Here’s Everything You Need to Know About These Unique Accident Circumstances
Have you recently been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver?
If so, you may already understand the complex nature of the issue. Any time you are involved in a car accident, it can be an overwhelming experience. When the at-fault driver doesn’t carry insurance, and you have passengers in your car, it opens a new set of issues you must now face. Now you have to worry about covering medical bills, lost wages, and many other expenses.
With the national uninsured rate topping out at 8.2% in 2024, it is no wonder that safe drivers are concerned for their safety on the road. As insurance rates continue to rise, we see even more uninsured motorists.
Never fear – we’re here to guide you through this complicated scenario and help you understand your rights to fair compensation.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your Safety Net in the Uncertain World of Insurance
You might be wondering, “Can I file an insurance claim against an uninsured driver?”
Typically, when you get into a car accident, you will rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy to pay at least a portion of your accident-related expenses. But what happens when a driver hits you without car insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) (or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) in some cases) is your best friend in these situations. This type of auto insurance protects you when an uninsured motorist has hit you, or the driver doesn’t have adequate coverage for the damage they caused. In the Lonestar State, where an estimated 12-20% of drivers do not carry adequate insurance, having UM/UIM coverage is essential.
While your regular policy should include collision coverage that will pay for car repairs and medical coverage for those expenses, even if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. However, that may not be enough if you have an expensive car or need longer-term medical care.
Luckily, if you opt-in for UM or UIM coverage are hit by an uninsured driver, you have the right file a claim with your own insurance company. This claim can cover accident-related damages, including any injuries you and your passengers may have gotten. It’s a safety net that can make a huge difference on your path to a full recovery.
What Happens If I Only Have Liability Insurance?
Chances are, you might only have liability insurance. In that case, the situation becomes significantly more challenging. Liability insurance is definitely a necessity, as it protects others if you cause an accident. That said, it won’t cover you or your innocent passengers if someone else hits you – especially if that driver is uninsured. You won’t be able to file a claim against your own insurance, even if you weren’t at fault in your accident with an uninsured driver.
In this case, your only option is to sue the at-fault driver personally. However, if they don’t have insurance, they likely won’t have the assets required to cover your damages, making it far more difficult to recover any compensation—let alone what you and your passengers deserve.
That is why most personal injury attorneys strongly recommend having uninsured motorist coverage.
What Happens to My Passengers After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
Believe it or not, even though they weren’t driving, your passengers can file a claim with their own insurance company if they opted in for underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
This is one of the major benefits of UM/UIM insurance – it protects you whether you’re a driver, passenger, or even a pedestrian. Here’s how it works in two different scenarios:
- You have UM/UIM coverage: Lucky break! Both you and your passengers are covered under your insurance policy. They can file their own claims for their injuries, regardless of whether they have their own uninsured motorist coverage.
- You only have liability coverage, but your passengers have UM/UIM: In this case, your passengers can make claims under their own insurance policies to cover their damages and medical expenses.
Why Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage is So Important
In the aftermath of an uninsured motorist accident, the last thing you want to deal with is the financial burden and complications relating to lacking insurance coverage. Protect yourself and your passengers with UM/UIM coverage so you can have peace of mind that your back is covered in all scenarios.
Keep in mind the Insurance company’s own data shows that hiring a personal injury attorney can result in clients receiving over three and a half times more than those without representation – even after the requisite legal fees.
Angel Reyes & Associates is Here to Help with Your Uninsured Motorist Accident
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver and don’t know what to do next, do not fear. The incredible team of personal injury attorneys at Angel Reyes & Associates will help you figure out what your insurance policy covers and how to navigate the complexities of an uninsured motorist accident. Together, we can:
- Thoroughly review your insurance policy to better understand the scope of your coverage.
- Compassionately explain your legal options in clear, straightforward terms to remove the confusion from the equation
- Hold your hand as we guide you through the process of making a claim against an uninsured motorist accident
- Fight tirelessly for the compensation you and your passengers deserve
We understand how overwhelming this situation can be – between the physical pain, emotional stress, property damage, and financial woes. With Angel Reyes & Associates, you never have to walk alone because we are here to support every step you take.
If you or your passengers have been involved in an uninsured motorist accident, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review, or pop into one of our conveniently located Texas offices to meet face-to-face.
Allow us to help you through this difficult chapter and ensure you get the compensation you deserve so you can close the book on this accident.
