While recovering from any type of car accident is not easy, it’s even harder to get back on your feet when the other driver involved is illegally driving without insurance. Luckily, there may be other forms of insurance coverage available to pay for your medical bills and property repairs. You may need help from an Austin car accident attorney for this type of case.
Every motor vehicle operator in Texas legally must carry car insurance. State law imposes minimum required insurance amounts to help guarantee that every driver has the financial means to pay for accidents that they cause.
The required amounts of insurance in Texas are:
Driving without adequate proof of financial responsibility is a legal offense that can result in a fine of up to $350. The driver may also have his or her driving privilege suspended until proof of insurance can be shown.
Motor vehicle drivers have the option of purchasing additional types of coverage that are not required by law. Two options can protect a driver in the event of a crash caused by a driver who is unlawfully driving without insurance.
Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance coverage can pay for the policyholder’s medical bills and property damage if the other driver involved does not have insurance. It can also pay for a hit-and-run car accident.
In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM insurance to everyone who purchases a policy. This type of coverage must be rejected in writing by the purchaser. If you don’t remember rejecting this coverage, it may be on your policy.
If you get hit by a driver who does not have any car insurance in Texas or does not have enough insurance under state law, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:
If you have trouble securing fair compensation from an insurance company, contact an attorney near you for legal advice and assistance.
Hiring an attorney to represent you as a car accident victim can have many advantages, especially if your case involves challenges such as an uninsured or underinsured driver. An attorney will search for ways to allow you to recover compensation for your losses, such as filing a first-party claim with your own insurer or holding a third party responsible.
An Austin personal injury attorney can handle the claims process for you while you concentrate on healing from your car accident injuries. If you were recently hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Texas, contact FVF Law Firm for a free case consultation. Our attorneys collectively have over 100 years of experience representing car accident victims.
In Texas, insurance companies must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when you purchase auto insurance, but it is not required. Many drivers choose to add this coverage to protect themselves in case they are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, call the police to file a report, seek medical attention for any injuries, and gather information from the other driver if possible. Then, notify your insurance company about the accident and consider speaking to an attorney to understand your options for recovering compensation.
Yes, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance for damages. If you do not have this coverage, an attorney can help you explore other options, such as filing a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver, although recovery may be limited if they lack assets.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage compensates you if you’re injured by a driver who has no insurance. It can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages up to your policy limits. After filing a UM claim, your insurance company may compensate you directly.
UM/UIM coverage may cover a range of damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. It may also cover future medical expenses and other long-term costs if you suffer serious injuries.
Texas law generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, filing a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance may have different deadlines, which are often shorter. Contacting an attorney promptly can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
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