Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Texas?
If you’re ever in a situation where you are hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, it’s important to know the steps to take after the incident.
It’s no secret that insurance costs are rising, and more and more Texas drivers are skipping out on coverage. In 2019, it was estimated that 8.3% of Texas drivers did not have insurance.
You may be wondering, “Can you sue an uninsured driver in Texas?”
Texas is a fault or tort-based state, meaning the person who caused the crash is responsible for the crash and its consequences. Suing an uninsured driver for damages can be a grueling and tiresome process depending on the case, especially without the right legal team on your side.
The attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta can provide you the legal representation you deserve along with sound guidance on next steps to handle being hit by an uninsured driver in Texas.
Step 1: Check your own insurance
Look at your own insurance policy to see if you have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM). This coverage will pay for your expenses if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their policy cannot pay for the damages.
UIM has two categories: bodily injury and property injury. Bodily injury will cover medical bills for both more severe and common car accident injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent or partial disability, where property injury will cover car repairs, damage to items in your car, and a rental car.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, it may be difficult to get the necessary funds to pay for damages including your medical or vehicle damage expenses. If you choose to not carry UIM coverage, you can sue the at-fault driver to cover the damages, but an uninsured driver will likely not have the funds to pay for it. Not to mention uninsured motorist payouts aren’t much, with the average being below $10,000.
Step 2: Document the damages
When it comes to what to do when you get in a car accident, one of the most important steps is documenting the damages. This is essential evidence to what happened at the scene, especially if you’re going to file a claim. This includes photos of the damage to your property, medical bills, and proof of loss of wages if applicable. Whatever evidence can be given to prove that the uninsured motorist was at fault is essential.
Step 3: File your claim along with your documented losses to your insurance company
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, ask your insurance company to seek compensation so that you might pay for damages through this policy.
If not, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurer and recover compensation, up to $30,000, after being hit by an uninsured driver. Texas law requires you to carry a minimum of $30,000 in auto liability insurance (up to $60,000 per accident). Some companies require a crash report within 24 hours, so don’t waste time.
If you were injured in the accident and would like to file a personal injury claim, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Step 4: Contact an attorney from Grimes & Fertitta
The Texas statute of limitations states that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the at-fault driver, so you need to act fast. We know that accidents can be mentally and physically stressful. That’s why the Houston car accident attorneys at Grimes & Fertitta are committed to helping you every step of the way.
Here is what a Grimes & Feritta attorney will do for you:
- Give you a free legal consultation to determine whether or not you have a case
- Thoroughly study your case and help gather evidence
- Manage and file a claim for you
- Weigh your options for compensation
- Get you the justice and peace of mind that you deserve
Hit by an uninsured driver in Texas? Contact Grimes & Fertitta to represent you.
If you have been hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, contact an uninsured motorist lawyer or fatal car accident lawyer in Houston immediately. The legal team at Grimes & Fertitta is here to help those hit by an uninsured driver in Texas with exceptional representation.
Call us at 713-224-7644 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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