Auto Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Texas: Seeking Compensation
Auto accidents are more common than you think. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds or taking a wrong turn can result in a fatal crash. Sometimes, car crashes may not be this extreme, but any form of the auto crash can still result in quite a hassle.
Accidents involving underinsured and uninsured motorists or even hit-and-run crashes happen regularly. Whenever this happens, the driver who isn’t at fault is left unsure of how this situation should be handled. If this happens, according to DC Law, move to a safe place and contact the police. The officers who respond to your call will take your statement, find out if you have insurance, and offer you a police report regarding the accident.
In case your vehicle has suffered significant damage or a passenger, or you have suffered injuries, contact the police, emergency healthcare provider, and an experienced auto accident attorney. The attorney can help collect the right pieces of evidence you will require when handling your personal injury claim.
Being involved in an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can be complicated particularly when it comes to seeking compensation. The easiest way to handle the situation is to consult with your auto insurance provider. It is, therefore, important for you to understand a few important elements of auto policies in Texas.
Property damage coverage
In case you have been hit by a motorist who is not insured, and only your vehicle is damaged, then, you require a ‘comprehensive coverage’ or ‘collision coverage.’ In case you have just liability coverage, it is recommended to find another way to take care of the damages to your vehicle.
In the event that you have a loan on your vehicle, the bank or any other lienholder will need you to have more than simple liability insurance. Besides, if you find yourself with no insurance coverage, it is wise to check with your bank and find out if they have an extra policy on your car.
Bodily coverage
In Texas State, insurers are required by the law to offer vehicle owner underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage unless the vehicle owner has signed a written rejection of such an insurance policy. Remember, the standard auto policy should also include injury protection unless it has been specifically rejected in a written document.
If this rejection is not presented in writing, then, your insurer must offer the coverage. Besides, you should understand the type of coverage available and its limits. A common option that insurers have been pushing for is medical pay instead of personal insurance protection. It is recommended that you stick to the personal insurance protection as it is broader than the medical payments and you even don’t need to worry about indemnity claims from your insurers.
Note that personal insurance protection is also known as no-fault insurance and can help cover medical bills and other related expenses in case you or passengers have been injured in an auto crash.
