Even the most careful drivers may end up involved in an accident at some point in their lives. That is why drivers in the state of Texas must carry insurance, including at least $2,500 of personal injury protection coverage, to cover accident-related injuries and damages.
Driving without proper insurance is a violation of the law and can result in serious consequences. People who drive without insurance are referred to as uninsured motorists, while people who drive without enough insurance are called underinsured motorists.
If you suffer injuries and damages in an accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you have a couple of options:
- File a claim with your own insurer if you have UM/UIM coverage: Many auto insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to cover injuries and damages you sustain in an accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured driver.
- Filing a lawsuit against the driver: If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, or you do not have enough coverage, you may also sue the uninsured/underinsured motorist for damages. This may not always work, considering that some drivers who drive without insurance cannot afford it, and, therefore, may not be able to afford to compensate you for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Uninsured/underinsured auto insurance claims are not easy to handle without the help of an experienced attorney. Your attorney can assist with the claim filing process and help you navigate the legal process if you decide to go forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
