Getting injured by a careless driver is bad enough when that driver is fully insured. When a negligent motorist is underinsured, or has no liability coverage at all, the situation becomes even more complicated.
With nearly 20% of drivers uninsured in Texas and many more having only minimal coverage it is important to carry Uninsured/Underinsured protection on your own policy. he good news for people injured by uninsured or underinsured drivers in Texas is this: You may be able to make a claim on your own Uninsured/Underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to seek compensation for covered damages, which may include money to pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
Even though you would be drawing upon your own coverage, it doesn’t mean you will have an easy time collecting fair compensation for the losses you have suffered. Insurance companies routinely deny and underpay claims, which is why you can benefit greatly from the services of an experienced Dallas uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer.
At O’Hare and Koch, our lawyers have extensive experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims for people in Dallas and throughout surrounding Texas communities.
Our case results speak for themselves. When you work with us, you are gaining the skill and experience of an elite legal team that is squarely focused on obtaining the recovery of the full value of your claim.
First Things First: Are You Covered?
Before pursuing a claim after an injury caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it helps to review what your policy includes. The amount of coverage you carry can directly affect what compensation may be available when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
To understand how your policy protects you, it helps to know the two main types of coverage:
- Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance at all. It can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage that the at-fault driver cannot pay, ensuring you aren’t left shouldering the financial burden alone.
- Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully cover your losses. Underinsured motorist coverage helps bridge the gap between what the other driver’s insurance pays and the total cost of the hardships you are left with after the accident.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney in Dallas can examine the details of your coverage, help you understand exactly what protections you have, and advocate for you in seeking the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your insurance coverage and explore all avenues of compensation that are available to you.
Getting the Most From Your UM/UIM Coverage
Having uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is one thing. Getting full and fair compensation from your UM/UIM policy is another.
Insurance companies, even your own, are often quick to minimize payouts, delay claims, or even question the extent of your injuries to protect their bottom line. That’s why working with an experienced Dallas uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer is crucial.
If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Dallas or anywhere in Texas, a skilled lawyer can help you:
- Accurately document injuries and damages: Collect medical records, lost wage documentation, and other evidence to support the full extent of your claim for economic and noneconomic damages.
- Negotiate effectively with insurers: Combat lowball offers from any insurance company and advocate for the highest settlement.
- Identify and pursue all applicable policy benefits: Review your UM/UIM coverage thoroughly to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Handle legal and procedural hurdles: Navigate deadlines, policy requirements, and any disputes with the insurance companies.
- Represent you in litigation if necessary: Take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.
With the right Dallas personal injury lawyer on your side, your UM/UIM coverage can provide meaningful financial protection after an accident, helping you to move forward with confidence.
What If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage?
UM/UIM coverage in Texas is optional. If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver and you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, there are still potential sources of compensation available to you.
- If the at-fault driver has attachable assets, it may be possible to pursue a claim directly against them to recover some of your losses.
- If the driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer could potentially be liable.
- A negligent third party, such as a repair shop responsible for faulty maintenance, manufacturer of a faulty auto part, or entity responsible for road safety, that may have contributed to the accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or other available insurance benefits, either from your own policy or another involved policy, may offer compensation.
Every case is unique, and the available options can vary widely depending on the circumstances. An experienced uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help you understand your situation, evaluate your options, and guide you toward the best path to protect your financial recovery.
Talk With an Attorney Who Knows UM/UIM Claims in Texas
An injury claim involving an uninsured or underinsured driver is a complex legal matter that must be handled with care and attention to detail. When you are ready to discuss your claim with a Dallas uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorney who knows how to get results, contact our firm for attentive client service and strong advocacy.