Medical bills pile up quickly after a car crash, especially when injuries keep you from working. The situation becomes even more stressful when you find out the driver who hit you has no insurance.
It’s understandable to feel lost and worried about how you’ll pay for your treatment and recovery. What options do you have when the at-fault driver can’t pay compensation?
Your own insurance can protect you
Your auto insurance policy might include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Tennessee law requires insurance companies to offer this protection, though you can reject it in writing. This coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your damages.
UM coverage typically pays for:
- Medical bills for your injuries
- Lost wages while you recover
- Pain and suffering
- Car repair or replacement
- Funeral costs in deadly accidents
Your policy limits control how much money you can get, so check your coverage with your lawyer to know what you can claim.
Other parties might share responsibility
The uninsured driver might not stand alone in liability for your accident. Your attorney can investigate whether other parties share responsibility.
For example, if the driver consumed alcohol at a bar before hitting you, Tennessee’s dram shop laws might allow you to pursue the establishment that over-served them.
If the driver worked for a company and drove during work hours, their employer might bear liability under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Even vehicle manufacturers can be liable if faulty parts cause crashes.
Going after the driver’s personal assets
You can sue the uninsured driver directly. While many uninsured drivers don’t have much money, some own homes, cars or other valuable things that could pay a judgment. Your lawyer can help decide if this makes sense in your case.
The court can issue a judgment against the driver that allows wage garnishment or property liens. This option often takes longer to recover damages but might provide compensation when other avenues fail.
Explore all available options first
Don’t assume you can’t recover damages just because the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Multiple options exist to help pay your medical bills and compensate for your losses. Consulting a legal professional can help you identify all possible sources of recovery and fight for what you need to heal.
