A Comprehensive Guide for What Happens If You Get Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Texas
Anytime you’re involved in a car accident, it is an incredibly challenging experience.
When the at-fault party is an uninsured driver, your stress and frustration levels climb even higher.
While Texas law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows these rules.
So, what happens if you’re hit by someone who is uninsured or underinsured? How do you pay your medical bills and vehicle repairs? How do you recover lost wages after a car accident?
Uninsured drivers are out on the road every day, so it is important to understand what happens in the case of an uninsured driver accident. We’re here to help guide you on your journey to recover the money you’re owed.
What Are Your Legal Options Against Uninsured Drivers?
When you’re involved in a car or truck accident where an uninsured driver is the at-fault party, you can try to pursue legal action directly against them with an uninsured accident claim.
Unfortunately, it can be extremely challenging to collect compensation in these cases since many uninsured drivers lack the necessary personal assets to cover the costs.
If you want to file for an uninsured driver accident settlement, we recommend partnering with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They will be able to help you evaluate whether pursuing a case against the driver is a worthwhile option. If not, they will help you determine the best course of action for your uninsured accident case.
Steps to Take After an Uninsured Driver Accident
In the aftermath of an uninsured driver accident, we understand that you might be overwhelmed. That said, it is crucial to take the proper steps immediately after the car accident to start building a strong case:
- Document every detail of the uninsured driver accident thoroughly
- Gather witness information and statements
- Take detailed photos of the scene
- Call your local law enforcement to file a police report.
- Connect with a personal injury lawyer to pursue your uninsured accident case
The Importance of Personal Injury Protection, UM Insurance and UIM Coverage
Texas requires all drivers to carry uninsured (UM)/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage unless specifically rejected in writing. These types of coverage offer a safety net that protects you when the at-fault party is an under- or uninsured driver without sufficient coverage to pay for your damages.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is another type of coverage that can help bridge the gap after an uninsured driver accident. PIP insurance helps recover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who the at-fault party was in the car accident. Like UM insurance, PIP coverage must be offered by Texas accident insurance companies but can be rejected in writing.
Managing Medical Bills After an Uninsured Accident
It requires careful, strategic planning to deal with medical bills after a car accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver.
When possible, leave your private health insurance as a last resort. If you do choose this option after an uninsured driver accident, you will most likely need to pay a deductible and your co-pays for your medical care out of pocket.
If you have PIP coverage, you can leverage this policy to cover medical expenses regardless of who the at-fault party is in the uninsured driver accident. If you don’t have PIP, your health insurance might cover some or all of your medical bills, but they may choose to seek reimbursement if you recover damages from the at-fault party.
We can help by negotiating with healthcare providers on your behalf, exploring payment plans, and identifying all possible sources of coverage to help manage your medical expenses.
Working with Your Accident Insurance Company After Your Uninsured Driver Accident
Navigating complex insurance claims involving uninsured drivers can be incredibly challenging and stressful.
Insurance companies will train their adjusters to try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your team will make sure your rights are fully protected and you receive fair compensation through all available insurance coverage options.
While you want to ensure you get immediate compensation to cover your costs after an uninsured accident, you should also keep the long-term costs in mind. A car accident lawyer will help you figure out what your future medical needs, ongoing treatment costs, and potential long-term disabilities look like, and will adjust the claim accordingly. This ensures your uninsured driver accident settlement covers your needs.
Partner with Angel Reyes & Associates for the Best Results for Your Uninsured Driver Accident Settlement
With over 30 years of experience handling uninsured driver accident cases in Texas, we have the skills and the passion to help you through any challenge you face. Our team of incredible car accident lawyers will be there for you every step of the way, providing 24/7 support as they fight your uninsured driver accident settlement battle. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate.
The compassionate team of attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates takes pride in helping our valued clients face the challenges of complex accident insurance issues head-on, especially when the at-fault party is an uninsured driver. Allow us to help you by removing the stress from the equation as we handle all communication and negotiation with your accident insurance company on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation, or stop by one of our conveniently located Texas offices in Dallas, Fort-Worth, Houston or Austin so we can discuss your case face-to-face.
Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case, so there is no harm in scheduling a free consultation.
You’re in good hands with Angel Reyes & Associates.
