Does car insurance cover fatal accidents in Tennessee?

Nashville, TN – The most severe car accident incidents can result in fatalities, and this unfortunately happens to thousands of drivers throughout the United States each year. While the victim’s family can try to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver responsible, most drivers who pass away behind the wheel also have relevant insurance coverage. Insurance money can possibly be paid out after any accident, but this will depend on the specifics of the victim’s policy as well other circumstances surrounding the accident. 

Insurance and fatal accident costs

The amounts paid out after a fatal crash can vary based on a number of factors. Funeral costs may be covered under personal injury protection or medical payments coverage if these are included in the policy. This can apply to either the driver who owned the insurance policy, or any of the other passengers who were in the vehicle at the time of the collision. General liability coverage is also applied to deadly accidents in Tennessee under the state’s insurance requirements. 

Tennessee’s insurance laws require coverage of up to $25,000 worth of expenses for each fatality, or $50,000 total for an accident. This means that at least some of this money can potentially go towards expenses such as funeral and burial. If a driver who caused the fatal accident did not have insurance, there are policies that offer additional uninsured motorist coverage to account for this possibility. 

Lawsuits and compensation 

Many families who have lost a relative to a fatal crash will decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit, even if they have insurance. This type of case can cover various types of losses, including funeral and burial expenses, future lost income and wages, final medical treatment and hospitalization, and emotional pain and suffering that the family must endure. Lawsuits also tend to be able to pay out much larger amounts than insurance claims, as they are not limited by the policy coverage amounts. 

The value of a claim or lawsuit tied to a fatality

Fatal accidents tend to have a high price tag when considering the person’s earning potential, the family’s trauma and suffering, and thousands of additional dollars for medical bills and funerals. All of these costs can be factored into damages, and a skilled attorney knows how to argue for the largest amount allowed by law for the victim’s relatives. 

Consulting with a lawyer after an accident

The Law Office of George Fusner is an experienced personal injury firm that works with local clients in Nashville and nearby parts of Tennessee. Anyone who needs help after an accident can speak with a licensed attorney at the firm and receive advice about lawsuits. 

Firm contact info:

The Law Office of George R. Fusner

7104 Peach Court, Brentwood TN 37027

615-251-0005

gfusnerlaw.com