- Car Accident, Insurance
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Table of Contents
- What Happens If You Wreck Out of State?
- Can I Have Out of State Car Insurance in Tennessee?
- Is Tennessee a No-Fault State?
What Happens If You Wreck Out of State?
When you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a car accident out of state, it’s essential to stay calm and take immediate action. Your safety and the safety of others involved should be your top priority. Here are the crucial steps to follow:- Assess Safety and Health: The first thing to do after an accident is to ensure that everyone involved is safe and secure. Check yourself for injuries, and if you’re able, check on the well-being of other passengers in your vehicle. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
- Report to Local Police: Regardless of where the accident occurs, you should always report it to the local authorities. Contact the local police or highway patrol and inform them of the accident. They will dispatch an officer to the scene, which is crucial for documenting the incident.
- Gather Relevant Information from Other Parties and Witnesses: Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. This typically includes: names and contact information, insurance information, license plate numbers, and vehicle makes and models. Additionally, try to gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their statements can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims.
- Policy Coverage Differences: Some insurance policies may provide different levels of coverage when you’re driving out of state. It’s crucial to understand what your policy covers in these situations.
- Minimum State Requirements: Different states have varying minimum insurance requirements. If you’re in a state with higher minimum coverage than your home state, your policy may automatically adjust to meet those minimums.
- Additional Coverage: You might want to consider additional coverage, such as “out-of-state coverage” or “non-resident coverage,” to ensure you’re adequately protected when traveling.
Can I Have Out of State Car Insurance in Tennessee?
Tennessee, like most states, has specific requirements when it comes to auto insurance. It’s crucial to understand these requirements if you plan on driving in the state, especially if you have out-of-state car insurance. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is best suited for these situations. In Tennessee, drivers are legally required to carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. These minimum requirements typically include:- Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for injuries or death to another person in an accident you caused. Tennessee’s minimum limit for this coverage is usually $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Coverage for damages to another person’s property in an accident you caused. The minimum limit is typically $15,000.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage is usually required in Tennessee, and it helps protect you in case you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
Is Tennessee a No-Fault State?
To grasp the implications of car accidents in Tennessee, it’s essential to understand the concept of no-fault insurance. In a no-fault insurance system, individuals involved in a car accident typically turn to their insurance providers to cover their own medical expenses and certain other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. This system is designed to expedite claims and reduce legal disputes, as each party’s insurance covers their own costs. In no-fault states, including Tennessee, the focus is on personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which is required as part of your auto insurance policy. PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. Tennessee follows a modified no-fault system. This means that while PIP coverage is required, injured parties can still pursue claims against the at-fault party in certain situations, such as when the injuries are severe or meet specific thresholds. The key points to understand about Tennessee’s no-fault system are as follows:- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): You are required to carry PIP coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This coverage helps with medical expenses and lost wages after an accident.
- Threshold for Legal Action: Tennessee sets a threshold for legal action. If your injuries exceed this threshold, you may have the option to pursue a liability claim against the at-fault party.
- Choice of No-Fault: In some cases, drivers have the option to reject the no-fault system, allowing them to file a liability claim against the at-fault party for injuries and damages.
Kevin Crockett
Kevin Crockett is an award-winning personal injury lawyer who understands the impact an accident can have on someone’s life. That’s why he aggressively fights for each of his clients.