2 Questions to Ask About Uninsured Motorists
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be frustrating, especially when someone else caused the crash. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and trauma. However, things can get much more difficult if the other driver doesn’t have insurance.
Texas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but some still drive without it. If the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have insurance, you could suffer some serious financial consequences. Thankfully, all hope is not lost. There are still some ways you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.
Knowing how to deal with an uninsured motorist can go a long way toward protecting your legal rights after an accident. Get answers below to some of the most important questions you may have about uninsured motorists.
Who Pays For My Injuries After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?
Texas follows an at-fault vehicle insurance system. This means that the driver who caused the crash is responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the wreck. For this reason, the law requires drivers to carry liability insurance.
Your liability insurance pays for both property damage and physical injuries resulting from an accident that you cause. Unfortunately, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles estimates that about 20% of drivers in the state do not have insurance. So, how do you get compensated for your injuries if the other driver has no insurance?
First, the other driver is still personally responsible for your damages. You have the option to file a lawsuit against that driver for your damages. However, it can sometimes be difficult to get compensation using this method because many drivers do not have the money or assets to pay for your damages.
The other driver may also be dealing with criminal charges after the accident as well. This can add to the difficulty of recovering any compensation from them personally. If you decide to pursue this option, you should seek the help of an experienced Texas personal injury lawyer.
Usually, your best option is to use your own uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance you pay for that will cover your damages if an uninsured motorist hits you. Although UM coverage is not required in Texas, insurance companies must offer it when you buy auto insurance.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay For?
After an accident, you may incur many different types of damages. Your damages will likely include both property damage and personal injuries. Standard uninsured motorist coverage may pay for all those things, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rental car costs
Not only does UM coverage pay for your damages after being hit by an uninsured driver, but it will also cover your passengers as well. Typically, UM coverage can be purchased in $5,000 increments. A standard UM policy may cover up to $25,000 per person for bodily injury or a total of $50,000 per accident. It may also cover up to $25,000 in property damage.
What Should I Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?
If an uninsured motorist has hit you, there are some steps you should take to help protect yourself and your legal rights. First, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Call 911 and seek immediate medical treatment if needed.
Next, try to obtain as much information about the other driver as possible, such as their name, address, tag number, or other identifying information. If the other driver is uncooperative, then just wait for the police to arrive.
Take photos of the vehicles and the accident scene in case you need that evidence later. Go ahead and notify your insurance company of the accident. Getting them involved early in the process can be helpful, especially if you need to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Finally, seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you explore all your legal options and give you advice on the best way to get compensated for your injuries. Dealing with an accident caused by an uninsured motorist can be stressful, but there are still ways that you can get compensated for your injuries.
Contact the Texas Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at [ADD CITY PHONE NUMBER] for Help Today
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633