Texas Injury Lawyers Blog
More people drive without insurance than you might think.
What Should You Do if You’re Hurt in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
Being hurt in a car accident is hard enough. Learning that the driver who caused it has little or no insurance makes everything even more stressful. Instead of focusing on your recovery, you’re left wondering how you will pay for medical care, repair your vehicle, or make up for time away from work.
The good news is that a crash with an uninsured driver does not always leave you without options. Your own auto policy may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, known as UM/UIM, which can provide another source of help after a crash.
Key Takeaway
If the driver who hit you has no insurance, not enough insurance, or cannot be found after a hit-and-run, your own UM/UIM coverage may help. You do not have to sort through the policy and insurance calls alone while you are trying to recover.
When Can UM/UIM Coverage Help After a Texas Crash?
UM/UIM coverage exists to protect you when another driver cannot fully cover the harm they caused. Texas auto policies generally include this coverage unless a named insured rejected it in writing.¹ Your policy declarations can tell you whether it is available and how much coverage you have.
It may help when:
- The driver is uninsured. They have no applicable liability insurance.
- The driver is underinsured. Their insurance is not enough to cover the losses the crash caused.
- The driver leaves the scene. UM coverage may help after a hit-and-run, although Texas generally requires actual physical contact with the unknown vehicle.²
Even when you are making a claim through your own policy, you still deserve a careful review of what happened and what you need to recover.
What Can UM/UIM Coverage Pay For?
Medical bills, missed paychecks, vehicle repairs, and pain from an injury can add up quickly after a crash. Depending on your policy, UM/UIM coverage may help with medical expenses, lost income, pain and impairment, vehicle repairs, a rental vehicle, damaged property, and diminished value.³
For property damage, UM/UIM coverage generally has a $250 deductible. PIP, medical payments, or collision coverage may also help with some of the immediate costs if included in your policy.
What Should You Do if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?
After a crash like this, it is easy to feel pressured to accept whatever the other driver or an insurance company says, but that often leaves you with less than what you’re legally entitled to.
After a crash, start with a few simple steps that protect you and your claim:
- Call 9-1-1 and save the details. If anyone is hurt, the scene is unsafe, or the other driver leaves, call 9-1-1. Save the other driver’s license plate, driver’s license, and insurance information. If they fled, get witness contact information and make a note of any nearby cameras.
- Keep anything that shows there is an insurance problem. Save insurance cards, claim letters, and notices showing that coverage was denied or was not enough. Do not rely on a promise to pay before you know the full cost of the crash.
- Notify your insurer, then speak with an attorney before discussing the crash. Your policy may require you to report the accident promptly. Once you do, an adjuster may call with questions. If someone was injured, speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement, signing a broad medical authorization, or accepting an offer.
Why It May Help to Work With a Car Accident Lawyer
Because a UM/UIM claim involves your own policy, it is natural to expect your insurance company to treat you fairly. But these claims can still be heavily disputed.
The insurer may question who caused the crash, the seriousness of your injuries, or how much your recovery should cost.
A car accident lawyer is a trained professional who can deal with the insurance company for you, gather evidence from the other driver through official channels, and advocate for the full recovery you need. You do not have to decide immediately whether to file a lawsuit to speak with an attorney. At Carabin Shaw, our experienced lawyers will walk you through your case, what to expect, and whether filing a lawsuit is advisable at no charge, and with no obligations to hire the firm.
When you are ready to understand the bigger picture after a car accident, our complete Texas car accident guide explains fault, insurance, compensation, and deadlines.
Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Texas? Call Shaw.
You should not have to carry the stress of an uninsured-driver claim by yourself. Carabin Shaw can review the available coverage, handle insurance conversations, and help you understand what comes next.
If you were hurt by an uninsured/underinsured motorist anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Vehicle damage
- Pain, impairment, or other lasting effects
- And more
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to scheudle a free case evaluation with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer today. We look forward to serving you.
¹Texas Insurance Code § 1952.101