Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
Even if your state requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, the driver who injured you or your passenger may not have had insurance. Or you may have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, making it impossible to identify the driver at all.
This is when uninsured motorist coverage will step in to protect your interests, as an uninsured motorist accidents lawyer in Memphis, TN can explain. Many states require auto insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage. If your insurance company offers uninsured motorist coverage, and you chose to include it in your policy, then your insurance company will act as if it were the at-fault driver’s insurance company in compensating you.
When you file an uninsured motorist claim, your insurance company’s interests can be adverse to your interests. Consulting with an uninsured motorist accidents lawyer in Memphis, TN before filing a claim is wise.
Underinsured Motorists
When the at-fault driver is underinsured, this means that the driver has purchased an auto insurance policy that does not provide enough coverage to compensate you for your damages. If you have underinsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy, you may be able to collect, from your own insurance company, the amount of your damages that exceeds the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. The premium cost for underinsurance is not as costly as the primary coverage, and the amount of underinsurance protection should be at least the same amount that you have in your primary policy. For example, if you have a $100,000 policy protecting others from your negligence, you should at least have $100,000 in underinsurance coverage to protect yourself, as a Memphis, TN uninsured motorist accidents lawyer can attest.
Collecting Insurance Benefits Under an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Policy
To recover benefits under an uninsured or underinsured motorist policy, the injured party typically will need to show that the other motorist was at fault. The injured party will also need to prove that his or her bodily injuries were significant. To collect benefits under an underinsured motorist policy, the injured party must have received the entire amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault driver’s insurance company before the injured party can make a claim against his or her own insurance company under the underinsurance coverage provision.
Stacking Insurance Coverage
In some states and under some insurance policies, an injured party may “stack” various policies to reach a satisfactory level of compensation. By stacking coverage from more than one auto insurance policy, or coverage for more than one car on a single policy, the injured party increases monetary recovery. Stackable coverage is not allowed in every state; in some cases, the insured must choose to have stackable coverage upon purchasing the policy, as a uninsured motorist accidents lawyer in Memphis, TN can tell you.
Patterson Bray
20+ Years of Experience
24/7 Call Answering
Nashville & Memphis Offices
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Posted on Google![]()
Hailey Wade19 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google![]()
Deb Clark24 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google![]()
Tanya White24 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google![]()
Charmaine Sego25 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.Posted on Google![]()
Phil Chamberlain41 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.Posted on Google![]()
Catherine McGee61 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!Posted on Google![]()
Marva Johnson67 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google![]()
Pam Nicole68 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.Posted on Google![]()
Steven Creasy89 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Rachel was amazing and professional. Highly recommend. Thank you!Posted on Google![]()
Lea Carr103 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Patterson Bray has a fantastic team and is always quick to respond for any need that I have. They are also great to refer clients, family, and friends to.
comes next.