Underinsured motorist accidents can be overwhelming and financially burdensome for the victims. If you’ve been involved in such an accident in Houston, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek appropriate legal representation. Hiring a Houston underinsured motorist accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your ability to obtain the compensation you deserve.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage is an important component of auto insurance that can protect you financially in the event of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical and car repair bills. Understanding this coverage is crucial for drivers in Houston, Texas. It steps in to compensate for the difference between the at-fault driver’s coverage limits and your actual damages.
In Texas, auto insurance is required, and the state has minimum liability coverage requirements known as the 30/60/25 coverage. This means drivers must have at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage. Liability coverage pays for the other driver’s car repairs, property damage, and medical expenses if you are at fault in an accident.
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How Does Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work?
When you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured driver, your insurance company pays the remaining amount up to your policy’s coverage limits. For example, if the at-fault driver’s insurance covers $20,000 in damages, but your total damages amount to $30,000, your underinsured motorist coverage can cover the additional $10,000.
If you are involved in an accident with an underinsured driver or a hit-and-run driver, liability coverage may not be sufficient to cover your expenses. This is where underinsured motorist coverage comes into play. Underinsured motorist coverage is an additional policy option that can help you when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical and car repair bills. It also applies to hit-and-run accidents
Underinsured motorist coverage typically provides coverage for car repairs, property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering costs, diminished value of the vehicle, and sometimes a rental car if needed. The coverage limits and specific details may vary depending on your policy, so it’s important to review your policy or discuss it with your insurance agent to understand the extent of coverage.
Common Causes of Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Underinsured motorist accidents can occur due to various reasons, often resulting from negligent driving behavior. Some common causes include:
- Negligent driving behavior: Negligence on the part of the at-fault driver, such as speeding, running red lights, or disregarding traffic laws, can lead to underinsured motorist accidents.
- Distracted driving: The use of mobile phones, eating, talking to passengers, or any other form of distraction while driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving underinsured drivers.
- Driving under the influence: When drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their impaired judgment and reduced reaction time can contribute to underinsured motorist accidents.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, sudden lane changes, or weaving through traffic, can endanger others on the road and lead to accidents involving underinsured drivers.
It’s important to remain cautious and practice defensive driving techniques to minimize the risk of being involved in an underinsured motorist accident. Speak with a Houston underinsured motorist accident lawyer if you have been involved in a collision with an underinsured motorist
Steps to Take After an Underinsured Motorist Accident
If you find yourself in an underinsured motorist accident, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect your well-being and strengthen your potential legal case. Follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention: First and foremost, prioritize your health and well-being. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, even if they appear minor at first.
- Document the accident scene; If it’s safe to do so, gather information at the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible damages. Also, note down the date, time, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
- Gather evidence and witness statements: Collect relevant evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and any documentation related to the accident. Additionally, try to obtain statements from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the underinsured motorist accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
By taking these steps, you can help establish a strong foundation for your underinsured motorist accident claim.
Speak with Your Insurance Agent About Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage typically provides coverage for car repairs, property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering costs, diminished value of the vehicle, and sometimes a rental car if needed. The coverage limits and specific details may vary depending on your policy, so it’s important to review your policy or discuss it with your insurance agent to understand the extent of coverage.
In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer underinsured motorist coverage, and if you choose not to have this coverage, you must decline it in writing.
Having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is especially important in cases where the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your expenses. It provides an extra layer of protection and can help ensure that you are not left with significant out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.
To determine the appropriate amount of underinsured motorist coverage for your needs, consider factors such as the value of your vehicle, potential medical expenses, and the potential risks associated with uninsured or underinsured drivers. You can consult with your insurance agent to determine the coverage amount that suits your situation best. Also, it’s essential to work closely with a Houston underinsured motorist accident lawyer to ensure all relevant damages are accurately calculated and included in your claim.
Our Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Can Help You with Claiming Damages
If you’ve been involved in an underinsured motorist accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Some factors that may influence the compensation you receive include:
- Compensation in underinsured motorist accident cases typically covers medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, medication, and future medical needs. It may also include compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
- Several factors can impact the compensation amount, such as the severity of injuries, the impact on your daily life and ability to work, and the extent of property damage. Additionally, the insurance policy limits and the comparative negligence laws of your state can also affect the compensation outcome.
- A skilled lawyer will evaluate your case and calculate the damages you are entitled to. They will consider medical bills, estimated future medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
If you’ve been involved in an underinsured motorist accident in Houston, it’s essential to understand your rights and seek the assistance of a skilled lawyer. Our underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Take the necessary steps to find the right underinsured motorist accident lawyer who will be your advocate in seeking justice.