When you’re in a car accident in Texas, the person that’s responsible for the accident pays for the damage. Texas law requires all drivers to have car insurance to pay for damages that result from accidents they cause. When the responsible driver doesn’t have the insurance that they’re required to have, the accident victim can be left wondering where to turn. Fortunately, uninsured motorist insurance can help.
What is uninsured coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is insurance that protects you in the event that you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance coverage. Texas law requires all drivers to have insurance coverage for personal injuries and property damage of others. When you’re in an accident and the person responsible doesn’t have insurance, your own uninsured motorist insurance pays you directly. Even though the law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, some drivers choose to break the law and drive without insurance. When you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have the required insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can step in and cover your losses.
How do I get uninsured coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t insurance that you get automatically. You have to purchase it in addition to your basic policy. You can have uninsured motorist coverage that pays for your bodily injuries, your property damage or both. Uninsured motorist coverage can also cover your family members, passengers and people who borrow your car.
Why have uninsured motorist coverage?
In a perfect world, if a person without insurance hits you, they should still have the resources to cover your losses out of their own pocket. While the law allows you to bring a civil claim against the person that hurt you, getting them to actually pay a judgment in your favor can be impossible. Unfortunately, most people who don’t purchase insurance also don’t have many assets. Even though uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required by law, practically, it’s important to protect yourself and your assets.
What happens when the insurance company doesn’t pay?
Ideally, the responsible party uses their car insurance to pay for the damages that result from the accident. If they don’t have insurance, the next-best thing is to have your uninsured motorist coverage step in and pay for your damages. However, sometimes insurance companies choose not to honor their policies and pay their claims fairly. They may try to settle with you for much less than you deserve. They may refuse to pay completely in hopes of getting away with it.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help. A lawyer can help you evaluate any settlement offers from the other party’s insurance company or from your insurance company. Their experience can be your guide. If the insurance company isn’t treating your fairly, your attorney can help you consider your options.
How can a lawyer help?
Your car accident lawyer may be able to help you negotiate with the insurance company for fair payment of your claim. If that still doesn’t resolve the case, your attorney can help you bring a formal claim in the appropriate court. The vast majority of cases resolve before trial. Your legal team can work to build your case so that it becomes clear to the insurance company what you deserve. If your case is in the minority of cases that proceeds to trial, your attorney can help you prepare your case effectively and present it to the jury.
No two cases are the same. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you pursue your case in the right way. With the right guidance, you can have the confidence to know that you’re taking the correct steps to recover fairly for your losses.
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