Since 1977, drivers in Tennessee have been legally required to have proof of liability insurance. According to the legislation, drivers had to be insured for specified minimum levels of liability, varying from $15,000 for property damage to $50,000 in the case of multiple deaths or injuries. Unfortunately, the fine a driver can face for driving without insurance is currently only $100. The relatively small fine has led to a situation in which 23 percent of the Tennessee driver population carries no liability insurance. Lawmakers hope that proposed changes to legislation will decrease car accident involvement by uninsured drivers.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Wait Times and Approval Rates
Time for the updated on the average processing times and approval rates for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases at the hearing level. You can click here to review the March update and compare. Please remember that these statistics are only for claims pending at the hearing level or Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. The claims at a hearing office have already been through the Application and Reconsideration steps.
A 67-year-old man fatally injured in Tennessee car wreck
The Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to a fatal accident involving a van and an SUV on a recent mid-April Wednesday. Two other people were injured in the car wreck. According to the report, the two vehicles collided head-on at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Childhood Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Fracture of Arm
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be available for children suffering from a fracture of an upper extremity (arm). This is part of a series of entries about childhood SSI based on musculoskeletal issues. Click here to read about claims involving amputations.
Driver negligence due to distracted driving in the spotlight
It is against Tennessee law to text while driving. The enacting of the law purely proves what everyone knows – texting while driving is looking for trouble. Distracted driving is in the spotlight during the month of April across the United States because driver negligence kills or injures. Only a few seconds of distraction can cause dire consequences.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Interstitial Cytitis (IC)
Periodically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) produces "rulings" that clarify or discuss some policy or regulation regarding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI. For instance, in 2014 the SSA releases SSR 14-1 dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. SSR 15-1p rescinds and replaces SSR 02-2p: "Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Interstitial Cystitis."
Focus on distracted driving resulting in driver negligence
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. A campaign called "U Drive. U Text. U Pay." has been announced by the U.S. Transportation Secretary. In Tennessee and other jurisdictions enforcement efforts will focus on drivers who are using mobile devices while driving. The need for the campaign to address driver negligence, such as texting while driving, is an attempt to curb accidents caused by distracted driving.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Name Change?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and SSI claimants suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) know that they often have a tough battle convincing people of the severity of their condition. This includes administrative law judges working for the Social Security Administration who often discredit the disease like they have historically done for those suffering from fibromyalgia.
