Texas is an at-fault state for car accident claims. When a driver causes a car crash, they are financially responsible for the injuries and damages the accident caused. As part of this framework, insurance laws require drivers to have a minimum amount of coverage.
Texas requires drivers to have $30,000 per person in insurance coverage for bodily injuries ($60,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Liability insurance coverage compensates victims for their damages when an insured driver causes an accident. However, what happens when a driver causes an accident without insurance coverage?
Uninsured Motorist Claims in Dallas, TX
When an uninsured driver causes a car accident, the victims may have a claim with their insurance provider. Insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage of at least $30,000 for bodily injuries per person ($60,000 per accident) and $25,000 in property damage coverage.
You can decline uninsured motorist coverage. However, thousands of drivers do not have the required insurance coverage. Therefore, having uninsured motorist coverage can prevent a tragic car accident from becoming a worse experience. The cost of uninsured motorist coverage is usually low compared to the protection you receive if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Drivers ignore car insurance requirements for many reasons. They may not have the money to pay for insurance coverage. A driver may not have insurance coverage because they do not have a valid driver’s license. In some cases, the person may have lost their car insurance because of excessive traffic tickets or accidents.
Filing an Uninsured Driver Insurance Claim in Dallas, TX
When the other driver doesn’t have car insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Your uninsured motorist coverage pays for your damages as if it were the liability insurance company for an at-fault driver.
You can file a claim for economic and non-economic damages. Damages for an uninsured motorist claim can include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Impairments and disabilities
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Lost wages and benefits
- Physical pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Household services and personal care
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You must prove that the driver caused the accident to recover compensation for an uninsured motorist claim. Your insurance company may deny your claim if you cannot prove the driver caused the accident. Likewise, your insurance company may deny your claim if you cannot prove the crash caused your injuries.
As with all other car accident claims, gathering evidence and strengthening your claim as much as possible is important.
Common Injuries Caused by Drivers Who Do Not Have Insurance Coverage in Dallas, TX
As with all other motor vehicle accidents, crashes caused by uninsured drivers can cause catastrophic injuries. Common injuries in uninsured motorist accidents include:
- Crushed, fractured, and broken bones
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chest injuries
Some car accident injuries may not cause immediate symptoms. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, seeking prompt medical treatment for your injuries is best. Immediate medical care protects your health and it also helps your personal injury claim.
What Should I Do After an Accident in Dallas With a Driver Who Doesn’t Have Insurance?
After a car accident, don’t let the other driver persuade you not to call the police because they don’t have insurance. Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Other steps to take after a car accident with an uninsured driver include:
- Take photographs of the accident scene and make a video to preserve evidence
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information
- Tell the police officer what happened without admitting fault
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible
- Don’t say that you are okay or refuse medical care
- Notify your insurance company immediately
Contact a Dallas car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney will explain uninsured motorist claims and other legal options for recovering compensation for your injuries.
Even though you are dealing with your insurance provider, do not assume that the insurance company will treat you fairly. Like all other companies, your insurance company is in business to make money. Insurance adjusters are trained to deny claims and undervalue damages whenever possible.
You might have a great relationship with your insurance agent. However, your uninsured motorist claim may not be handled by your insurance agent. The insurance adjuster handling your case will treat your claim like all other insurance claims. Allowing an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer to handle your case can improve your chance of recovering a fair settlement for your claim.
What Happens if a Driver Without Insurance Coverage Flees the Accident Scene in Dallas, TX?
Your uninsured motorist coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents. You can file a claim for damages with your insurance provider. However, as with an uninsured driver accident, you must prove that the hit-and-run driver caused the accident to recover damages. Therefore, follow the same steps above to gather evidence proving the other driver caused the crash.
Suing an Uninsured Driver for a Dallas Car Accident
You can pursue a personal judgment by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. If you prove that the other driver caused the accident, a jury may return an award for damages. However, you should discuss the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit with your attorney.
Obtaining a personal judgment does not guarantee that you will receive money for your damages. You might need to take additional legal action to collect the judgment from the at-fault driver.
Call a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help
An uninsured driver can cause severe injuries and damages. Don’t despair. You may have legal options for compensation even if the driver did not have insurance. Call Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.