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At NST Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Mr. Trotz has handled personal injury cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Each and every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured through no fault of their own, and many of his clients have sustained traumatic, catastrophic and life-altering injuries.
Just like the cost of everything else, the cost of auto insurance has risen over recent years. For this reason, many drivers elect to take their chances and drive uninsured. Though state legislatures have imposed tougher penalties for persons caught driving with no insurance, crashes involving uninsured drivers are still very common in Tennessee and other cities throughout the South. If you have been injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, you should contact the Memphis car accident attorneys at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz to discuss your rights. If your policy contains uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim. Further, you may be covered under another person’s coverage.
$178,463.16 – JURY VERDICT IN UNINSURED MOTORIST CASE: Our client suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident. The at-fault party was uninsured, so NST made a claim through our client’s uninsured motorist policy. Our client’s insurance company denied liability on behalf of the uninsured driver and took a position against our client by claiming our client was at fault. The facts of the case were extremely disputed. Our client was a pedestrian struck and injured by a motor vehicle driven by an uninsured motorist. NST Trial Attorney Derek Fairchilds filed suit against our own client’s uninsured motorist insurance carrier so that an actual recovery could made in the event of a favorable verdict. Derek prepared for the case by taking several depositions. After the insurance company refused to make any offer before trial, Derek took the case in front of a jury and won a verdict of $178,463.16 for our client, proving to the jury that the uninsured defendant was mostly responsible for the accident.
All states require drivers to carry liability auto insurance and set the minimum amount that must be carried. Tennessee drivers, for example, are required by law to carry liability insurance in case they cause an accident. The required minimum limits of liability insurance in Tennessee are as follows:
Unfortunately, despite the law, we share the roads each day with countless drivers who have no liability insurance coverage to protect them in the event of an accident. What happens if you are involved in a collision with an at-fault driver who has no liability insurance coverage? What if your medical bills are higher than the at-fault driver’s limits? One option is to sue the defendant personally and seek recovery for your losses. The problem with this is that you may never actually recover any money, even if you are able to obtain a judgment against the defendant, as many defendants will not have the funds or assets to satisfy the judgment. If you were involved in a hit and run accident, the at-fault driver may never be located.
A better option may be to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own auto insurance carrier if you have such coverage on your policy. Carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance is not required by law in all states, but many drivers elect to carry this additional coverage so that they are protected if they are involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In this event, the uninsured motorist carrier steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and can pay for property damage and bodily injury claims just like the liability insurance company would do if the defendant were insured. Having said that, you should always consult with your own attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster, even one for your carrier. Your own insurance company may end up taking a position adverse to yours.
Many accident victims are reluctant to file uninsured motorist claims as they fear their insurance premiums will increase. While each state’s laws are different, Tennessee law prohibits insurance carriers from increasing rates or canceling that person solely for filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. This is codified by law at Tenn. Code Ann. § 56-7-1201(f).
Suppose you are rear-ended while traveling on the interstate, smashing the rear-end of your car. As a result of the impact, you suffer a broken arm, which requires you to go to the emergency room for treatment. A few days later you receive a copy of the police report and realize that the other driver received citations for following too closely and violating the financial responsibility law (i.e., for not being able to provide proof of liability insurance). What are you to do in this situation? Who will pay your medical bills and repair your vehicle? Luckily for you, you had previously purchased $100,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. Thus, you may file a bodily injury claim with your own insurance company to get compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income while you are off work recovering from your injuries. In this scenario, you would be able to seek payment up to the limits of your policy.
Working with NST Law was the best decision I could have made after my Hit and Run almost a year ago! From the time I phoned them to the next day of someone coming out, to my paralegal keeping me informed on every little detail. My life has been at ease concerning that entire ordeal. They definitely make you feel as if you are their most important client and I would absolutely recommend this firm to any and every one that is in need.
I was in a bad wreck a few years ago and called Derek Fairchild’s with NST to help with my case. He and his team have been nothing but amazing! Derek and Kayla kept me informed every step of the way. They guided me through every step and put my mind at ease through the whole process. I am so very grateful for them! And can’t thank them enough for all they have done. They worked very hard on my case to get me what I deserved. I HIGHLY recommend them and know exactly who I will be calling if I ever need help again in the future!”
NST Law office is literally the best in the city of Memphis! So patient, so caring, and welcoming. The settlement process was so smooth and easy for me because of them. Thanks so much.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance, call Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz today to discuss an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim with one of our attorneys. We understand how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply to a given situation, and we regularly litigate and try cases when insurance companies refuse to make fair offers. Our firm has more than 30 years of experience representing accident victims throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi, including in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Caruthersville, Hayti, Oxford, Starkville, Tupelo, Meridian, Jackson, Little Rock, and Jonesboro. Call us today at 800-529-4004 or complete our online form to set up a free consultation with an auto lawyer in the Memphis area. NST is the way to go.
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