Medical bills and missed paychecks are hard enough after a crash, and an uninsured at-fault driver adds another worry. Who will pay for everything now? In many cases, the answer starts with a policy you already have.
Your own policy may cover your injuries
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is part of your own auto insurance, and it can help pay for medical bills and lost wages when an uninsured driver is at fault. This protection matters because about one in five Tennessee drivers had no insurance in 2023. Tennessee policies generally include UM coverage unless the policyholder rejected it in writing. If you declined it, health insurance may still cover some medical treatment.
Underinsured drivers may count as uninsured
Tennessee drivers only need $25,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, which a hospital stay and weeks off work can quickly exhaust. When the other driver’s limits are lower than your UM limits, state law generally treats them as uninsured. Your policy may then pay up to your UM limits, minus the other driver’s limits.
Hit-and-run drivers can trigger the same coverage
When the responsible driver is never identified, UM coverage may still apply, but Tennessee adds extra proof requirements. Typically, the vehicles must have made physical contact, or someone outside your vehicle must provide clear and convincing evidence that the other driver existed. You also must report the crash to police within a reasonable time. These details often decide whether a motor vehicle accident claim against an unknown driver moves forward.
Insurers can still dispute these claims
Even when coverage applies, payment is not automatic, because your own insurer stands in the at-fault driver’s shoes. It may challenge fault, the severity of your injuries or the claim’s value. Describing your injuries honestly and completely from the beginning can help protect your claim. Tennessee also generally requires you to file an injury lawsuit within one year, although some exceptions apply.
A quick policy check protects your options
An uninsured driver does not necessarily eliminate your options. Your UM coverage, policy limits and the circumstances of the crash affect what compensation may be available. Review your declarations page for UM coverage and any signed form rejecting or lowering it. If an uninsured or underinsured driver injured you, an attorney can explain how these rules apply to you.
