Car accidents

Key Takeaways When a financed car is totaled, the insurance payout goes directly to the lender, not the driver. Actual cash value is the insurer’s basis for a total loss payout, which may be less than what you owe. GAP insurance covers the difference between the ACV payout and your remaining loan balance. Tennessee’s modified…

Key Takeaways Fuel leaks, electrical failures, and overheating are the most common causes of car fires. Crash impact can rupture fuel lines or puncture the battery, triggering a fire within seconds. Manufacturer defects in fuel systems or wiring can cause fires without a collision. Tennessee’s one-year statute of limitations means fire-related injury claims must be…

Key Takeaways Tennessee car accidents generally remain on your Motor Vehicle Record for 3 years. At-fault accidents can raise insurance premiums for three to five years after the crash. Serious crashes involving injuries, DUIs, or fatalities may affect records for up to 10 years. Fault determination, crash severity, and insurance company policies all influence how…

Key Takeaways Tennessee drivers must carry 25/50/25 minimum liability coverage. Minimum insurance pays for harm caused to others, not your own losses. Serious crashes can quickly exhaust minimum limits. Multiple injury claims may reduce what each person can recover. Driving uninsured can lead to fines, registration suspension, and claim problems. Car insurance is more than…

Key Takeaways A serious crash can unfold in seconds when a driver fails to yield the right of way. Who is at fault in a failure-to-yield accident? The answer often depends on the specific facts, especially when injuries and conflicting accounts are involved. In most cases, the driver who did not have the legal right…

Key Takeaways Most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall. Rain reduces traction, limits visibility, and increases the risk of hydroplaning. Wet roads require more stopping distance, especially at highway speeds. Fog, ice, and snow create added risks by limiting visibility and control. Weather does not excuse unsafe driving under Tennessee liability rules….

Key Takeaways Impaired driving includes alcohol, drugs, or medications that reduce a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. A BAC of 0.08% establishes legal impairment for most drivers, with stricter limits for certain groups. Drivers can still be considered impaired below 0.08% if they exhibit unsafe behavior or diminished control. Signs like drifting lanes,…