Car accidents in Tennessee can leave victims with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and questions about how to get the help they need. Whether you were rear-ended in Nashville or injured on a rural highway, understanding the state’s car accident and personal injury laws is essential. This guide explains how fault is determined, how long you have to file a claim, and what your rights are after a crash in Tennessee—including if a rideshare driver was involved.
Tennessee Is an At-Fault State
Tennessee follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means the driver who causes the crash is responsible for paying for the other party’s injuries and property damage. If you’re injured, you can:
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Use your own insurance policy (who may later seek reimbursement)
- File a personal injury lawsuit in court
You are not required to go through your own insurer unless you choose to.
Modified Comparative Negligence in Tennessee
Tennessee uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you’re found to be 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages at all.
Minimum Insurance Requirements in Tennessee
Drivers in Tennessee must carry the following minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are not required by law but are available and highly recommended.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
In Tennessee, you have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country. If you miss the deadline, your case may be permanently barred.
For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash.
When Must You Report an Accident?
Tennessee law requires drivers to report a crash if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- Property damage exceeds $1,500
- The crash involves a government vehicle (in which case you must file a report with the Tennessee Department of Safety)
Failure to report an accident may result in fines or other penalties.
Tennessee Personal Injury Law Overview
Tennessee personal injury law allows accident victims to recover damages when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. Car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and pedestrian injuries are common case types.
While there is no general cap on economic damages, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are capped at $750,000, or $1,000,000 in catastrophic injury cases.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Hospital bills and future medical costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle repair or replacement
The severity of your injuries, evidence of negligence, and available insurance all affect the value of your claim.
Rideshare Accidents in Tennessee
Uber and Lyft accidents are increasingly common in Tennessee cities. These cases involve layered insurance policies that depend on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App on, no ride accepted: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage
- Ride accepted or passenger in vehicle: $1 million in third-party liability coverage
If you are a passenger in a rideshare, a pedestrian struck by one, or hit by a rideshare vehicle, you may have access to these enhanced policies. Determining coverage can be complex, so legal guidance is often helpful.
What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
If you’re hit by a driver without insurance, your own UM/UIM policy (if purchased) can help cover medical expenses and other losses. If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, your only option may be to sue the driver personally, which is often difficult if they have few assets.
Tennessee has a relatively high rate of uninsured drivers, so carrying this coverage is a smart idea.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Because Tennessee has a short one-year filing deadline and a strict comparative negligence rule, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is highly recommended. A lawyer can protect your rights, ensure you meet deadlines, and help you recover the maximum compensation available.
Most attorneys offer free consultations and charge no fees unless they win your case.