Texas law requires drivers to purchase liability insurance. When a driver is found at fault for a crash, this liability coverage pays for damages that result.
Texas drivers must have bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage to pay for expenses related to accidents. However, liability coverage doesn’t cover incidents where you aren’t at fault. In that case, damages and injury-related expenses are covered by the other driver’s liability insurance.
What Happens When a Driver Has No Insurance?
Some drivers break the law by driving without insurance. If you get injured by someone who doesn’t have insurance, how can you get the compensation you need? That’s where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes in.
As an injured person, you can use your UM coverage to get compensation in these situations:
- The driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance.
- You were hurt in a hit-and-run and the police can’t find the other driver.
- The driver who hit you was driving someone else’s car without the owner’s permission.
How Do I Know if I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Texas law does not require you to have UM coverage. However, companies are legally required to offer it, and the only way you can decline it is by declining it in writing.
What Does UM Coverage Pay For?
You can make a claim on your UM policy to cover a variety of damages caused by an uninsured driver.
If you have UM bodily injury coverage, it can cover expenses like medical bills, surgery, physical therapy, medication and more. It can also compensate you for permanent disability, disfigurement and any lost wages you incur if you can’t work after the crash.
If you have UM property damage coverage, it can cover the costs of fixing your vehicle, renting a car and replacing personal property lost in the wreck.
If I Have UM Coverage, Do I Still Need a Lawyer?
You might think your insurance company would gladly pay to cover your expenses after a crash caused by an uninsured driver. After all, you bought a UM policy and have been paying your premiums for a long time.
But in reality, it’s common for your insurance company to deny your claim entirely or try to pay out less than you deserve. They do this to save money and boost their profits.
Before trying to make a claim on your uninsured motorist policy, you should talk to a Dallas personal injury lawyer.
A good lawyer can analyze your policy, determine what compensation you should get, and help you gather evidence to make your claim stronger. Plus, insurance companies know the attorney will fight for you. This makes them less likely to offer you a lowball settlement.
Talk to a Dallas Lawyer if You’ve Been Hurt By an Uninsured Driver
Ted B. Lyon & Associates in Dallas has handled thousands of uninsured motorist claims over the years. Our lawyers are ready to assess your situation and advocate for you. Call 877-Ted-Lyon or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
