I Was in a Collision with an Uninsured Driver – Now What?

All car accidents are stressful, but when the at-fault driver does not have insurance, any victims face the possibility of falling into debt due to medical bills and lost income. Sadly, this scenario is alarmingly common in the United States. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 1 in 8 motorists were uninsured in 2012. Although this number has declined in recent years, getting into a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver is still a very real possibility.

In the state of Texas, it is illegal to drive without carrying auto insurance that meets the minimum requirements. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, these requirements are:

• $30,000 per injured person;
• $60,000 total per accident; and
• $25,000 for property damage.

Fortunately, there are several options available to drivers who suffer injuries due to uninsured motorists. If you are in this situation, attorney N. Eric Cooper will evaluate your accident, examine your insurance policies, and explain your options for recovering compensation.

Mr. Cooper is a personal injury attorney in Dallas who has extensive experience litigating car accident injury cases. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation with The Cooper Law Firm.

What Will Happen If I Am in a Collision With an Uninsured Motorist?

Under Texas law, you have the right to purchase insurance coverage that will protect you in the event of a collision with an uninsured motorist. This coverage is optional, but it has several benefits. For example, you may be able to use it if:

• You are in a collision with a motorist who is insured but does not have enough coverage to pay for all damages incurred;
• Your vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident;
• A car hits you when you are crossing the street as a pedestrian and the driver does not have enough coverage to pay for your medical bills; or
• You are the passenger in a vehicle that is involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist and you sustain injuries.

If you do not have uninsured motorist protection, you may still be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver by filing a personal injury claim. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering;
• Emotional distress;
• Loss of consortium;
• Loss of enjoyment in life;
• Lost wages;
• Medical bills; and
• Property damage.

How Do I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you were in a collision with an uninsured motorist and you do not have enough coverage to pay for the damages, an accident attorney can help you file a claim. You can start by gathering evidence to prove negligence, liability, and damages. Your lawyer may rely on the following evidence to support your claim:

• Photos of the crash scene;
• Witness testimonies;
• Doctors’ records;
• Pay stubs and other documentation to prove lost income; and
• The police report.

 

N. Eric Cooper is a personal injury attorney in Dallas who will help you navigate the claims process. Mr. Cooper will help you avoid mistakes such as overlooking certain damages or accepting a settlement too early.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about car accident claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.