What Are Your Rights If You Were Injured in a Collision With an Uninsured Motorist?

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, and it gets even more complicated when the other driver lacks insurance. If you’re grappling with car repairs or medical bills and the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may be wondering who will foot the bills. If your accident was caused by negligence, such as distracted, drunk, or reckless driving, The Law Firm of Chaile Allen can help you seek compensation for the damages you sustained.   

If you were injured in a vehicle collision by an uninsured driver, you have legal rights to pursue justice for your injuries. If your uninsured motorist coverage fails to adequately compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, or vehicle damage, you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault motorist with the help of Chaile Allen.

What Are Your Rights If You Were Injured in a Collision With an Uninsured Motorist?

Around one in five Texas drivers are uninsured. The Texas Department of Insurance strongly recommends that drivers have a certain minimum amount of liability insurance. This includes:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for total injuries per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Although Texas law doesn’t mandate having UM/UIM coverage, insurance companies must offer it, as well as personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you’re likely wondering what steps to take next and what legal options may be available to you. After getting any necessary medical attention, take these steps to seek compensation for injuries and vehicle damage:

Review Your Car Insurance Details

Start by examining your car insurance policy. Determine if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance that steps in when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your injury or damage costs. If your policy includes UM/UIM coverage, your insurer should cover your damages up to your policy’s limit. Without this coverage, finding adequate compensation for medical care might be more challenging.

Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer

Even if you have UM/UIM coverage, it’s worth speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer, as the costs of your medical care and other losses may be above your policy limits. You should not have to pay out of your pocket if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. 

Consider Legal Action Against the Uninsured Driver

In situations where your policy lacks the aforementioned coverages, your next option may be to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. Under Texas’s fault system, you’re entitled to sue for damages if an uninsured driver is responsible for your accident and resulting injuries or property damage. However, it’s important to remember that if someone can’t afford proper car insurance, they might not have the financial means to pay you, even if you win the lawsuit. To understand your legal rights, do not hesitate to speak with attorney Chaile Allen as soon as possible. 

Recoverable Compensation in an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Abilene, TX

Seeking a personal injury lawsuit against an uninsured driver could be an option to secure appropriate compensation. While this process can be lengthy, it might be necessary to recover economic and non-economic damages, including the following, depending on the circumstances of your claim: 

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Loss of future earning capacity 
• Present and future medical bills
• Property damages 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 

Navigating a situation with an uninsured driver involved in an accident can be complex and uncertain. Consulting with a car accident attorney at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen in Abilene is a wise step to fully understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Speak With the Abilene Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen 

If you were injured due to the negligence of an uninsured motorist, speak with our Abilene car accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen. With years of experience helping car accident victims in Abilene and surrounding areas, we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

For a complimentary consultation of your uninsured motorist claim, call (325) 670-9282 or fill out our contact form.