The latest statistics on uninsured motorists driving around the State of
Texas are at a shocking ± 20% - which equate to roughly 4 million drivers.
While this may seem an unbelievable fact, (Realistically, who would
consider driving around without insurance coverage in this day and age?)
most of the Texan population does not fully comprehend the legal and
financial implications that ensue after a collision with an uninsured
driver.
It is a well-known fact that Texas is a pro-insurance state and one who
will make you fall to your knees to collect what is rightfully yours.
Adding Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) to your auto
insurance policy ensures you have some sort of protection.
Here are some pointers to follow up if you were hit by an uninsured driver:
● Forewarned is Forearmed - check your insurance policy coverage to see if
you’re covered against uninsured and underinsured motorists.
● The policy covers the policyholder, their family members, passengers in
the vehicle, and anyone who drives the vehicle with the permission of the
owner.
● It is your insurance company’s responsibility to investigate the claim
against an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
● You may have an all-out war with your service provider when filing your
claim and may need to retain the services of a lawyer to have your claim
fulfilled.
● Your policy should cover a variety of expenses to their limit including
medical and/or funeral, repairing the vehicle or replacing lost goods, and
personal injury.
Call the police to the scene of the accident. This is prudent for a number
of reasons including having the accident documented by an officer as well
as avoiding a scam artist.
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage on your policy, check whether the
at-fault driver has no insurance coverage. It is not often, but it does
happen at times and we have seen it, where some insurance companies deny
coverage to avoid paying even though there is coverage, so check and double
check. Ask for an official letter documenting their answer as an oral
statement may be denied outright at a later stage.
One of the questions that usually crops up in these cases relates to suing
an uninsured/underinsured driver. What are the odds you will win in court,
and if you do, how can you be sure of receiving payment owed to you?
The court may find you in favor of receiving payment but, and here’s the
irony, you may receive nothing at all if you had no UM/UIM coverage.
Being involved in a crash or accident can be daunting. By following
these steps, you’ll simplify the process. After you’ve returned home
safely, contact a Texas personal injury lawyer for assistance. At the
Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, PLLC, you’ll receive the support you
need. Contact
our office by calling (956)-318-3200.
Contact a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance