Facebook Pixel Code What Tennessee's Modified Comparative Fault Rule Means for Car Accident Victims - Ponce Law
CALL 24/7 (615) 244-4325
by Staff Blogger | June 29, 2022

It’s not always easy to determine exactly who is at fault after a car accident. In some cases, it’s clear that one driver is 100% at fault, such as after a crash where a driver ran a red light or rear-ended a stopped vehicle at an intersection. But other types of crashes, such as those involving two distracted drivers or two drivers who were both breaking traffic laws, often require more investigation, and fault may be split.

Many drivers who are hurt in crashes for which they were partially responsible may not even attempt to get compensation or sue the other drivers. After all, they likely believe they are not eligible for damages for a crash that they partially caused. However, Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule means that drivers CAN get compensation for crashes as long as they are less than 51% at fault for them.

That means that as long as victims are less at fault for a crash than the other driver(s) involved, they can sue them or file damages claims against their auto insurance policies. The catch is that the amount of money the partially at-fault drivers can receive is reduced by their level of fault. If an injured driver’s damages are $10,000 but they were 30% at fault for their crash, they can only receive up to $7,000 due to their percentage of liability.

Getting compensation when you’re partially at-fault is often more difficult than getting compensation when you have zero liability after a crash. That’s because insurers use any degree of fault as an excuse to deny victims the settlements they need, even when those drivers still have a legal right to compensation.

At Ponce Law, we work hard to help injured Nashvillians get the money they’re owed through Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence. Contact our Nashville car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

Free Case Review

Case Evaluation

"*" indicates required fields

MM slash DD slash YYYY

No Fee Guarantee

Our Reviews

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    As a Non-Tennessee resident, I selected Ponce Law after reading the reviews. You guys were spot on. This firm has some of the nicest, knowledgeable and easiest lawyers and staff to work with. I was amazed and very pleased with their diligence and work ethic! Even if I was worried about something and called for advice, they were quick to respond and answered my questions. I will highly recommend this firm.

    Terrence Harris 3 months ago
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Ponce Law Firm, has been the best experience for both of my children. Attorney helped me through all the process in a very timely profesional way. The Staff has been by far the best! I highly recommend this law firm.

    Ailed Martinez 2 months ago
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    I called ponce law after my motorcycle crash. I worked with Brian and Cheyenne and they were phenomenal to work with, very responsive, and always kept me updated with the status of my case. Thank you Cheyenne and Brian highly recommend the Ponce team!

    ezekiel Johnson 3 months ago
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Always very professional. When we first called we had no idea if we even had a case, they told us we did. And even though the resolution took a little bit longer than expected, the wait was worth it. They get results and I really appreciated that they consistently gave me updates on the status of my case without me even asking. Thank you Ponce Law!

    Karla Drumm 3 weeks ago
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Ponce law was amazing! All of the attorneys and paralegals were extraordinary and very competent! And a special shout out to Monserrat for always keeping me updated and in the loop!!!

    Paul Little 3 months ago
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    My experience with Ponce law has been very positive! The paralegal team I had was very helpful through my case and I’m very happy with the outcome they were able to give me.

    GROUND ZERO CONTENT 7 months ago

HEAR IT STRAIGHT FROM OUR CLIENTS

  • Block Image

    My son was on a school bus… The school bus was hit… He was taken by ambulance to Vanderbilt. A friend of mine, here in town, owns a hair salon. And she had recommended him. So I actually sent Mr. Ponce a message on Facebook. He said he would love to help! And you know, asked me for some more details. And I’ll give them to him. Some things were sent electronically. That I could just go online and do. And it would be done with! Even the times that I have come into the office. I’m not stuck sitting out in the waiting room forever. I’m brought straight back. And within a minute or two… We were already started!

    – April

    View More Testimonials

  • Block Image

    The day of my accident, I was riding my scooter and then all sudden… The car just popped out of that other oncoming traffic. As far as trying to find a lawyer… It seemed like we could do it on our own… But it still seemed so iffy! I asked a friend what he thought, they’d mentioned Michael Ponce. And then when it was mentioned… It wasn’t with like… any hesitation. You should call Ponce Law because they will exceed your expectations.

    – Ian

    View More Testimonials

  • Block Image

    Out of nowhere… Come a car and she hit us head-on. I thought for a moment that my wife was going to die, you know… But we’re all good! I just needed to find somebody that would have our back… I chose Michael because he’s going to be upfront with ya, he will definitely have your back!

    – Ray

    View More Testimonials

Ponce Law Awards & Recognition

Recent Blog Posts

View All Blog Posts

Ponce Law