Warmer weather tends to inspire an influx of out-of-state motorists, and these individuals often don’t understand their rights if they get into a crash on Tennessee roads. Living in a different state can make handling a car crash in Tennessee a major challenge. There can be unique issues right after the wreck, including the loss of a vehicle in an area where someone doesn’t know any salespeople or mechanics. There could also be out-of-network medical care required for anyone injured in the crash, which can quickly become very expensive.
What can tourists involved in a Tennessee collision expect after a crash?
They can obtain reimbursement from insurance coverage
Every Tennessee motorist should have at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. They also need to carry bodily injury coverage that will pay at least $25,000 if someone gets hurt or dies and up to $50,000 for cases where multiple people get hurt. Some motorists carry far more than that.
They may be able to go to court
Tennessee has personal injury statutes that allow both those hurt in a crash and those who lose a loved one in a deadly collision to take the party that caused the crash to court. Of course, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit from out of state can seem like an insurmountable challenge, but those who partner with a Tennessee personal injury attorney will have an easier time of the process.
A lawyer familiar with state insurance laws can also help navigate the claims process on behalf of someone who likely doesn’t want to have to travel back to Tennessee multiple times just to cover the cost of their collision. In some cases, having a lawyer handle the claim and lawsuit process can eliminate the need to return to Tennessee.
Even if someone does need to testify in court, they can likely have a lawyer handle the vast majority of meetings and hearings on their behalf. In theory, even if the crash causes a cascade of secondary expenses, like temporary housing costs for those with no local connections, it may be possible to recoup most or all of those losses by making use of available insurance and the civil courts.
Learning more about Tennessee’s insurance and personal injury rules can benefit those who have been involved in a car crash while visiting the state. Working with an experienced local attorney can help to provide helpful clarifications so that accident victims can make informed decisions about their rights.