Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver is uninsured, the situation becomes even more complicated. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Houston, you may be wondering how you will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we help accident victims navigate these challenges and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Accidents
In Texas, all drivers are legally required to carry auto insurance. However, not everyone follows the law. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly one in eight drivers in Texas is uninsured. This means that thousands of Houston drivers are at risk of being hit by someone who lacks the necessary coverage to pay for accident-related expenses.
Even if the at-fault driver has insurance, their policy may not be enough to fully cover your losses. In these cases, underinsured motorist coverage may be necessary to bridge the gap.
How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works
To protect yourself from uninsured drivers, your auto insurance policy may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of coverage helps pay for your expenses when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or does not have enough to cover your damages.
Your UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Funeral costs (in fatal accidents)
Texas law does not require drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage, but insurance companies must offer it. If you declined this coverage when purchasing your policy, recovering compensation may be more challenging—but not impossible.
Legal Options After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Houston
If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you still have options to recover compensation, including:
- Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider: If you have UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer. However, insurance companies do not always make it easy for policyholders to receive full and fair compensation. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to maximize your payout.
- Suing the At-Fault Driver: In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver. However, if they lack insurance, they may also lack the financial resources to pay for your damages, making this a difficult option.
- Exploring Other Avenues for Compensation: Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there may be other liable parties. For example, if the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may be responsible. A thorough investigation can help identify all potential sources of compensation.
Why You Need a Lawyer for an Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when they undervalue or deny your claim. A skilled Houston uninsured motorist accident attorney at Hernandez Sunosky LLP can help by:
- Reviewing your insurance policy and identifying available coverage
- Gathering evidence to support your claim, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Negotiating with your insurance company to secure the best possible settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—even when you are filing a claim with your own provider. Our legal team is prepared to stand up to insurers and advocate for your rights.
Compensation in an Uninsured Motorist Accident Case
If you were injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: Including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment costs
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries impact your ability to work long-term
Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation you may recover will depend on the specifics of your accident and injuries.
Contact Hernandez Sunosky LLP for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in an uninsured motorist accident in Houston, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we are committed to helping accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help. You can focus on your recovery; we’ll handle the rest.