What Compensation Can I Get for a Car Accident in Murfreesboro?

If you were injured in a car accident in Murfreesboro, you may be entitled to recover both economic damages (medical bills, lost income, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment). Tennessee’s fault laws, damage caps, insurance rules, and strict deadlines play a major role in what compensation you can actually collect. Understanding these rules—and how they apply to your situation—is essential before pursuing a claim.

Tennessee’s Fault Rules and Compensation Limits

Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means:

• You can recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault.
• Your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can collect $80,000.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

This system places great importance on evidence—from accident reports to witness statements and medical records—to determine fault accurately.

Tennessee also places caps on non-economic damages (like pain and suffering). Generally, the limit is $750,000, but it rises to $1,000,000 for catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or severe burns. In DUI-related accidents, however, these caps do not apply.

Types of Compensation Available After a Murfreesboro Car Accident

1. Medical Expenses

Medical costs are often the largest part of a claim. You may be entitled to recover for:

• Emergency room treatment
• Surgeries and hospital stays
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses for ongoing care

Tennessee law allows you to present full, undiscounted medical bills as evidence of damages, even if your insurance company paid less.

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries kept you from working, you may claim lost income, including wages, salary, or self-employment earnings.

If your injuries impact your ability to work long-term, you may also pursue loss of earning capacity, which accounts for reduced future income potential.

3. Property Damage

Property claims cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash. In Tennessee, you may also recover for loss of use, which includes the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired.

However, the courts generally limit loss-of-use damages when a car is declared a total loss.

4. Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. While more difficult to calculate, they recognize the life-changing impact of serious injuries.

This category also includes loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium (impact on a spouse or partner).

5. Wrongful Death Compensation

If a loved one dies in a car accident, Tennessee’s wrongful death statutes allow family members to recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills related to the final injury
• Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of companionship and support

Insurance and Compensation in Tennessee

At-Fault Driver’s Insurance. Tennessee law requires drivers to carry at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

These minimums are often inadequate in serious crashes, leaving victims with uncovered expenses.

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). Tennessee requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage in the same limits as liability coverage, unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. This coverage can step in if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance—or any at all.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). Optional MedPay can help cover immediate medical expenses regardless of fault. This can be useful for hospital visits or co-pays while liability is still being determined.
3. Government Vehicle Accidents. If the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle, the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act applies. These cases have different procedures and lower damage caps than private claims.

The Role of Punitive Damages

While rare, punitive damages may be awarded in Tennessee if the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard, fraud, or intentional misconduct. Drunk driving cases are the most common examples. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of two times compensatory damages or $500,000, but this cap does not apply in DUI cases.

Deadlines You Cannot Miss

Tennessee law gives you only one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. For property damage, the deadline is three years.

Missing these deadlines almost always results in losing the right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

What Affects the Value of Your Case?

Several factors influence how much compensation you may recover:

• Severity of your injuries and whether they are permanent
• Fault distribution between you and other drivers
• Insurance coverage available under all policies
• Economic impact of lost work and future treatment needs
• Supporting evidence, such as police reports, expert testimony, and witness statements

Every case is unique. Some clients receive compensation for straightforward medical bills and car repairs, while others pursue substantial damages for long-term disability and emotional distress.

Steps You Can Take After a Car Accident

If you’re involved in a car accident in Murfreesboro, these actions can strengthen your claim:

• Seek medical treatment immediately—even if you feel fine at first.
• Gather photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Keep all medical records, bills, and employment documentation.
• Notify your insurance company promptly but avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, even when liability is clear. An experienced Murfreesboro auto accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly
• Collect and preserve critical evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Ensure compliance with filing deadlines and procedures
• Calculate the true value of your claim including future damages

A strong legal advocate can make the difference between a low settlement and fair compensation.

Conclusion

Compensation after a car accident in Murfreesboro can include medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Tennessee’s strict deadlines, insurance limits, and damage caps make it critical to understand your rights early in the process.