Posted in Car Accident on September 27, 2021
After being involved in auto accidents, many people assume that they can get settlements from the auto insurance policies of the drivers who hit them. There’s just one problem with that line of thinking: one in five drivers in Tennessee is uninsured!
Yes, a whopping 20.1% of motorists in the Volunteer State hits the road illegally every day. Tennessee consistently ranks in or near the top five states for uninsured motorists, and if you get injured by one of them, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay for your expenses out of your own pocket.
Even though insurance companies can be combative when it comes to paying settlements, having enough coverage for yourself can make a big difference after a crash. So, what type of insurance should you purchase for maximum protection?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You from Uninsured Drivers
Tennessee doesn’t require that drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to legally use public roadways in the state. But driving without it can be a huge mistake. When you don’t have UM, you leave yourself vulnerable to crashes where you’re injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Note that UM coverage doesn’t cover vehicle damage.
Collision Coverage Can Help You Repair or Replace Your Vehicle
If you lease a vehicle or owe money on a car loan, you may be required to purchase collision coverage. This coverage kicks in after crashes to cover the costs of vehicle repairs or, if necessary, a replacement. Having collision coverage gives you peace of mind, as you’ll know you can get your vehicle fixed and back on the road quickly and without making a big dent in your wallet.
Medical Payments Coverage Helps with Medical Bills
Medical payment coverage, or MedPay, is a policy that pays out after injury-causing crashes regardless of who is at fault. These policies usually provide anywhere from $5,000 up to $25,000, and they are very useful for injured victims who need cash right away to cover pressing medical bills and everyday living expenses for themselves and their families.
Health Insurance May Cover the Bulk of Your Healthcare Costs
Having health insurance is important for many reasons. Many health insurance plans cover doctor visits and routine checkups, and they also make it possible for people to get treated for serious injuries and illnesses with less impact on their personal finances. When people are hurt in crashes, the first insurance to kick in to cover their treatments is typically their health insurance policies.
Liability Insurance Protects You if You’re Found to Be at Fault
If the police report or the other driver’s insurance company investigates the crash and finds out you were at fault, having liability insurance is essential—not to mention required by the law. The minimum coverage in Tennessee is $25,000 per injury, $50,000 total per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. It’s recommended to increase this amount, as claims that go over it may result in you paying out of pocket.
We’ll Help You Get the Money You’re Owed
Unfortunately, insurance companies are always looking for ways to reduce or deny claims of the people who need money the most. In many cases, that includes their own policyholders! At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident lawyers don’t just help people get settlements from the insurance policies of the drivers that hit them, but from their own policies as well.
Contact us right away after a crash that wasn’t your fault. We’ll review the facts of what happened, prove you weren’t at fault, determine how much money you’re owed from different insurance policies, and fight to help you get every penny.
