San Antonio Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
The unfortunate fact is that many drivers who cause serious auto accident injuries are uninsured or underinsured. This is why insurance companies sell uninsured motorist accident coverage. This coverage is meant to provide fair compensation to car crash victims in cases of hit-and-run or when the other driver has no insurance, or insufficient coverage to pay for your medical bills and damage to your vehicle.
With the help of The Law Offices of Tyler & Peery, you can get the representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve while minimizing the stress and effort used to earn that outcome. While we represent you, we will also help you understand your unique situation and what comes next.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Texas
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a crucial part of auto insurance designed to protect drivers when they are hit by someone without any insurance. With this coverage, you can collect compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and other damages that the liable driver cannot pay. This coverage is a safeguard to help keep you from suffering a major financial burden because of someone else’s actions.
Even if you have this coverage, you still may have to work to get the most out of it. Thankfully, you can let us review your policy and speak to insurance agents while you focus on your health after an accident. We are here to provide you with peace of mind while pursuing the ideal outcome in your case.
Understanding Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage in Texas
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects drivers when they are involved in an accident with a motorist who does not have enough insurance to cover damages.
Many drivers assume that if they are in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance will fully compensate them for their injuries and property damage. However, if the responsible driver carries only minimal coverage, victims may be left with hefty out-of-pocket expenses.
UIM coverage covers the difference between what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays and the actual cost of damages. It is different from uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which applies when an at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
Importance Of UIM Coverage In San Antonio
According to recent statistics, nearly 20% of Texas drivers lack insurance, and many more carry only the state minimum liability coverage, which may not be enough to cover severe injuries or vehicle damage.
Texas law requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $60,000 per accident, but medical bills and repair costs can exceed these limits. A UIM coverage helps victims recover some form of compensation as it covers the difference between the actual damage and the at-fault driver’s insurance.
How UIM Coverage Works
When an accident occurs with an underinsured driver, UIM coverage helps cover the remaining costs after the at-fault driver’s insurance has paid up to its policy limit. The process involves filing a claim with one’s own insurance company.
The insurer will evaluate the damages, medical expenses and lost wages to determine the appropriate payout under the UIM policy. The policyholder must prove that the at-fault driver’s insurance was insufficient and that their own damages exceed the available coverage. Depending on the circumstances, negotiations may be necessary to reach a fair settlement.
Legal Requirements And Options In Texas
Many people are surprised to learn they have coverage for these kinds of situations. In Texas, drivers are not required to carry a minimum level of uninsured motorist insurance to cover damages or injuries they may cause in an accident, but insurance companies are required to present it as an option. Drivers have the option to reject this coverage in writing, but accepting it provides peace of mind and financial security, and many drivers purchase this coverage without realizing it. We can review your policy to confirm what coverage you have.
Suppose you have been in an accident involving underinsured motorists in San Antonio. In that case, you have legal rights, including the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages.
Texas law permits policyholders to file a claim under their UIM coverage to recover these costs. However, insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims unfairly. Our attorney can help policyholders negotiate with insurers and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to obtain fair compensation.
How A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in navigating the complexities of insurance claims, particularly in cases involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. We can help see to it that any insurance company honors its contractual obligations to you so you receive the compensation you deserve. Our representation can also reduce the time it takes to receive that compensation and even appeal a denial of coverage. Our attorneys can also negotiate on your behalf, gather necessary evidence, and, if needed, pursue litigation to secure fair treatment. Additionally, we can advise on the best insurance options, including the addition of coverage to your policy, to safeguard against future uncertainties.
Pursuing The Full Compensation You Deserve From Your Insurance Company
Even if you have uninsured motorist accident coverage, you may have difficulty getting the fair recovery you need and deserve under your insurance policy contract. There are specific statutes in the state of Texas that allow you to sue your own insurance company for bad faith practices when it refuses to investigate an uninsured motorist accident claim, denies a valid claim or delays payment on a claim.
In cases of clear insurance code violations, the experienced uninsured motorist accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Tyler & Peery can help you prove your case and force your insurance company to live up to its legal obligation to handle your auto accident claim with good faith and fair dealing.
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If you are hurt in an uninsured motorist accident and you feel your insurance company is dealing with you in bad faith, contact our San Antonio offices today for a free case evaluation and for a discussion of your legal options for seeking full and fair recovery.