There’s a simple reason why Houston requires all drivers to carry auto insurance. Having everyone carry insurance is the easiest way for those who are injured in accidents to get their injuries paid for. But when a driver lets their coverage lapse or actively chooses to go without insurance, they can create massive headaches if they are involved in an accident. If the other driver does not have insurance and your auto policy is not enough to cover all your injuries from the accident, you could find yourself in a tight spot. The Houston car accident attorneys of Gibson Hill Personal Injury have helped many other drivers just like you who have been injured by an uninsured driver.
Just because the other driver is uninsured does not mean you have no way to be compensated for your losses. We can evaluate your options and find a way to hold the uninsured driver accountable for their negligence. Below you will find more information on uninsured driver accidents in Houston.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Houston
The Texas Department of Insurance requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance if they want to drive legally in the state. The current minimum coverage amounts are $30,000 per person or $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. While these are the minimum amounts of coverage you are required to have by law, purchasing additional coverage is usually a good idea if you can afford it.
One other important insurance requirement to be aware of is that all auto insurers in Houston must offer uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers can decline uninsured motorist coverage, but they must do so in writing. This means that you likely have uninsured motorist coverage through your auto insurance. However, you may want to check your policy to be sure.
Ways to Recover Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
There are three main ways to recover compensation for your injuries after an accident with an uninsured motorist. They are:
- File a claim with your auto insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your insurance company to cover your medical bills and lost income. You can also use other supplemental coverage you may have. Those include medical payments coverage or Personal Injury Protection, to offset the costs of the accident. However, bear in mind that your insurance may not cover certain losses and that your losses will only be covered up to the limits of your policy.
- Use other insurance coverage you may have – If your auto insurance is not enough to cover your losses after an accident, you can use other insurance you may have to offset these expenses. For example, if you have health insurance, you can use it to help pay for your medical expenses. While this other insurance coverage is better than nothing, it will only cover certain losses.
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver – Just because a driver does not have insurance does not mean they are off the hook for an accident. If a negligent driver injured you, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Should you win your case, you can pursue compensation by claiming some of the other driver’s assets. However, drivers who cannot afford car insurance likely do not have many valuable assets. So you may be limited in what you can recover through a lawsuit.
How an Attorney Can Help After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
Suppose you have trouble paying for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses after an uninsured motorist accident. In that case, an attorney may be able to help you recover the money you need. A car accident lawyer from Gibson Hill Personal Injury can review your insurance policies to determine what kind of compensation you can receive by filing a claim with your insurance company. One of our attorneys can also investigate the accident and the other driver to determine whether it would be worthwhile to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Do you have more questions about uninsured motorist accidents in Houston? The team at Gibson Hill Personal Injury would be happy to answer whatever questions you have. Call 713-659-4000 or visit our contact page today to sign up for a free consultation.
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