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Dallas Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Attorney

Dallas Uninsured and Underunsured Motorist Lawyer

What Happens If You Are Involved in a Car Accident Without Insurance?

A car accident can be an extremely frightening and traumatic experience. In the aftermath of the accident, dealing with insurance matters only add to the frustration of accident victims. Matters become even more complicated when the accident involved a driver who had little or no liability insurance coverage.

Texas law requires all drivers to have adequate car insurance. Under state law, drivers must carry a minimum of $30,000 in insurance coverage per injured person, up to at least $60,000 per accident. Plus, drivers must have at least $25,000 coverage for property damage. However, it is estimated that up to 14 percent of drivers on Texas roads are uninsured or underinsured.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you have legal options. Let the Dallas personal injury law firm of Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. help you determine if your own insurance policy contains coverage for such accidents. To schedule a free consultation where you can learn about your uninsured and underinsured car accident options, contact us.

Grand Prairie Attorney for Uninsured/Underinsured Accident Claims

While many drivers do not realize it, their car insurance policy likely has coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Most policies include this type of coverage as part of a standard coverage package and a driver has to choose to opt out of it. This gives individuals injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver an option to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we can help you understand if you have access to this type of coverage, and handle your claim. We will:

  • Analyze and explain your insurance policy;
  • Investigate your accident;
  • Prove the uninsured driver acted negligently and is liable;
  • File your claim and documenting your losses; and
  • Negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company.

There are two additional options that some some people consider after an accident with an uninsured motorist, but each comes with their own drawbacks.

If you choose to pursue a claim against the negligent driver, even if you win the suit, it is likely that you will ever recover much of the award. If they do not have the money to pay for car insurance, it is unlikely they will have the resources available if they are found liable. Pursuing a claim may be an option if the uninsured driver does have the financial resources to pay your claim but for some reason chose not to carry insurance.

The second option is to rely on your own health insurance to cover your medical bills. While the initial medical costs may be covered, you would still be responsible for your deductible and co-pays, plus you would still be responsible for any costs associated with the crash that your health insurance does not cover.

Pursue an Insurance Claim with a Carrollton Car Crash Attorney

Based on the specifics of your case, Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. will help you explore your legal options, choose the best option for your situation, and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward after an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Attorney Jerry D. Andrews is a board certified attorney in personal injury law who has the experience to aggressively stand up to insurance companies.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist FAQs

Q

What Does Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Actually Cover in Texas?

Answer: Uninsured motorist coverage covers various damages after a wreck, including car repairs, rental vehicle expenses, medical bills, and your pain and suffering.

Q

Will Insurance Pay Out if I’m Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Dallas?

Answer: If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Dallas, your insurer will pay for damages if you have uninsured motorist coverage. However, the burden may fall to you to prove that the other driver was at fault before you can recover compensation. Before filing a claim with your insurer, you may collect evidence like photographs, video footage (if available), and witness statements to strengthen your case.

Q

What Happens if My Car Is Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Texas?

Answer: If you are hit by an uninsured motorist, you have the option of suing them directly. Unfortunately, uninsured drivers do not always have the funds to pay for your damages. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim through your own insurance to get compensation for the accident, as long as you can prove that you were not more than 50 percent at fault.

Q

Do I Really Need Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage if Texas Requires Insurance?

Answer: Underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Texas, though insurers must offer it at purchase. However, it is usually advisable to get underinsured motorist coverage in case your damages turn out to be more than what the other driver’s policy can pay for.

Q

What if the At-Fault Driver Only Has Texas Minimum Insurance Limits? Can I Still Recover Full Damages?

Answer: Sometimes, your damages after an accident may exceed what the other driver’s insurance will cover. By filing an underinsured motorist claim, you can get paid for damages beyond the at-fault driver’s policy limits.

Q

How Do Texas Minimum Liability Limits ($30,000/$60,000/$25,000) Affect My Accident Claim?

Answer: The minimum liability limits in Texas may affect how much compensation you can recover after an accident. Minimum insurance coverage pays for $30,000 per person for injuries, $60,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage. If your damages are worth more than the minimum liability limits, you may have to identify other liable parties or file an underinsured motorist claim to get more compensation.

Q

Will an Uninsured Motorist Claim Make My Insurance Go up?

Answer: Filing an uninsured motorist claim may result in your insurance rates going up. That being said, you should review your policy or go to your insurer if you have any questions about uninsured motorist coverage.

Q

Is it Worth Suing an Uninsured Driver (or Motorist) After a Car Wreck?

Answer: Ultimately, whether or not it is worth it to file a claim against an uninsured driver will depend on the circumstances. If the at-fault driver has significant assets, a lawsuit could be worth pursuing. In other cases, you might save time and money by filing an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance. Your attorney can advise you of the best course of action after a wreck.

Q

Which Damages Are Not Covered by Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Answer: Uninsured motorist coverage does not pay for punitive damages in cases where the at-fault driver exhibited a serious disregard for the safety of people or property.

Q

Why Would Someone Reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage (and Should I)?

Answer: Some people forego uninsured motorist coverage to save money on car insurance payments. While this can relieve some financial stresses in the short term, it also means that a wreck with an uninsured motorist may leave you with few avenues for obtaining compensation. In Texas, you must opt out of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in writing.

Contact a Mesquite Attorney for Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accident Victims

For straight answers and an honest assessment of your injury case involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can trust Jerry D. Andrews, P.C.. We are ready to discuss your options for pursuing compensation today. Contact our office or call us at 214-221-5800 for a free no-obligation consultation and case evaluation. Our firm serves clients in Dallas, Irving, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Valley Ranch, Coppell, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.

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