Can You Recover Compensation After a Vehicle Accident With an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist?
On Texas roads, where 20% of all drivers lack insurance and countless others are underinsured, the reality is that a car accident could leave you grappling with financial and emotional hardship. Texas law mandates basic liability coverage, but the costs from a serious collision often surpass these minimums. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is a critical safety net that Texas drivers are advised to carry. This coverage steps in where at-fault drivers’ policies fall short, offering ways to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
If you were injured in a collision due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal recourse to seek compensation and justice through a car accident claim. At the Law Firm of Chaile Allen, our car accident lawyers can assess the details of your case, guide you through your best legal options, and connect you with the resources and care you need to aid in your recovery.
Texas Uninsured and Underinsured Insurance Coverage
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, it is imperative for drivers to carry a specified minimum level of liability coverage:
- $30,000 for individual bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Uninsured/underinsured coverage protects you if the opposing driver lacks adequate insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is key, as it helps you claim additional compensation for your losses if their coverage falls short. While Texas law does not require drivers to obtain this type of coverage, your insurance company is required to make it available along with personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
3 Options to Recover Compensation After an Accident Involving an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver
If an uninsured/underinsured driver causes you to suffer injuries in a collision, there are three avenues for damage recovery, including the following:
- Insurance claim: The swiftest route might be through your insurer, particularly if you have UM/UIM coverage. This is crucial if you are financing or leasing, where coverage for repairs is typically included.
- Third-party compensation: Beyond the driver, responsibility may fall on another third party, such as an employer, manufacturer, or business, depending on the circumstances.
- Legal action: Your car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf against the uninsured/underinsured driver, seeking economic and non-economic damages you suffered due to negligence.
To file a lawsuit against a liable driver in Texas, your car accident attorney must establish the driver’s negligence by demonstrating they had a duty to avoid causing harm, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries, resulting in financial losses.
At the Law Firm of Chaile Allen, we prove these elements by investigating the details of your case, gathering evidence, and communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Speak With the Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Firm of Chaile Allen Today
If you were injured in an accident due to the negligence of an uninsured/underinsured motorist, the Law Firm of Chaile Allen is prepared to stand by your side. We are committed to helping you understand your legal options, meticulously building your case, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Attorney Chaile Allen has built a reputation for providing compassionate and dedicated representation, connecting you with the resources and local experts you need to strengthen your case.
Do not navigate this challenging time alone; let our car accident attorneys be your advocates. Contact us today for a complimentary evaluation of your case at (325) 670-9282 or by filling out our contact form.