Accidents Involving Out-of-State Drivers in Tennessee

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent individuals and families across Nashville, Davidson County, and throughout Middle Tennessee who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents involving out-of-state drivers. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, our team is well-equipped to assist Tennessee residents as well as visitors injured while traveling through the state. Accidents involving drivers from other states or countries often raise complicated legal issues, including questions of jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and the applicability of different state laws. These cases require a knowledgeable legal team that understands both Tennessee law and the intricacies of cross-border litigation.

Why Accidents Involving Out-of-State Drivers Are Unique

Collisions involving drivers from outside Tennessee differ from in-state crashes in several key ways. These accidents often involve conflicting insurance policies and laws from different states. Questions may arise about where a lawsuit should be filed, how to properly serve legal documents across state lines, and what rules apply if the other driver was operating a rental or commercial vehicle. Additionally, there may be challenges communicating with adjusters and defense attorneys from out of state. Whether you are a Tennessee resident injured by an out-of-state driver or a visitor hurt while driving through Tennessee, it is essential to understand your rights and the legal framework that applies to your situation.

Tennessee Law Governs Accidents That Occur Within State Lines

If a crash occurs in Tennessee, Tennessee law will typically govern the case, regardless of where the drivers involved reside. Under Tennessee’s “long-arm statute” (T.C.A. § 20-2-214), the courts have personal jurisdiction over non-resident drivers who cause accidents within the state. By operating a vehicle on Tennessee roads, out-of-state drivers are deemed to have consented to jurisdiction in Tennessee courts. This means that if you are injured in Tennessee by an out-of-state motorist, you have the right to file your claim in a Tennessee court and rely on Tennessee law to assert your rights.

Insurance Coverage and Out-of-State Policies

Auto insurance coverage from out-of-state drivers must generally meet Tennessee’s minimum legal requirements while the driver is operating a vehicle within the state. Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law (T.C.A. § 55-12-102 and § 55-12-139) requires at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Most out-of-state policies will adjust automatically to comply with these limits. However, different states may vary in how they handle key issues such as uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, no-fault or PIP insurance (which Tennessee does not offer), and the ability to stack policy limits. Understanding these differences is critical in identifying all available sources of compensation.

Common Accident Scenarios Involving Out-of-State Drivers

These cases often involve a variety of fact patterns. In one scenario, a tourist from Florida visiting Nashville may collide with a Tennessee resident due to distracted driving. In such cases, Tennessee law governs the incident, and the case will likely be filed in a Tennessee court. In another situation, an interstate truck registered out of state may cause a crash on I-24 or I-65. These claims may involve federal motor carrier regulations (FMCSA) and could require litigation against the trucking company in Tennessee or the company’s home state. Accidents involving rental cars introduce further complexity, especially when multiple layers of insurance coverage apply. Tennessee’s adoption of the federal Graves Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 30106) will limit liability for rental companies, but other parties may still be responsible. We also help Tennessee residents injured in other states, coordinating with trusted out-of-state counsel to protect your interests wherever the crash occurred.

Legal Challenges and How We Address Them

Out-of-state driver cases bring specific procedural hurdles. Serving legal documents to non-residents must comply with T.C.A. § 20-2-215, which allows plaintiffs to serve out-of-state drivers via the Tennessee Secretary of State, followed by notice sent to the defendant’s last known address. This process ensures due process while preventing non-residents from evading liability. Our firm also has extensive experience dealing with out-of-state insurance companies and legal counsel. We ensure that Tennessee law is applied properly, and we push back against any delays or attempts to confuse the legal process. We work to build strong evidence establishing the out-of-state driver’s responsibility and protecting your ability to recover compensation.

The out-of-state driver can be required to come to Tennessee to defend the case – it is not necessary for a person injured in a car wreck in Tennessee to file suit against the at-fault driver in the state of residence of that driver. 

Recoverable Damages in Tennessee

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an out-of-state driver, Tennessee law allows you to seek a broad range of damages. These include compensation for medical expenses—both immediate and ongoing—as well as lost wages, reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Victims may also recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, or disfigurement. In cases of fatal injuries, wrongful death damages may be pursued on behalf of surviving family members. Our attorneys partner with respected medical experts, economists, and life care planners to ensure your full range of losses is accounted for.

How The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Can Help

Our firm has a proven track record handling interstate accident claims, and we understand the jurisdictional and procedural challenges these cases present. From the moment you contact us, we begin gathering crash reports, preserving evidence, and communicating with insurers—no matter where they’re located. If your claim involves related issues in another state, we coordinate with local counsel to protect your rights across jurisdictions. We are skilled negotiators who can navigate complex multi-policy insurance claims, and we are always prepared to litigate when settlement efforts fall short. Our firm handles personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What to Do After a Crash With an Out-of-State Driver

Whether you live in Tennessee or are visiting from out of state, the steps you take after a crash are critical. First, call 911 and get immediate medical care. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and signage. Be sure to collect the other driver’s license and insurance information—including their home state—and note license plate numbers. Request a police report and avoid making any statements about fault at the scene. Contact a qualified Tennessee personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident involving an out-of-state driver, don’t wait. Tennessee law generally gives you only one year to file a personal injury claim (T.C.A. § 28-3-104), so timely legal action is crucial. The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is ready to help you navigate this complex process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (615) 742-4880 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

We proudly serve clients throughout Middle Tennessee and are here to stand by your side—no matter where the other driver came from.