If you’ve been in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Texas, it can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages can quickly pile up, leaving you unsure of where to turn. However, legal avenues are available to help you recover damages. At Nava Law Group, we specialize in uninsured vehicle collisions in Texas. We’re a no-insurance car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and receive proper compensation. With our expert legal team, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case. Contact Nava Law Group today for a free consultation.
What To Do Following An Accident With An Uninsured Driver
Being in an accident with an uninsured driver in Texas not only presents dangers to your health but can also leave you feeling incredibly stressed. However, it’s crucial to stay calm. Following a clear process after the collision can be the difference in resolving the situation effectively. Here are the key steps to follow after such an accident:
- Seek Medical Attention – First, you should seek medical attention for any accident injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to see a doctor as some injuries may not present symptoms immediately.
- Contact the Police – Always contact the police after any car accident, especially when dealing with an uninsured driver. A police report provides an official incident account, documenting important details such as the time, location, and circumstances of the accident.
- Gather Information – If possible, gather information from the other driver, including their name, contact information, and license plate number. You should also collect any witness statements and take photos of the accident scene.
- Contact Your Insurance Company – Even though the other driver is uninsured, it’s crucial to inform your insurance company about the accident. Your insurance company can assist in the claims process, check if your policy covers uninsured drivers, and help handle damages to your vehicle.
- Consult With a Lawyer – As soon as possible, consult with a no-insurance car accident lawyer like Nava Law Group. Our experienced team will guide you through the next steps, including navigating complex insurance laws, filing claims, and pursuing compensation for damages or injuries.
Understanding Car Insurance Laws in Texas
In Texas, it’s a legal requirement for every driver to have car insurance. This law is designed to protect both parties involved in a car accident by ensuring financial coverage for damages and medical expenses. However, despite this requirement, some drivers still take to the road without insurance. When uninsured drivers are involved in accidents, it can leave victims feeling unsure of how to cover their losses or seek compensation. Understanding your options in these situations is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring you’re not left to shoulder the financial burden alone.
Auto Insurance Minimums
Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum levels of auto insurance to ensure financial responsibility on the road. Drivers who fail to meet these requirements risk facing penalties, fines, or even license suspension, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper coverage at all times. These minimum requirements, often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage, protect both drivers and victims in the event of an accident, providing a basic safety net for potential liabilities. This includes:
- Coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- Up to $60,000 per accident if multiple people are injured
- $25,000 for property damage to cover repairs or replacement of damaged property
What’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance add-on that offers financial protection if you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This type of coverage can help cover a wide range of costs, including vehicle damage, medical expenses, and lost wages if you’re unable to work due to injuries from the accident. In some cases, it can also help with pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. While this coverage is not legally required in Texas, many experts highly recommend it. Knowing that a significant percentage of drivers on the road may be uninsured, offers additional protection and peace of mind. Without this coverage, you could be left paying for these significant expenses out of pocket.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This type of coverage is particularly important if an uninsured driver hits you, as it ensures you won’t bear the financial burden of potentially costly repairs out of pocket. It can also offer protection in cases where you hit an object, such as a pole, or your car rolls over, which liability insurance may not cover. Whether you’re involved in a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, collision insurance provides both financial protection and peace of mind. If you lease or finance your vehicle, collision insurance is often required, making it an essential part of your overall auto insurance policy.
At-Fault and No-Fault Auto Insurance Systems
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is also responsible for covering the damages and medical expenses of the other party involved. This is usually handled through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, if an uninsured driver has hit you, the situation can become more complicated. In such cases, you may need to rely on your uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed to protect you when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Alternatively, your collision insurance can also help cover repair costs to your vehicle, but this might involve paying a deductible. It’s important to understand your policy and explore your options to ensure your expenses are covered.
