An uninsured motorist is a person who does not have the state’s required insurance coverage on their vehicle. If you get in an accident and the at-fault driver is not insured, you would not be able to file a claim to recover the costs of your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Learn more about what an uninsured motorist is and what you should do after a collision.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Being involved in a car wreck is bad enough, but it could be much worse if the other driver does not have insurance. If an uninsured motorist hit you, the first thing you should do is call the police. Next, you would gather the motorist’s driver’s license or license plate number and contact information, then seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine and do not see any obvious injuries, it is important to get a clean bill of health as adrenaline could mask the symptoms of whiplash or a concussion, for example.
Should You File a Claim with Your Car Insurance?
You could file a claim with your insurance company for damages, as long as you have uninsured motorist coverage, that is. Do not wait too long, however. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section 16.003, you have just two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to fair compensation.
Provide your adjuster with all the information you have gathered, including copies of medical bills and invoices for your car repairs. Your medical bills may also be covered by your health insurance policy, but it is a good idea to check with your agent to be sure.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In Texas, uninsured motorist coverage protects your financial interests when you are in an accident caused by a driver who does not have a mandatory liability insurance policy. This optional coverage helps pay the costs of bodily injuries and property damage. You can purchase uninsured coverage in $5,000 increments and you should get at least enough to replace your vehicle. However, more may be better, especially in the event you are seriously injured and need to take time off work to recover after a crash.
Get Legal Help if You Were Struck by an Uninsured Motorist
Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris to learn how you could protect yourself from having to pay for accident damages out of pocket. We are happy to answer your questions about uninsured motorists and what to do after a car crash.
