In Texas, all drivers must have auto insurance. If they do not, they may face stiff legal penalties. Unfortunately, many drivers neglect to carry insurance or allow their insurance to lapse. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage may help you.
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional for drivers in Texas. It is not required as part of the minimum insurance all drivers must carry, so some drivers may not have it. However, insurance providers are legally required to offer this coverage to you. However, it is good to have, as there are more uninsured drivers on the road than you may realize. It may help you cover various damages when the other driver lacks insurance or flees the scene without being identified.
Get a private, free review of your accident case by calling our Austin, TX car accident lawyers at Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110.
What Accidents Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover in Texas?
Uninsured motorist insurance policies may not apply to every possibly car accident. Instead, this kind of coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver in an accident is uninsured or runs away from the accident before you can get their insurance details.
Accidents with Uninsured Drivers
Uninsured motorist coverage may apply to accidents involving a driver without auto insurance. In Texas, drivers typically file third-party claims with the other driver’s insurer and must prove the other driver is responsible. If the other driver has no insurance, there is no way to file such a claim. This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.
At-Fault Driver Has Insufficient Insurance
Perhaps the at-fault driver is insured, but your damages exceed their policy limits. This might leave significant damages uncovered. While uninsured motorist coverage doesn’t pay for this, it is often paired with underinsured motorist coverage to help make up the difference.
Hit and Runs
Uninsured motorist coverage may also cover hit and run accidents. Such accidents involve drivers who quickly flee the scene, often before police arrive to investigate. Often, these drivers flee without providing their name or insurance details, making it impossible to file a claim. As such, you may file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage.
How Do I File a Claim with My Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Filing a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage may be trickier than you think. It is best to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the complex insurance process.
Hire a Lawyer to Help
People often assume they can file an insurance claim without a lawyer, but an attorney may be necessary. Your insurance company may resist processing your uninsured motorist claim unless you can prove that the other driver was actually uninsured. Your attorney can help you present whatever information and evidence are needed to have your claims processed as quickly as possible.
Examine Your Other Possible Auto Insurance Claims
Our Texas car accident lawyers may also help you determine the full extent of your coverage and what claims you can file to get compensation. This can be helpful if you have multiple auto insurance policies that may be coordinated with your uninsured motorist coverage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your lawyer serves as your point of contact for your insurance provider. Once you have representation, all communications should go through your attorney. Not only is your attorney likely better equipped to handle insurance representatives, but the representatives are less likely to resist your claim when you are represented by a lawyer.
FAQs About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Texas?
No. Drivers do not have to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to meet the minimum insurance requirements set by law in Texas. Although you do not have to buy it, insurance companies are legally required to offer uninsured motorist coverage in Texas, and you must indicate that you do not want this coverage when you purchase your policy. Many drivers are surprised to learn that they neglected to reject this coverage and actually have uninsured motorist coverage.
When Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
You may need uninsured motorist coverage if you are hit by a driver who does not have any auto insurance. Because Texas is a fault-based car insurance state, injured drivers must file third-party claims against at-fault drivers to obtain compensation. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may be your next best option, or even your only option. It may also be used in hit and run accidents where the at-fault driver is not identified.
What Damages Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay for in Texas?
In Texas, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may pay for damages related to your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage to your vehicle as though it were coming from the defendant. Exactly how much of your damages are covered may depend on the level of coverage you pay for.
How Do I Know I Need to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
It may be difficult to know what kind of insurance claim you need to file after an accident. If the other driver informs you that they do not have insurance, or they fled the scene before you could identify them, you likely need to file with your uninsured motorist coverage. You should also hire a lawyer to help you get the most compensation possible for your damages.
Can a Lawyer Help Me if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured?
Yes. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may have a much harder time getting fair compensation. Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance provider might try to pay you less than you deserve, and your attorney can intervene. In some cases, injured drivers need lawyers to help them sue the at-fault driver if they are uninsured.
What if My Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cannot Completely Cover My Damages?
If your uninsured motorist coverage does not cover enough of your damages, your attorney can help you explore other insurance and legal options. You may have other insurance options, like MedPay, to help you pay for damages. Your attorney may help you file a personal injury lawsuit to get your damages covered.
What if the At-Fault Driver Has Insurance, But Not Enough to Cover My Damages?
If the other driver is insured, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover your damages completely, you may turn to underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to fill in the gaps when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough. It is often bundled with uninsured motorist coverage; if you have one, you probably have the other.
Call Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers for Legal Help Today
Get a private, free review of your accident case by calling our Georgetown, TX car accident lawyers at Cap City Injury Attorneys at (512) 612-3110.