Determining Who Is Liable in an Uninsured Driver Accident
In Texas, the driver responsible for the accident is typically required to cover the damages. This means they’re liable for medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses. However, if this driver doesn’t have insurance, recovering compensation can become more complicated. In such cases, you may have to turn to your own insurance company, relying on uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
But what if you get hit by an uninsured driver and don’t have uninsured motorist coverage? In such a situation, it may be in your best interest to pursue legal action directly against the uninsured driver. Navigating these insurance claims and legal processes can be challenging. However, a personal injury lawyer can guide you through the complexities, protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Process of Filing a Claim Against an Uninsured Driver
Filing a claim against an uninsured driver requires careful attention to detail and can be a lengthy and complex process. To file a claim, you’ll need to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault for the accident and provide evidence that they didn’t have insurance at the time of the incident. Your lawyer will begin by thoroughly assessing the specifics of your case, including reviewing any available evidence, such as police reports, photos from the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical records. This helps to determine the strength of your claim and how to move forward effectively. They may also work to identify other compensation sources, such as your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, your lawyer might negotiate with the other party’s insurance company or pursue legal action by filing a lawsuit. This action can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and other losses.
What To Do If Your Insurer Denies Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
If your uninsured motorist claim is denied, don’t lose hope. Insurance companies often deny claims for various reasons, such as disputes over liability, insufficient evidence, or technical issues with the claim itself. However, a denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options. A personal injury lawyer can thoroughly review your case and the reasons for denial, helping you understand the specifics of your situation. They can assist in gathering additional evidence, such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements, to strengthen your claim. Furthermore, they can guide you through the appeals process, helping you file the necessary paperwork and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair resolution. If the appeal isn’t successful, your lawyer can take legal action by filing a lawsuit to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, property damages, lost wages, and other related losses.
Time Limits On Filing A Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver
Texas law requires you to file a lawsuit following a car accident within two years from the date of the crash. This means you have a limited timeframe to take legal action if you wish to recover damages for injuries, property damage, lost wages, or other losses resulting from the accident. Once this two-year window closes, you may be unable to seek compensation through the courts. Acting quickly is crucial, as it allows you to gather vital evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and photos from the scene, while these materials are still available. It also provides time to speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh and to work closely with an attorney to build a strong case.
Forms of Financial Recovery
Understanding your options and rights is crucial to ensuring you receive the support you deserve after such an incident. You may be entitled to various forms of financial recovery if you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver. Depending on your situation, this can include:
- Medical Expenses – This includes current and future medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and other healthcare costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages – If you cannot work because of injuries sustained in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages or a loss of earning capacity.
- Vehicle Repair Costs – Even if you have collision insurance, you may still face unexpected out-of-pocket costs for repairs or replacements.
- Property Damage – You may be compensated for repair costs or replacement if your vehicle was damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering – Injuries caused by car accidents can lead to physical pain and emotional distress. In some cases, victims may be entitled to financial recovery for these non-economic damages.
- Disfigurement – If the accident caused permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may receive financial compensation for this long-term impact on your appearance and well-being.
Why Choose Us as Your No Insurance Car Accident Lawyer?
Choosing us as your no-insurance car accident lawyer means you’ll receive expert legal advice and dedicated representation every step of the way. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience and having worked with more than 40,000 clients, we know what it’s like to handle complex car accident cases and understand the challenges you may be facing.
We’ll fight to ensure you receive the proper compensation you deserve, whether for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, or pain and suffering. Our team takes the time to explain your legal rights, guide you through the process, and build a strong case to secure the best possible outcome. Trust us to handle the legal burden so you can focus on recovery and move forward with peace of mind, knowing you have a committed and experienced team in your corner.
Contact Us Today for Expert Legal Support
Being hit by a driver in Texas who doesn’t have insurance can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. You may be dealing with vehicle repairs, medical bills, and the stress of figuring out how to cover these unexpected costs. However, with the right legal support, you can navigate the complex process, understand your rights, and take the necessary steps to seek justice. Our expert team can navigate you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you explore all your options for compensation. We support clients throughout Texas, including Houston, Bellaire, McAllen, Edinburg, Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio, TX. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you move forward.
