Rather than requiring drivers to cover these expenses out of pocket, the state mandates a minimum amount of coverage. As a driver in Tennessee, you must carry $25,000 per person per accident with a $50,000 limit per accident and $25,000 in coverage for property damages.
Under the state’s comparative fault rule, you can file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident as long as your own share of the blame doesn’t exceed 50%. You won’t qualify for compensation if you’re more than 50% responsible. If your liability share is not zero, your award will be reduced to reflect your role in the crash.
If insurance coverage is not sufficient, you can get compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. It is a common option when crashes cause significant injuries that result in loss of quality of life, pain and suffering, and other types of damage.
The advantages include:
- Affordable insurance rates. Compared to the national average, car insurance in Tennessee costs $670 less annually. The state’s fault-based system contributes to lower rates since drivers don’t need to carry extensive personal injury coverage.
- High limits on the damages you can seek. An insurer won’t give you more than the amount of the policy. Still, you can seek additional damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit and get up to $750,000 in non-economic damages. This cap increases to $1 million if the accident results in catastrophic injuries.
- Holding unsafe drivers accountable. Drivers who engage in unsafe behaviors and cause crashes face consequences. This system creates a strong incentive to drive safely to prevent accidents.