Did You Get Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Our Houston car accident lawyers fight for justice if you were hit by a driver without insurance
While all drivers in Texas are required to carry car insurance, the fact is some of them don’t. Some uninsured drivers feel they can’t afford it, others may have suspended licenses and aren’t supposed to be driving at all. Our car accident attorneys know that the risk of being hit by an uninsured driver is real and that it’s important to make sure you are protected.
The Houston car accident lawyers at Smith & Hassler, we can handle the insurance company for you if you've been in an accident with an uninsured driver. Our law firm serves the greater metropolitan Houston area and all of Texas. When you contact us, one of our experienced lawyers can help if you or a loved one was injured by the negligence of an uninsured driver.
Who pays for my damages if I’m hit by an uninsured driver?
A car accident can leave you physically hurt but can also take a toll on your financial situation. Medical expenses for treating your injury can add up very quickly and become overwhelming. If your injuries leave you unable to work, there is less income coming in. The accident wasn’t your fault, but who will pay the bills?
In Texas, a motorist's policy must provide at least $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. There is other optional coverage that can help protect you in certain situations.
To protect yourself from having to cover your medical and other expenses due to an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can purchase coverage known as uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits. This allows you to get paid by your own insurance company if a negligent driver has no insurance or not enough liability insurance to pay for your bills.
In Texas, uninsured motorist insurance coverage will cover up to your policy's dollar limits. It also will pay for damages caused by a hit-and-run driver if you promptly report the accident to the police.
What if I don’t have UM or UIM coverage?
Without this coverage, your options for financial compensation are limited. You could choose to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the lawsuit is successful, that driver may still not have enough assets to pay you. In some cases, you may be able to take legal action against a third party responsible for the accident, such as the manufacturer of defective car parts.
Another option is to seek compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) policy, if you have it. PIP is optional in Texas and covers medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of daily assistance. If you have medical payments (MedPay), this will cover some of your medical expenses, depending on your policy limit.
You can also use your health insurance policy to cover some medical expenses but be aware of out-of-pocket co-payments.
Contact a lawyer who knows how to handle uninsured driver cases
Hit by an uninsured motorist? Our firm has been helping people injured in car accidents since 1989. We’ve handled many cases involving uninsured drivers. Our attorneys will pursue every option available to try to help you recover financial compensation. We know the impact a car accident with an uninsured driver can have on you and your family and we are ready to help.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to make an appointment with an experienced Houston car accident lawyer. Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you don't pay us unless you win.