Austin Uninsured Motorist Lawyer | ATX Legal

You might think that an uninsured motorist claim should be simple because you are dealing with your own insurance company. Unfortunately, that’s not always the truth. Often, an uninsured motorist accident attorney is needed to recover on your own UIM coverage. Fill out a contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

If You Were Injured in a Car Accident and the Driver Had No Insurance, What Should You Do?

If you were involved in a car accident and the other driver does not have insurance, it’s important to take certain steps to protect yourself.

• Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do is check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.

• File a Police Report

Even if hit by an uninsured driver, it’s important to file a police report. This will document the accident and can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.

• Gather Information

Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, even if they don’t have insurance. You may also want to gather contact information from any witnesses.

• Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you should still notify your own insurance company about the accident. They may be able to provide coverage through an uninsured motorist claim.

• Contact an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in the accident, you should contact an experienced uninsured motorist accident lawyer. Most offer a no-obligation consultation.

How Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?

Underinsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that helps protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not carry liability insurance. This coverage can help cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Keep in mind that just because you are dealing with your own insurance policy does not mean that you won’t face complex claims or that you can DIY your claim.

Uninsured motorist coverage is not required in all states, but it may be a good idea to have this type of coverage to protect yourself in case of car accidents with uninsured drivers. Statistics say that up to 14% of Texans drive uninsured.

Your insurance company will typically handle the process of seeking reimbursement from the uninsured driver. They may also pursue legal action on your behalf if necessary.

Purchasing Additional UM Coverage

If you are concerned about the possibility of being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may want to consider purchasing additional UM coverage in addition to liability coverage. These insurance policies can provide you with added protection and peace of mind on the road.

Before purchasing any additional coverage, be sure to review your policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent to fully understand the details and costs associated with adding UM before you need to file an underinsured motorist claim.

At-Fault Vs. No-Fault States

In at-fault states, the driver who is found responsible for causing the accident is typically responsible for covering any damages, including those caused by an uninsured driver. In no-fault states, each driver’s car insurance typically covers their own costs, regardless of who is at fault.

Texas is an example of an at-fault state. This means that the negligent driver who is determined to be at fault for an auto accident is responsible for the damages. If that driver is uninsured, the injured party would typically turn to their own uninsured motorist coverage, if they have it.

This includes situations where the at-fault driver has fled the scene and cannot be identified, often referred to as a ‘hit and run’. Therefore, even though Texas does not require uninsured motorist coverage by law, it is a wise consideration for additional protection.

What kind of compensation can I recover?

If you are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, the compensation you can recover through your UM coverage may vary depending on your policy and state regulations. Generally, it can cover property damage liability and bodily injury liability such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.

In some cases, if the at-fault driver has assets or can be identified and held accountable for damages, your insurance company may also seek reimbursement from them on your behalf.

Be sure to review your underinsured motorist car insurance policy carefully and speak with your insurance agent to fully understand the details.

Why Should You Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If You Were Injured by an Uninsured Motorist?

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you were injured by an uninsured motorist. In these cases, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.

Here are some reasons why hiring a personal injury attorney may be beneficial in this situation:

• Knowledge and experience: Personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of the law and know how to navigate through the legal system to ensure you recover compensation.

• Negotiation skills: Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or offer low settlements, but an experienced attorney knows how to negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

• Legal support: An attorney can handle all the legal aspects of your case, including filing paperwork, gathering evidence, and communicating with insurance companies. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

• Access to resources: Attorneys have access to resources that can help strengthen your case, such as medical experts who can provide testimony about the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

• Peace of mind: Knowing that a skilled and experienced attorney is handling your case can give you peace of mind and reduce the stress and anxiety associated with a personal injury claim.

Overall, consulting with an uninsured motorist lawyer is crucial if you were injured by an uninsured motorist. They can protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and handle all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on recovering

If the Insurance Company Says Their Client Is Only Insured for a Limited Amount, Should You Take Their Offer?

No, you should not automatically accept the insurance company’s offer if they claim their client is only insured for a limited amount. It is common for insurance companies to try to settle claims quickly and for less than what is fair in order to save money. However, an experienced underinsured motorist lawyer can review your case and determine if the offer is truly fair or if you are entitled to more compensation.

They may also be able to negotiate with the insurance company for a higher settlement or take your case to court if necessary. It is important to consult with car accident attorneys before making any decisions about accepting an offer from the insurance company. Additionally, you should always have your own legal representation when dealing with insurance companies to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive

Uninsured Motorist FAQs

Q: What is an underinsured motorist?

A: An underinsured motorist is a driver who has liability insurance, but their insurance policy limits are not high enough to cover all the damages and medical expenses resulting from an accident they caused.

Q: Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Apply to a Hit and Run?

A: Yes, underinsured motorist coverage typically applies to hit and run accidents. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist auto insurance can provide compensation for your injuries and damages.

Q: What is PIP Insurance?

A: PIP, or Personal Injury Protection insurance, is coverage that pays for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the motor vehicle accident. It is also known as “no-fault” insurance because it pays out claims irrespective of fault. It does not cover property damage.

Q: How Common Are Uninsured Motorists in Texas?

A: According to recent statistics, approximately 14% of vehicle owners in Texas are uninsured drivers, making it one of the states with the highest number of uninsured and underinsured drivers.

Q: Will Your Insurance Rates Increase If You File an Uninsured Motorist (UIM) Claim?

A: Filing a UIM claim does not typically result in an increase in your liability insurance coverage, as you are not at fault for the accident. However, rates can vary depending on your insurance company’s policies.

Talk to a Skilled Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist Claim Attorney Today

If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, it is important to seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury lawyer. Auto accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your UM claim.

An experienced attorney will have the knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Fill out a contact form or call 512-677-5003 for a free consultation.