Injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver? Contact Attorney Omar and get the help you need today.
When another driver chooses to speed instead of safety and causes an accident, the consequences can be brutal – from life changing injuries to medical bills and lost wages.
At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we know what speeding accident victims go through. Our Houston lawyers have years of experience handling speeding accident cases, fighting for our clients and getting them the most money they can get. Whether your accident was on I-45, Beltway 8 or anywhere in Houston, we will walk you through the process and be with you every step of the way to recovery.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents in Houston, Texas
Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents are a big problem in Houston and all of Texas. A driver who causes a wreck doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for the victims’ injuries and damages. This article will go over the scope of the problem, the consequences for victims and the legal options under Texas law.
The Issue
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured meaning they don’t carry the state minimum liability insurance. That’s 1 in 7 drivers on Texas roads uninsured.
In Houston the problem is even worse. A study by the Insurance Research Council found 20% of drivers in the Houston metro area are uninsured, making it one of the top cities in the country for uninsured drivers.
Underinsured motorist accidents are a big problem too. These accidents happen when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are not enough to cover the full extent of the victim’s damages. With medical care costs rising and the potential for long term disabilities, even moderate policy limits may not be enough to fully compensate accident victims.
Consequences for Victims
Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents can be devastating for victims. In addition to physical injuries and emotional trauma, victims will face financial burdens including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Without insurance from the at-fault driver, victims will struggle to pay for medical treatment, make ends meet while missing work and recover from the accident’s impact on their quality of life.
Texas Insurance Requirements
To address the problem of uninsured drivers, Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. As of 2023:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
But these minimums may not be enough to fully protect you in the event of a serious accident. Many experts recommend higher liability limits and additional coverage such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Texas
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an optional type of coverage that protects you in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. In Texas insurance companies are required to offer UM/UIM coverage to policyholders but you can decline this coverage in writing.
UM/UIM coverage provides benefits for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (in some cases)
The UM/UIM limits are usually the same as the policyholder’s liability limits unless the policyholder has requested lower limits.
Pursuing Compensation After an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Houston or anywhere in Texas you have several options:
1. File a claim with your own insurance company: If you have UM/UIM coverage you can file a claim with your own insurance company to get damages. Your insurer will then investigate the claim and pay up to your policy limits.
2. File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver: Even if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage you can still file a personal injury lawsuit against them. But it may be hard to get substantial damages if the driver has limited assets or income.
3. Look elsewhere for compensation: In some cases, there may be other parties who share liability for the accident such as a vehicle owner who let an uninsured driver use their car. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you find other sources of compensation.
The Role of a Houston Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney
The legal process after an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident can be tough and confusing. A Houston personal injury attorney who handles these types of cases can help you by:
- Investigating the accident and getting evidence
- Finding all sources of compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies for you
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if needed
- Representing you in court
- Protecting your rights throughout the process
An attorney can also help you get a full understanding of your damages and get you the most compensation for your injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
Remember, Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims including uninsured/underinsured motorist claims. In most cases you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t take action within that time frame you can lose your right to get compensation.
Preventing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents
While you can’t eliminate the risk of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist completely, you can take steps to protect yourself:
- Carry enough liability coverage
- Buy UM/UIM coverage
- Practice defensive driving
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Report suspected uninsured drivers to the police
By being safe and insured you can minimize the effects of uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents.
Conclusion
Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents are a big problem in Houston and Texas and victims are left with physical, emotional and financial burdens. By knowing the scope of the problem, the legal options and the importance of insurance coverage drivers can protect themselves and their loved ones.
If you or someone you know has been hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you need to seek the help of a Houston personal injury attorney. With the right attorney you can hold the responsible parties accountable and get the compensation you need to move on.
Why Contact the Law Offices of Omar Khawaja?
If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver in Houston, you need to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence for your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, our Houston personal injury lawyers have years of experience with uninsured and underinsured accident cases. We will be your advocate and fight for you.
Our Houston car accident lawyers will:
Investigate the Crash: Get evidence, interview witnesses and work with accident reconstruction experts.
Deal with Insurance Companies: Negotiate with insurers to get fair compensation.
Calculate Damages: Determine current and future losses from the crash.
Represent Your Interests: Advocate for you in settlement negotiations or court.
Client Testimonial
“After a hit-and-run accident, I was unsure where to turn. Attorney Omar not only helped me understand my rights but also secured a settlement that covered my medical bills and car repairs. Highly recommended!” — Lana