Augment LeadsA working page for Tennessee intake teams and attorneys, with sourced crash data, Tennessee's fault and filing rules and state-specific screening questions. For a side-by-side view, use the car accident leads by state hub.
Fatal crashes in Tennessee: the 2024 figures
Crashes killed 1,197 people in Tennessee during 2024. That's 16.6 deaths per 100,000 population, 8th highest nationally, and 1.52 per 100 million miles traveled.
- Motorcyclists: 188 deaths, 16% of Tennessee's total, against 16% across all states.
- Rural roads accounted for 483 deaths, 40% in Tennessee compared with 41% across the country.
- 47% of Tennessee crash deaths (568) came from single-vehicle crashes; the all-state figure is 52%.
- Of 789 passenger vehicle occupants killed in Tennessee, 304 (39%) were unrestrained; nationally, 43%.
Source: IIHS Fatality Facts 2024, state by state, built on federal FARS data. All-state shares are the sum of every state and DC in that table.
Tennessee fault, insurance and deadline rules
How Tennessee auto insurance works
Tennessee isn't one of the 12 no-fault states listed by the Insurance Information Institute, so injury claims run through the at-fault driver's liability insurance.
Minimum liability coverage
For proof of financial responsibility after December 31, 2022, Tenn. Code 55-12-102 calls for a split-limit liability policy of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage, or a single-limit policy of $65,000.
Fault and recovery
Tennessee uses modified comparative fault. In McIntyre v. Balentine (1992), the Tennessee Supreme Court held that a plaintiff can recover as long as their negligence is less than the defendant's, with damages reduced by their share of fault. A plaintiff found 50% or more at fault can't recover.
Time limit to sue
Tenn. Code 28-3-104 sets one year for personal injury actions. The same section allows two years in some cases where criminal charges are brought over the same conduct.
This isn't legal advice; check the linked statutes before relying on them.
Tennessee intake checklist
- Ask whether police charged the other driver, since the same section allows two years in some cases with criminal charges.
- Ask how the crash happened in the caller's own words. In Tennessee, a plaintiff found 50% or more at fault can't recover.
- Confirm the date of the collision early in the call. Tenn. Code 28-3-104 gives one year, and an attorney should check anything approaching it.
- Ask whether the other driver's insurer has been in touch, and note whether the caller carries underinsured coverage; Tennessee requires only $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability.
How our Tennessee leads work
Choose Tennessee, plus any other licensed states, and the accident types you take, including rideshare crashes. Every lead is exclusive, and unqualified ones are replaced. We serve over 50 law firms nationwide; the service is on our MVA leads page.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tenn. Code 28-3-104 sets one year for most personal injury suits. Claims against public bodies and other exceptions can differ.
Can a partly at-fault driver recover in Tennessee?
Yes, if their fault is less than the defendant's. Under McIntyre v. Balentine (1992), damages are reduced by the plaintiff's share of fault, and a plaintiff 50% or more at fault can't recover.
How much liability coverage must Tennessee drivers carry?
For proof of financial responsibility after December 31, 2022, Tenn. Code 55-12-102 calls for a split-limit liability policy of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage, or a single-limit policy of $65,000.
How many traffic deaths did Tennessee have in 2024?
IIHS counted 1,197 crash deaths in Tennessee in 2024, or 16.6 per 100,000 people.
Get cases in your states
Pick your states and filters on a short call, then place a first paid order when you're ready.