A car accident is a life-altering event that can leave you with serious injuries and the loss of a vehicle you depend on. Learning that the driver who hit you was uninsured will compound the situation with financial concerns and few options for recourse. While drivers in Texas are required to have liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Houston are common. When an at-fault driver lacks the coverage to pay for the damages they cause, victims often end up paying the price.
If you were involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, a skilled car crash attorney can help you explore your legal options for compensation. Your lawyer can help you navigate complex legal procedures and advocate for your rights to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
How Can Victims Get Compensation for Uninsured Driver Accidents?
Texas law requires drivers to meet state minimum liability requirements to pay for damages sustained in accidents they cause. When drivers fail to follow those laws or when damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, victims face hurdles seeking compensation. However, there are ways victims can get compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and property damage sustained in a Houston uninsured driver accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While it is not required by law, many Houston motorists invest in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A victim with this coverage can file a claim with their own insurance company to recover compensation for the costs related to injuries and property damage. This coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents in which the at-fault driver is never found.
Personal Medical Insurance
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your car insurance policy or personal medical insurance can help you pay for medical costs related to an accident. PIP coverage can cover emergency transport, medical costs, and lost wages due to recovery. Personal health insurance or disability insurance may also provide recourse for medical costs and lost wages, depending on the victim’s policy.
Take Legal Action
An at-fault driver is legally responsible for injuries and damages sustained in an accident they caused. Victims can file a lawsuit to demand payment or seek direct payment from the guilty driver, but this option can be futile if the driver lacks the resources to pay. An experienced uninsured car crash attorney can help determine if the driver has assets that can be used in a legal dispute in Houston.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Underinsured driver accidents typically lead to complex claims that may require victims to pursue multiple avenues for compensation. A Houston lawyer with experience handling uninsured driver accidents should be familiar with Texas insurance laws and the potential complications that may arise during the claims process. We can help with the following.
- Review of the victim’s insurance policy to pursue all types of coverage
- Negotiations with insurance companies to avoid low settlements
- Review of the at-fault driver’s personal and professional information to determine if other types of insurance (i.e., commercial or a family member’s policy) apply
- Representation in court if necessary
A skilled accident attorney will review each case to find the best options for getting full compensation and damages.
Contact a Houston Attorney to Discuss Your Uninsured Accident Claim
Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Houston often leave victims assuming they have no options to recover compensation for injuries and damages. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, an experienced personal injury attorney can explore several legal options to get you the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, LLP have substantial experience handling uninsured motorist claims and are dedicated to getting our clients fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.
