Nationwide, a high percentage of car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents are caused by drivers without minimum liability coverage. In Texas, it is still not required for drivers to obtain uninsured motorist coverage in combination with their liability policies.
What is Uninsured Motorists Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (“UIM”) coverage generally provides benefits to everyone in the insured vehicle in the event they are injured or receive other property damages caused by a negligent, uninsured driver. The coverage also extends to all the insureds under the vehicle, no matter which vehicle they are in, or if they are in any vehicle at all, subject to some exceptions
Do I Need Uninsured Motorists Coverage?
Without uninsured motorist coverage, the costs of your injuries, your passengers’ injuries, lost wages, and property damages can mount quickly. Also, without uninsured motorist coverage, your health insurance or government benefits may provide coverage for your injuries. However, you may not have those benefits. If you wish to protect yourself from the risk of extensive medical debt, lost wages, and property damage, uninsured motorist coverage is necessary.
Can I Waive Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In some cases, insurance companies will sell drivers auto insurance without uninsured motorist coverage to get the lowest possible premium. These policies are called liability only policies. For an insurance agent to sell you this type of coverage they must do the following:
• Offer the coverage and explain the cost
• You must sign a waiver stating you were offered uninsured motorist coverage and you declined coverage.
If both criteria are fulfilled, you have waived you uninsured motorist coverage.
What Damages can an Austin personal injury lawyer help me recover?
If you suffered injuries as a result of a negligent, uninsured driver and you have the applicable UIM coverage, you can recover compensation for the following:
• Past and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages/earnings
• Permanent disability or injury
• Property damage
Unlike an insured motorist accident case, it will be your own insurance carrier who is responsible for covering the cost of the damages that would have been paid by the at-fault driver. While you are not required to hire an attorney to settle your claim, know that it is advisable to at the very least, consult with a lawyer about your claim.
An auto accident attorney has the knowledge and experience to help you determine whether or not your insurance company’s offer is fair in your type of case. To speak with an auto accident attorney in Austin, Texas. Call Pastrana & Garcia Law Firm at 512-474-4487.
