An uninsured motorist clause is a provision found in most auto insurance policies. It provides coverage for those vehicles that are damaged by a driver who wasn’t covered by insurance. In order to obtain uninsured motorist coverage, a policyholder must pay a special premium. Sometimes this comes standard with auto insurance policies but many times it must be purchased separately. For those drivers who are involved in an accident that qualifies, the insurance company will then be able to pay for the difference between what the uninsured motorist should have provided for property damage.
According to the Insurance Research Council, it is estimated that 25 percent of drivers on the road are uninsured. This statistic varies state to state. It is recommended that all drivers purchase this type of insurance, or else they may be left paying out of pocket for damages in the event that an uninsured motorist is negligent and causes a traffic collision. This type of coverage can cover the cost of injuries to you and your passengers, property damage, and damage to your vehicle. Those who have insurance, but do not meet the state-mandated minimum liability requirements will also qualify as uninsured drivers. In some cases, even drivers with the necessary insurance, but who got their claim denied, can qualify as an uninsured motorist.
Hit and Run Accidents
When a driver hits another driver and then leaves the scene of the accident, it is called a “hit and run” accident. When a driver does not stay at the scene, and therefore fail to render aid, the driver who was the victim of the accident will not have the other driver’s insurance information, so they cannot file a claim. This is another good reason for having uninsured motorist insurance. You cannot control the actions of other drivers. Even if you were hit by a driver who had insurance, but that driver fled the scene, you will be left paying out of pocket for the property damage you did not cause.
In Texas, all insurance companies are required to offer this coverage although policyholders can reject this line of coverage if they do so in writing. If you do not remember rejecting uninsured motorist coverage, then you are likely covered. When in doubt, you should check with your insurance company. Uninsured motorist protection will not only protect you financially, but physically as well. Without the proper coverage, you may not be able to afford the medical care necessary to treat your injuries after a car accident. The compensation that a hit and run lawyer can obtain for you is what is put toward your medical bills and other rehabilitative expenses.
Uninsured Motorist Protection for Pedestrians
Car accidents have the potential to injure not just those traveling in vehicles, but pedestrians as well. If you are a pedestrian and you carry uninsured motorist bodily injury protection, then this coverage can pay for things like medical expenses and lost wages for any time you had to take off of work to recover. This can be a huge benefit to individuals, since medical insurance likely wouldn’t cover lost wages. In most scenarios, you will have to sue the uninsured motorist for your injuries so that you can win the breach of contract action against the insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage and you were involved in an accident, then Houston injury law firm de Lachica Law Firm has the experience you need. Their car accident lawyers can assist with these types of claims so you aren’t left paying out of pocket because of another person’s negligent actions.