In Fort Worth, car insurance covers damages and injuries you sustain in an accident. The state requires all drivers to carry a minimum coverage to protect themselves and others if an accident occurs.
However, not everyone on the roads abides by these rules. Do you know what options you have if an uninsured driver hits you?
While the situation can be complex, our attorneys are here to help. At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth car accident lawyers can review your case and help you understand your rights.
Texas Auto Insurance Requirements
As mentioned, all drivers must have car insurance in Texas. This law helps make sure that if accidents happen, there’s money to cover the damages.
Here’s what you need to know about the state’s requirements.
30/60/25 Coverage
The first requirement is 30/60/25 coverage. This means your insurance has to cover up to $30,000 for injuries per person, up to $60,000 total for all injuries in an accident, and $25,000 for any property damage you cause. These are the minimum amounts. Many people choose to get more coverage for better protection.
Proof of Insurance
You also have to prove you have insurance. You do this by keeping your insurance card in your car. If a police officer asks to see it, you need to show it. Plus, when you register your car or renew its registration, you have to show you have insurance.
Penalties for Not Having Adequate Auto Insurance
If you don’t have the right insurance, you could get in trouble. The state can fine you, charge you fees, or even take away your driver’s license. For the first offense, the fine is up to $350. If you keep driving without insurance, the fines and fees get even higher.
Some drivers also choose to get more types of coverage, like for crashes with drivers who don’t have insurance, or for damage from things like hail or floods. These aren’t required by the state, but they can give you more peace of mind.
Understanding Texas’s Approach to Uninsured Accidents
In Texas, the law has clear expectations for accidents involving drivers without insurance. If you’re struck by an uninsured driver, they bear the financial responsibility for any damage and injuries caused.
The challenge lies in actually receiving compensation from them, pushing many Texans to secure additional uninsured motorist coverage for themselves.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Texas mandates that insurers offer you uninsured motorist coverage, and rejecting this offer requires a written statement from you. Opting for this coverage arms you with financial protection for your vehicle’s repairs and medical expenses, ensuring you’re prepared if an uninsured driver causes an accident.
Legal Routes and Potential Hurdles
Should you find yourself without uninsured motorist coverage and in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, pursuing legal action is an option. Winning a lawsuit may provide you a judgment for compensation, but collecting the awarded amount from someone with limited financial means can prove difficult.
Penalties for Uninsured Drivers
It’s illegal to drive without insurance in Texas. Uninsured drivers at fault in an accident not only face the burden of compensating for damages but also confront significant legal penalties, including fines, fees, and the risk of license suspension.
Navigating Compensation Recovery with Legal Assistance
When dealing with compensation recovery after an accident involving an uninsured driver, an attorney’s advice and guidance becomes invaluable. They provide essential guidance through the complexities of legal claims and litigation, ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of receiving compensation.
Legal Strategies for Compensation
Attorneys use various strategies to recover damages from uninsured drivers. These may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Negotiating directly with the at-fault party.
- Initiating legal proceedings to obtain a judgment.
- Identifying alternative sources of compensation, such as your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
Overcoming Recovery Challenges
The challenge of recovering compensation from an uninsured driver lies in their potential lack of financial resources. Your lawyer can investigate and uncover assets or avenues for recovery, sometimes involving unconventional methods to secure the compensation you deserve.
Maximizing Your Insurance Benefits
A significant aspect of an attorney’s role is to ensure you fully utilize the benefits of your own insurance coverage. They can help interpret policy details, assist with claims for uninsured motorist coverage, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Legal Protection and Peace of Mind
Beyond the pursuit of financial compensation, hiring an attorney offers peace of mind during a challenging time. Knowing that a legal professional is advocating for your interests can alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies accidents with uninsured drivers.
Understanding Your Rights to Compensation
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, knowing the law and your rights is essential. At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth car accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
