Being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault can be frustrating. However, it can be downright maddening when you find out the irresponsible driver who caused the accident has no insurance or not enough insurance. Fortunately, an experienced Laredo accident lawyer from Gonzalez Druker Law Firm can help.
Reasons for Uninsured and Underinsured Accidents
There are three main reasons why you may have an uninsured or underinsured accident claim:
- The driver has no insurance – Texas law requires all drivers to carry at least the minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages they cause through negligence. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 13.8% of motorists in Texas do not have insurance. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, they probably also don’t have adequate resources to pay for your damages.
- Your damages exceed the amount of insurance the at-fault driver has – The Texas Department of Insurance explains that all registered vehicles must have liability coverage of at least $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. If you suffer a serious injury, your expenses can far exceed these minimal amounts.
- The accident was a hit-and-run – If a driver crashes into you and flees the scene without giving you their contact information, it is considered a hit-and-run. These claims often proceed as uninsured motorist claims if the at-fault driver cannot be apprehended. Our Laredo hit-and-run accident lawyer can help handle these types of cases and determine the best way to get compensated.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Don’t despair. You may have options for recovering compensation even if the other driver was uninsured or did not have enough insurance. The first thing an experienced attorney can look at is if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This may be part of your auto policy and can pay for expenses such as:
- Car repairs
- A rental car
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
You may also have other types of insurance to help in these situations, such as collision, medical payments coverage, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Your health insurance may also be able to cover some of your medical expenses. An experienced auto accident lawyer can review all of your insurance policies and discuss your various options for recovery.
What to Do After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
Even if the other driver does not have insurance, you will still need to take immediate steps to protect your rights and begin establishing your claim, including:
- Reporting the accident to the police
- Getting the other driver’s information
- Photographing the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and the accident scene
- Asking witnesses for their contact information
- Seeking prompt medical attention
- Keeping receipts of all of your accident-related expenses
- Filing a claim with your own insurer
- Keeping all claim-related documents
- Consulting with a knowledgeable uninsured/underinsured car accident lawyer
Contact Our Laredo Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Were you hurt in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Texas? Our Laredo injury lawyers at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm want to help. We have over 45 years of combined experience. We can investigate your case, review all insurance policies that apply to your case, and discuss your legal options. Call us at (956) 539-3745 for a free case consultation.