Injured By An Uninsured Driver? Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys Can Help.
In Texas, drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover damages and injuries they may cause in an accident. Despite this requirement, not everyone complies, leaving responsible drivers to face the consequences. Finding out the other driver is uninsured can add another layer of stress and uncertainty, but it is possible to earn the compensation you need to recover.
At Link & Associates, we help clients throughout the Dallas area seek the settlement they need to cover the cost of their car accidents. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, we can help explore your options to pursue other options for covering the costs of your injuries.
Steps To Take After The Accident
Immediately after your accident, you can take measures to protect your best interests. First, be sure to report the accident to the police and secure a formal accident report. Also, exchange contact information with the other driver, even if they tell you they are uninsured. Then, collect footage of the crash scene and record any eyewitness testimony. Finally, contact us for guidance in pursuing the most favorable outcome in your claim.
Understanding Uninsured Vs. Underinsured Drivers
When involved in a car accident in Texas, knowing the difference between uninsured and underinsured drivers is crucial for your claim. Uninsured drivers have no car insurance coverage at all. If they cause an accident, they have no liability policy to cover your damages, leaving you to seek compensation through other means, such as your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
In contrast, underinsured drivers have insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full cost of your medical bills, lost wages and vehicle repairs. In this situation, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can help cover the remaining expenses.
This distinction matters because it determines which type of coverage applies to your situation and how to proceed with your claim. While both scenarios can be frustrating, having the right legal guidance like ours can help you navigate either circumstance effectively.
Statistics About The Prevalence Of Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers In Texas
Texas consistently ranks among states with high rates of uninsured motorists. According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, Inc., approximately 14% of Texas drivers – that is about 1 in 7 vehicles on the road – are driving without insurance. In some regions of Dallas, this percentage can be even higher.
This means responsible drivers face a significant risk of being involved in an accident with someone who cannot cover the resulting costs through their own insurance. A reality such as this underscores the importance of having a lawyer’s contact information at the ready.
Filing An Uninsured Motorist Claim
When filing an uninsured motorist claim in Texas, timing is a key decisive factor. You must promptly comply with timing requirements and notify your insurance company after the accident, typically within 30 days. Your claim should include the police report, medical records, proof of lost wages and documentation of property damage.
The process usually follows these steps:
- Initial notification to your insurance company
- Submission of a formal claim with supporting documentation
- Investigation by your insurance adjuster
- Settlement negotiation
- Resolution or potential dispute
Common challenges include delays in processing, disputes over claim value or your insurance company questioning whether the uninsured driver was truly at fault. Having legal representation during this process can help overcome these obstacles and prevent insurance companies from minimizing your settlement.
We guide clients through each step of this process, helping ensure all deadlines are met and documentation is thorough.
Let Our Car Accident Attorneys Explain Your Compensation Options
When an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault for your accident, there are other methods of covering the costs of your damages. You may already have insurance coverage that can apply to this kind of accident, either in the form of uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover all your expenses. Both coverages are optional in Texas but can offer peace of mind and financial protection.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, we can help you seek a settlement from your own insurance coverage. If you do not have UM coverage, filing a claim directly against the liable driver may also help you earn compensation.
We Are Here To Track Down Your Compensation
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Our legal team is here to help you understand your coverage and explore all available options to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Call us at 945-221-5686 or contact us by email to schedule a free consultation. Hablamos Español.