Uninsured Motorist Claims: What Corpus Christi Drivers Need to Know

Driving in Corpus Christi can be challenging, especially when navigating busy roads and sharing the highways with other motorists. Unfortunately, not all drivers have the insurance coverage needed to pay for damages if they cause an accident. According to Texas law, all drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, but some still choose to drive without it or fail to maintain proper coverage. This can leave responsible drivers vulnerable if they’re involved in an accident with someone uninsured. 

Fortunately, uninsured motorist coverage can provide protection when an at-fault driver lacks insurance. Here’s what every Corpus Christi driver should know about uninsured motorist claims.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that protects you if you are injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other costs associated with an accident when the other driver does not have the required liability insurance.

UM coverage is not required in Texas, but it is a highly recommended option. Texas insurance providers are required by law to offer uninsured motorist coverage to policyholders, though drivers can reject it in writing. It’s a vital safeguard, particularly in areas with high rates of uninsured drivers, as it can provide a valuable financial cushion in the aftermath of an accident.

The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas

Texas ranks among the states with a higher percentage of uninsured drivers, with estimates suggesting that roughly 8% of drivers in Texas are uninsured. This figure might not seem overwhelming, but it translates to thousands of uninsured motorists on the road who could potentially cause accidents without the ability to cover the resulting expenses. Without UM coverage, victims of accidents involving uninsured drivers often face significant financial hardship, as they may need to cover their own medical bills, property damage, and other costs out of pocket.

For drivers in Corpus Christi, where uninsured drivers are not uncommon, UM coverage provides an added level of security and peace of mind. Even though the cost of UM coverage adds to monthly premiums, it can ultimately save you from major out-of-pocket expenses following an accident.

What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Include?

Uninsured motorist coverage generally provides two main types of protection: uninsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage. Let’s take a closer look at what each covers:

• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: This coverage compensates for injuries you or your passengers suffer in an accident with an uninsured driver. UMBI can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even funeral expenses if the accident results in a fatality. The extent of coverage will depend on the specific limits of your policy.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: UMPD covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage can also extend to other property, like fences or garages, that may have been damaged in the accident. However, some insurance policies limit UMPD to accidents that don’t involve hit-and-run incidents, so it’s essential to understand your specific policy terms.

Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Corpus Christi

If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you will typically file a claim with your own insurance company to access your UM coverage. The process for filing a UM claim involves several steps:

• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Provide them with all relevant information, including the date, time, location of the accident, and any available information about the uninsured driver.
• Gather Evidence: Your insurance company will want evidence to support your claim. This includes a copy of the police report, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene and any damages. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be.
• Work with a Lawyer: While your insurance company should work to process your claim promptly, it’s not uncommon for disputes to arise, particularly when it comes to the value of your damages. Having a lawyer by your side can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

Challenges and Common Issues in Uninsured Motorist Claims

Uninsured motorist claims may seem straightforward, but they can involve unexpected challenges. Some of the common issues drivers encounter include:

• Disputes Over Fault: Insurance companies may dispute who was at fault in the accident, which could delay or complicate your claim. Providing clear evidence and witness statements can help establish fault more clearly.
• Underpayment or Denial of Claims: Insurance companies sometimes attempt to minimize claim payouts or even deny claims, arguing that damages fall outside the scope of coverage. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help counter these tactics and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• Uncooperative Uninsured Driver: If the uninsured driver refuses to cooperate or provide information, this can make it more difficult to verify details related to the accident. The police report and witness statements become crucial in these situations to support your version of events.

How an Attorney Can Help with Uninsured Motorist Claims

An experienced Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can be invaluable when dealing with an uninsured motorist claim. From gathering evidence to negotiating with your insurance company, a lawyer can provide legal support to maximize the potential outcome of your claim. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:

• Evidence Collection and Documentation: Your lawyer can help gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and repair estimates, to support your case.
• Claim Valuation: Attorneys have experience assessing the full value of damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential, to help ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the value of your claim, but a lawyer can advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They have the knowledge to challenge lowball offers and can represent your interests effectively.

Protect Yourself with the Right Insurance Coverage

In Texas, uninsured motorist coverage is optional but crucial. Adding UM coverage to your policy can be an affordable way to protect yourself financially if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Remember to check your policy’s limits and make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect against a potential accident. While minimum coverage may seem adequate, increasing your UM coverage can save you from significant financial hardship if an accident occurs.

Contact Edwards Law Firm Today

Navigating the aftermath of an accident with an uninsured driver can be overwhelming and costly. However, having uninsured motorist coverage can provide the protection and peace of mind you need. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, consulting with an experienced Corpus Christi car accident lawyer from Edwards Law Firm can make all the difference. They understand the intricacies of UM claims and are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Contact Edwards Law Firm today at (361) 320-6752 to discuss your case and understand your options for pursuing an uninsured motorist claim. You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone – let experienced professionals advocate for you and protect your rights on the road.