Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but learning that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured can make the situation even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, this is a common issue in Memphis and across Tennessee, where many drivers fail to carry the required minimum liability coverage, or none at all.
At The Gold Law Firm, our Shelby County personal injury lawyers help accident victims navigate the challenges of dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorists so they can recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
What Does “Uninsured” and “Underinsured” Mean?
When you’re injured in a car accident, the first question is often, “Who’s going to pay for this?” If the at-fault driver has no insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your damages, it complicates an already tricky situation. To understand your options, knowing the difference between an uninsured and an underinsured motorist is essential.
- Uninsured motorists (UM) are drivers without liability insurance at the time of the crash.
- Underinsured motorists (UIM) are drivers with insurance, but not enough to cover the full extent of the damages they cause.
In Tennessee, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
In a serious accident, those amounts may not come close to covering your medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs, especially if more than one person is hurt.
How Can You Recover Compensation?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your options may feel limited, but you still have paths to recovery. One of the most important resources is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
In Tennessee, while not legally mandated, insurance companies offering auto liability insurance are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). Drivers can decline this coverage, but they must do so in writing.
If you have this coverage, it can help pay for:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost income.
- Pain and suffering.
- Funeral costs (in fatal crashes).
Your insurance company should “step into the shoes” of the at-fault driver to cover your losses, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy.
Why You Still Need a Lawyer—Even with UM/UIM Coverage
Filing a UM/UIM claim means dealing with your insurance company, but that doesn’t guarantee fair treatment. Insurers often dispute the value of your claim, delay payment, or offer far less than you deserve. That’s why having an experienced attorney advocating for you is critical.
At The Gold Law Firm, we can:
- Review your insurance policy and determine available coverage.
- Collect and preserve evidence of the other driver’s liability.
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Negotiate with your insurance company for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay what you’re owed.
Don’t Let an Uninsured Driver Leave You Empty-Handed
It’s bad enough that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries—you shouldn’t have to suffer financially because they failed to carry proper insurance. You can still recover the compensation you deserve with the appropriate legal support.
Call The Gold Law Firm Today for Help
Call or text (901) 244-5003 The Gold Law Firm today or contact us online if you were injured in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Memphis or anywhere in Shelby County. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help you understand your options, fight for your rights, and recover what you’re owed. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win.