What would happen if you were involved in a car accident? Chances are, you would look to your insurance company for assistance. This is especially the case if you have full coverage.
Unfortunately, your “full coverage” may actually be inadequate to cover all the injuries and damages you sustained.
You may wonder when this situation would happen. While it is important to have full coverage if you cause an accident, if someone else is at fault, they are responsible for all related costs.
There are situations when things can become complicated.
Consider this scenario:
Someone hits you from behind (you are rear-ended). The person then leaves the scene. There are no traffic cameras or eyewitnesses to help you find the culprit. Your vehicle is ruined, and your neck is hurting. You contact your insurance company to alert them to the hit-and-run scenario and ask for assistance. Several days later, you receive a phone call, letter, or email from your insurance company stating your auto insurance does not cover your accident and that you will have to pay for all or part of your losses.
At this point, you may think, “I have full coverage; why won’t you pay?” You may assume it is your insurance company’s fault. In a way, it is. However, in another way, it isn’t.
While your agent may have sold you “full coverage” insurance, what is not included is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
Completely confused? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone.
At The Burkett Law Firm, we have seen scenarios like this and understand how frustrating the situation is. You can learn more about full coverage insurance and how our car accident attorney in Corpus Christi can help if you are involved in an accident.
Texas Auto Insurance Laws
Navigating the complex landscape of Texas car insurance laws can be challenging. A fundamental understanding of these laws is crucial, particularly regarding auto insurance.
Texas requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, known as the 30/60/25 coverage. This includes $30,000 for injuries per person, up to $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Beyond the minimum requirements, it’s wise to consider additional coverage options such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. These can safeguard against a broader range of incidents, including theft, natural disasters, and encounters with uninsured drivers.
While it is recommended that you add this coverage, it is not required. Without adding what is considered “extra” insurance, your full coverage may not provide the comprehensive protection you assumed it would.
What Legal Options Do I Have to Recover Compensation without Proper Insurance Coverage?
If you find yourself involved in a vehicular accident in Corpus Christi, Texas, without adequate auto insurance coverage, it’s essential to understand the legal avenues available for seeking compensation.
When the other driver has left the scene of an accident, and you lack uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the path to compensation becomes more challenging, but not without options.
Texas law takes hit-and-run incidents seriously, and victims have the right to seek justice through the legal system. Reporting the incident to the police and providing as much information as possible is crucial for a thorough investigation.
Even without direct insurance recourse due to the absence of uninsured motorist coverage, victims may pursue compensation through civil litigation. Once identified, this process involves filing a lawsuit for damages directly against the fleeing driver.
While this can be a more complex and time-consuming process, it opens a potential avenue for recovering damages for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Consulting with an experienced attorney becomes indispensable in these scenarios, as they can help navigate the legal system and work to identify the responsible party to hold them accountable.
Let The Burkett Law Firm Help with Your Car Accident Claim
Auto insurance requirements and coverage can be confusing. Knowing your policy and ensuring adequate coverage is essential to protect yourself if you are involved in an accident.
If you need legal assistance after an accident, contact us. We can review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course forward.
