TENNESSEE AUTO INSURANCE GUIDE
Tennessee Government Vehicle Crashes, GTLA & State Claims Commission
Tennessee governmental vehicle claims depend on which public entity owns or operates the vehicle. The Governmental Tort Liability Act removes local-government immunity for injuries resulting from negligent operation of a motor vehicle by an employee acting within the scope of employment, subject to statutory exceptions and limits. Claims against the State follow the Tennessee Claims Commission framework.
- Identify State versus county, city or other local-government ownership immediately.
- For local-government claims, analyze Tenn. Code § 29-20-202 and the GTLA’s damages limitations and procedural rules.
- For State claims, determine Claims Commission jurisdiction and filing deadlines.
- Preserve vehicle, dispatch, video and public records promptly.
Primary Tennessee Source
Tenn. Code § 29-20-202 — Motor-Vehicle Immunity Waiver
Current-law review: September 17, 2026. State and local governmental claims use different forums and statutory rules.
VictimsGuide 