Auto Accidents: Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists
Tennessee Auto Injury
Lawyers
Some studies suggest that 1/3 to ½ of all drivers have no
insurance, completely disregarding
Tennessee’s auto insurance requirements. These individuals either fail
to, or cannot afford to pay for insurance, or they carry insufficient
insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage is a form of insurance that pays
for bodily injury resulting from an accident with a driver who is
legally responsible for the damages, but has no liability coverage.
Underinsured motorist coverage pays for bodily injury stemming from an
accident with a driver who has liability insurance with limits that are
lower than the injured party's claim value. If you have been involved in
an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important
that you consult with an attorney at an experienced personal injury law
firm as soon as possible so you do not waive valuable legal rights.
Uninsured Motorists
Typically, uninsured motorist coverage protects injured parties if
the at-fault party has no insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage can
also be useful when someone is injured in an accident with an
unidentified hit-and-run vehicle. If a person has uninsured motorist
coverage and is in an accident with an uninsured motorist, he or she can
collect from his or her insurance company to recover damages. If you are
involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you should talk to
an experienced personal injury attorney before you file a claim with
your insurance company to ensure that you obtain all of the coverage
available to you.
Underinsured Motorists
Underinsured motorist coverage provides compensation for injured
parties when the at-fault party does not have enough insurance coverage
to compensate the injured driver in full for his or her injuries. An
"underinsured motorist" is generally a person who is liable for the
damages, but who has opted to purchase only the minimum policy required
by law. If a person has purchased underinsured motorist coverage is in
an accident with an underinsured motorist, he or she may be able to
collect from his or her insurance company to recover damages that are
greater than the liable party's limits. There is never a negative
outcome on your own coverage, either with higher rates, or being dropped
from coverage.
Collecting benefits
In order to collect underinsured or uninsured motorist benefits, a
person generally must first establish that the underinsured or uninsured
driver was at fault and that he or she suffered significant damages. In
the case of underinsured motorist benefits, the injured person must also
collect the at-fault driver's policy limits before collecting under his
or her own insurance policy. An insurance company is usually entitled to
a credit for any recovery received from the underinsured motorist's
policy.
Stacking Insurance Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection is "stackable" in
Tennessee.
Stacking uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may allow a person
to add together either insurance coverage from several auto policies or
insurance coverage from family members.
Conclusion
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects a person if
someone who does not have adequate insurance harms him or her in a car
accident. If you are in a collision with someone who is uninsured or
underinsured, do not settle with the other driver's insurance company
without first contacting our law firm. Some underinsured motorist
policies do not have to pay if the insured person has settled with the
other driver's insurance company with out first obtaining consent to
settle. This can be a very risky mistake. Ensure your rights, contact
our firm today. A lawyer can provide you with the information and
support you need to obtain the best result available to you.
If you have been hurt in an auto accident, please contact our lawyers today. We offer free initial consultations and work on a
contingent fee basis, which means that there is never a fee unless we
successfully settle your case.
For immediate assistance, call us toll-free at
1-877-871-4097.
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