Your auto insurance policy might provide some coverage for repairs or medical expenses following an accident with an underinsured driver. In fact, Texas auto policies all include personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses for the policyholder.
If you opt out of purchasing PIP, you must submit your refusal to the insurance company. Have your car accident attorney review your policy to verify you are getting what you expected.
Still, the coverage likely will not be enough for expensive repairs or long-term medical care. This is why purchasing UIM as part of your auto insurance policy is a wise decision. As with PIP, Texas car insurance policies automatically include UIM. You must refuse the coverage in writing.
Texas car insurance policies automatically include UIM.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) explains UIM coverage can include:
- Car repairs
- Car replacement
- Reduced value of your car if accident damage diminishes its worth
- Rental car costs
- Your medical costs
- Your passenger’s medical costs
- Your pain and distress
The specific coverage depends on the extent of your policy and applies after a $250 deductible. Typically, drivers can add UIM in $5,000 increments, and the TDI recommends adding enough property damage coverage to cover the cost of your vehicle at the very least.
Protect Yourself From Texas’ Underinsured and Uninsured Drivers
You might wonder if a UIM policy is worth the cost. How many uninsured or underinsured drivers can there be in Texas? According to the TDI, there are over 2.6 million state-registered cars “not matched to an insurance policy.” That number comprises 12% of the total vehicles registered statewide, or about one in every eight cars.
That 12% also does not include under-insured motorists. Minimum policy requirements may be enough to keep drivers on the road legally but are not nearly enough to compensate victims of serious injuries. The “Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Facts” published by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the most recent full year of statewide data collection for motor-vehicle crashes found:
- A person was killed every 1 hour and 57 minutes
- A person was injured every 2 minutes and 9 seconds
- A reportable crash happened every 57 seconds
A total of 244,092 sustained injuries from car crashes occurred during that year. Serious injury involved crashes numbered 15,299, ultimately harming 18,880 victims (sometimes, more than one injury occurs per crash). While serious injuries typically demand more intense and long-term medical care, even moderate injuries can require surgery and rehabilitative therapies. Victims hurt by an uninsured driver can find themselves with intimidating medical care costs if they do not have UIM coverage.
Motorcyclists, Cyclists, and Pedestrians
Motorcycle operators must meet the same insurance requirements as other Texas drivers. TxDOT recently reported that thousands of motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed on Texas roads every year. These riders lack the protection of a car’s body and safety features when hit by another vehicle, road obstacle, or crashing into the road itself. As a result, they are less likely to escape serious injury than passenger vehicle drivers or passengers.
UIM coverage offers critical protection for vulnerable riders. Even if you are not operating a motor vehicle when injured in a traffic accident, UIM coverage can still offer you protection. Some policies extend to pedestrian and cyclist coverage. When purchasing a policy, be sure to inquire about this option. If you are in an accident, be sure to have a capable Texas pedestrian accident attorney help you navigate the insurance landscape.
Hit-and-Run Accidents and UIM Coverage
According to the TDI, every 43 seconds, a person is involved in a hit-and-run accident nationwide. In the most recent report available from the American Auto Association (AAA), Texas ranks 8th in the country for the highest number of hit-and-run crashes.
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you should not attempt to chase down the offender. Document as much as you can about the car and the driver’s description, the direction of the vehicle, and details of the accident itself. Call the police to report the accident, notify your insurance company, and reach out to an experienced Texas car accident lawyer from The Mejia Law Firm.
UIM offers coverage whether or not the at-fault driver is found or has insurance. Having a skilled attorney handle communication with your insurance company offers additional protection. Since your insurance company is a business, its priority is to preserve its own bottom line. Your attorney’s goal is to protect your interests. They will carefully review your policy and oversee its proper application to your specific situation, so you receive the compensation you deserve.
What if the Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Found?
The authorities may find the offender, or they may not. Your personal injury attorney also has investigative resources that can help locate the at-fault party. However, even if found, that driver may not have insurance. Lack of insurance is a major reason drivers flee accident scenes. While the offender may face criminal penalties, those penalties do not pay your bills.
Involved in a Accident with an Uninsured Driver? Contact Us Today
As a Houston driver, it is in your best interest to purchase UIM protection. This coverage mitigates the financial distress caused by car accidents with underinsured or uninsured drivers and hit-and-run accidents. The Mejia Law Firm offers additional protection, and you can reach for a free consultation with a call or a message. We will work to ensure you enjoy the full benefits of your policy and look for other ways to secure compensation for losses you sustain in a motor vehicle accident.