Accidents & Injuries in Tennessee
Key Tennessee Law
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104
Tennessee imposes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from accidents. This is one of the shortest limitations periods in the country, and an injured party must generally file their lawsuit within one year of the date of the accident.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Tennessee
Tennessee Agencies & Resources
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Regulates insurance companies in Tennessee and handles consumer complaints about auto accident insurance coverage.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security — Driver Services
Manages Tennessee driver licensing, vehicle registration, and accident report records.
Tennessee Bar Association — Lawyer Referral Service
Provides referrals to Tennessee-licensed personal injury attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an accident lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104 imposes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims — one of the shortest in the country. You must generally file your lawsuit within one year of the accident. Government entity claims under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (TCA 29-20-305) also have a one-year period. The short deadline means accident victims should seek legal counsel immediately after any Tennessee accident.
What is Tennessee's modified comparative fault rule?
Under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 29-11-103, Tennessee uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar. If you are 49% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation from the other party.
Is Tennessee a no-fault auto insurance state?
No. Tennessee is a traditional tort (fault-based) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance compensates injured parties. Tennessee does not require mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Are there damage caps in Tennessee accident cases?
Tennessee does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury accident cases. However, non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $750,000 for non-catastrophic injuries and $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries under TCA 29-39-102. Government claims may be subject to limitations under the GTLA.
Related Accidents & Injuries Scenarios
Can I sue for a rear-end car crash?
Understanding your options after being rear-ended in a car accident.
Can I sue for a slip and fall in a store?
Understanding premises liability when injured in a slip and fall accident at a business.
Can I sue for injuries from a motorcycle accident?
Legal options for motorcyclists injured in accidents caused by other drivers or road conditions.
Can I sue for injuries from a bicycle-vehicle collision?
Legal options for cyclists injured in collisions with motor vehicles or due to dangerous road conditions.
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