enough coverage. Many drivers choose to utilize the cheapest coverage, which likely includes a $25,000 insurance policy. In many accidents, this small amount of money will not go far and is often not enough to cover the costs of medical care, property damage, and other losses.
Although you are legally required to carry insurance, uninsured or underinsured coverage is generally optional. If you choose this coverage, you, your passengers, and anyone else on the policy will be covered. Typically, this extra form of protection is cost-affordable and can give you peace of mind in knowing you will be okay.
How Much Protection is Enough?
As a Tennessee driver, you have the choice to have as much uninsured or underinsured coverage as you would like. Usually, the amount of protection available will depend on your standard coverage. It is advisable to speak with your insurance advisor about the options; however, it is a good ideal to have as much as possible.
When You File an Uninsured/Underinsured Claim
As an uninsured accident lawyer in Nashville, we understand the concerns of many clients who worry their policy rates will increase after filing a claim. Filing an uninsured or underinsured accident claim with your insurance company cannot lead them to increasing your policy rates. If they do so, it they could be penalized.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Tennessee In Tennessee, drivers are required to require a minimum amount of vehicle insurance liability coverage. This coverage includes:
This coverage is intended to cover any damage or injuries suffered by another driver, passenger, pedestrian, or other person in an accident. It is not for any injuries or damages sustained by the driver who is at-fault. In addition to this coverage, Personal Injury Protection is an option. This coverage is for injuries or damage to anyone involved in the accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Requirements in Tennessee
In Tennessee, all insurance policies issued in the state must include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage must also be for the same limits as bodily harm and property damage. For example, if you have the minimum coverage for bodily harm and damage, you must also have this coverage for UIM.
It should be noted that it is possible to refuse UIM coverage, in writing, or lower the limits. This means if you’re in an accident with an uninsured person, the insurance company could refuse paying out any compensation for injuries or damage.
Do I Need a Nashville Uninsured Accident Lawyer?
Filing an uninsured accident claim may be more difficult than you think. Many insurance companies will utilize various tactics as a means to offer you a settlement that is not enough to cover the full amount of your damages. Furthermore, it is certainly possible that you will be denied compensation altogether. If you suffered moderate to serious or life threatening injuries, please call a Nashville uninsured accident lawyer from The Higgins Firm for a case review.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
