Injured driver calling police to report accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Fort Worth

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    Texas drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance. In the event of an accident, the requirement is meant to ensure that victims can receive the compensation they need to pay for medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Unfortunately, many drivers do not follow the law. If one of these uninsured drivers causes an accident, victims will need to find other avenues to secure compensation.

    We have some of the Best Uninsured Motorists Lawyers in Fort Worth

    If you were injured in an auto accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, the uninsured motorist accident attorneys at the Wilhite Law Firm are ready to fight for you. We will investigate the accident, evaluate available avenues to secure compensation, and aggressively pursue them on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fort Worth uninsured motorist accident lawyer.

    What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

    As the name suggests, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when hurt in an accident with a driver who does not carry enough insurance to compensate you for your injuries and losses. Of course, if an at-fault driver has no insurance coverage at all, you cannot file an insurance claim against them seeking even partial compensation. In this event, you can file a claim with your own insurance provider under your Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy.

    Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage serves a similar purpose. The difference is that, unlike UM/UIM coverage, PIP is no-fault insurance. In the event of an accident, this means that your PIP will cover your losses regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

    Are Texas Drivers Required to Carry Insurance?

    Texas law requires every driver to carry auto insurance. This is meant to ensure that funds are available to compensate people injured by at-fault drivers on the road. At a minimum, Texas drivers must have at least:

    • $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for each person injured
    • $60,000 in bodily injury coverage if two or more people are hurt in a crash
    • $25,000 in property damage coverage

    Additionally, insurance companies are legally required to offer UM, UIM, and PIP coverage to customers purchasing a new policy. They usually are offered together. If a customer declines, they must do so in writing. Though insurance companies are not required to offer these forms of coverage when the policy is renewed, customers may request them at any time. An uninsured accident lawyer can help.

    Should I Have UM/UIM Coverage as Part of My Auto Insurance?

    Though all drivers are legally required to carry auto insurance, not all do. Therefore, though both are optional, it is always a good idea to consider purchasing UM/UIM coverage. If you are injured in an accident with a non-compliant driver, the extra coverage will provide funds to cover medical bills and other expenses.

    Similarly, consider cases involving hit-and-run drivers. Though it is a crime to flee the scene of an auto accident, it is not unheard of. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified later, you will have no way to file an insurance claim against them or even check whether they were insured at all. Insurance companies simply treat these cases as though the at-fault driver was uninsured.

    At the end of the day, accidents happen. No matter the scenario, purchasing additional auto insurance on the front end creates a valuable safety net on the back end. The extra protection can provide much-needed peace of mind as you heal from injuries sustained in your accident. If you have questions, contact our uninsured motorist accident lawyer today.

    What Should I Do If I Am Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

    Auto accidents range from minor to catastrophic. Depending on the severity, they can also be extremely disorienting. If possible, consider taking the following steps after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver:

    • File a Report – Report the accident to the police and wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
    • Gather Contact Information – Collect information from other involved drivers, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and vehicle registration numbers.
    • Document the Accident – Document the crash with photos and videos. Be sure to document damage sustained by involved vehicles, injuries sustained by drivers and passengers, and any contributing factors to the accident (for example, inclement weather or evidence of intoxicated driving).
    • Identify Witnesses – Identify witnesses and collect their contact information.
    • Seek Medical Attention – Seek additional medical attention as needed. Save all your medical records and receipts related to the accident.
    • Be Cautious with Insurance Companies – Do not give any statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.
    • Seek Legal Help – Consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

    Can I File a Claim Against the At-Fault Uninsured Motorist Who Hit Me?

    No, you cannot file an insurance claim against an uninsured driver because they have no insurer with whom to file the claim. In most cases, you are better off pursuing a UM/UIM claim through your own insurance company.

    Alternatively, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver and attempt to secure compensation directly from their personal assets. However, depending on the case, the uninsured/underinsured driver will likely not have enough assets to compensate you fully. The Wilhite Firm has some of the best personal injury lawyers in Fort Worth.

    What Compensation Is Available Through an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim?

    The answer to this question depends firstly on the coverage limits laid out in your policy. Other factors include the severity of your injuries and who was at fault for the accident. Depending on your case, UM/UIM coverage may compensate you for:

    • Medical bills
    • Lost wages and future earnings
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Damaged personal property

    What Can I Do If My Insurer Denies My Uninsured Motorist Claim?

    Insurance companies are legally prohibited from using unfair settlement practices. Therefore, if you believe your UM/UIM claim was wrongly denied, you should consult with an auto accident lawyer right away. Among other things, unfair settlement practices under Texas law includes:

    • Misrepresenting important facts or terms in the governing insurance policy
    • Failing to negotiate in good faith when the insurer’s liability is clear
    • Denying claims without conducting a reasonable investigation
    • Failing to provide a reasonable explanation for the insurer’s denial of a claim or settlement offer

    If you think your UM/UIM claim was wrongly denied, the injury attorneys at the Wilhite Law Firm are ready to negotiate on your behalf and defend your rights in court.

    Contact a Fort Worth Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today

    If you were injured in Fort Worth by an uninsured/underinsured driver, the Wilhite Law Firm is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer.