Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Hutto

If you are injured in a car accident, you need to rely on the responsible driver’s insurance to pay for your expenses, like medical bills and lost wages. This makes getting the compensation you need in uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Hutto difficult. A car crash attorney can help you understand what to expect and choose the best way to pursue compensation.

When Is a Driver Considered Uninsured or Underinsured?

Texas is an at-fault state for car insurance, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance covers the expenses of any other drivers who are injured. The state requires 30/60/25 liability coverage. This means $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in personal injury coverage and $25,000 in property damage coverage. These limits apply to anyone injured in an accident the policyholder causes. Personal injury coverage pays medical bills and related expenses, and property damage coverage pays for vehicle repairs or a new vehicle. A driver would be considered uninsured if they do not have this minimum coverage, and they could be subject to fines and other penalties after an accident in Hutto.

In addition to state minimum coverage, drivers can choose to pay for more liability coverage and other types of coverage like personal injury protection, which pays for their own costs after an accident. State minimum coverage is often not enough to pay for all the injured person’s expenses. If an injured person’s expenses exceed the responsible person’s insurance limit, the responsible person would be considered underinsured. When this happens, the responsible person could need to pay damages out of pocket if they are sued.

How Can an Injured Person Get Compensation After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?

Filing a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance is usually the first step toward getting compensation after a car accident. If a driver is underinsured, the injured person should still file a claim to get as much from the insurance policy as possible. If the responsible driver is completely uninsured, filing a lawsuit will be the only way to get compensation after a car crash in Hutto. Getting compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver in a lawsuit will depend partially on their financial situation. Uninsured drivers often have little to no savings or assets, so they cannot pay damages even if they are ordered to. However, if the underinsured or uninsured driver does have the resources, a lawsuit can result in compensation for both specific expenses and intangibles like pain and suffering.

If the injured person has collision or personal injury coverage, their own car insurance can also help with expenses. Collision coverage pays for car repairs or replacement, and personal injury protection pays for medical bills and lost wages. Lenders generally require collision coverage, and insurance companies are required to offer personal injury protection, so there is a good chance the injured person has these options available.

Discuss Your Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accident With a Hutto Attorney Now

Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Hutto can be complicated. An attorney can review your situation and plan the best legal strategy. This can include accepting a realistic settlement based on the responsible driver’s financial situation or going ahead with a lawsuit. Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm offers free consultations for potential clients. Contact us to schedule yours today.