In many ways, insurance is a safety net for Texans when they hit the road in their vehicles. If there is an accident, it is comforting to know that an insurance policy is likely to compensate them for property damage, injuries and even death if they are unfortunate enough to be in a collision. Still, there are aspects of auto insurance that people might not be aware of. Drivers are legally required to have insurance coverage. That, however, does not mean they will automatically abide by the law.
Understanding uninsured motorist protections
Knowing important aspects of uninsured motorist coverage is imperative. In general, if a person has an auto insurance policy in the state, there will be a level of coverage for uninsured and underinsured drivers. It is a legal requirement that insurance providers offer this coverage to a consumer when they are buying it. The person does have the right to refuse it, but it must be done in writing. Those who are in a crash with a driver who does not have insurance or is not fully insured are shielded under their own policy. This pays for auto damage. For medical care, their own insurance policy is expected to pay for treatment. When the accident results in long-term injuries or hinders their ability to do their jobs, the coverage is unlikely to extend that far.
If that is the case, then the person will receive some level of coverage based on the uninsured or underinsured part of the policy. Uninsured and underinsured coverage will have certain protections, but it may not help with everything the injured party needs after an auto accident. Some people take the step to pay for extra coverage if such an event takes place. Most do not. This is when it may be necessary to seek legal assistance to explore the available options.
Consult with attorneys who specialize in uninsured and underinsured cases
In cases where there is confusion about an accident with an uninsured driver or an underinsured driver, it can exacerbate the challenges a person faces in the aftermath of an auto accident. Worrying about returning to full health is always a challenge. Thinking about finances because of the lack of sufficient insurance on the part of the other driver will inevitably make it worse. Filing a claim against the insurance company is one strategy to explore. Since these issues can be complex and confusing, consulting with experienced legal professionals who understand uninsured/underinsured auto insurance claims may be helpful.
