There are many different types of insurance coverage to sort through when you are buying a policy for a new car, and one option that you shouldn’t overlook is underinsured motorist coverage. This can be helpful if you get into an accident with someone who does not carry enough insurance to pay for the expenses stemming from an accident. A San Antonio, Texas car accident lawyer from our firm can help you hold a negligent driver accountable and will do their best to help you secure maximum compensation.
Do I Have to Carry Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Texas?
Insurance companies must offer you uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when you are shopping for a new policy. You can decline it though, so it is not something that you will be forced to carry by state law.
How Can Underinsured Motorist Coverage Help Me?
This type of coverage is an extra expense, but it might be worth the cost. Depending on the severity of an accident, a driver carrying just the minimum insurance policy may not be able to reimburse you for all of your costs coming from the accident.
You can sue someone personally, but it can be harder to squeeze more money from a person after their insurance policy has paid out. When you have underinsured motorist coverage, you can deal with your own insurer and get your bills paid. This coverage is designed to cover that gap between what you win in a lawsuit and what kind of compensation you actually need to be made whole.
Does Underinsured Motorist Insurance Pay Medical Bills?
This type of coverage is valuable because it does not just pay for property damage. Underinsured motorist coverage can also help you pay your medical bills if the other driver’s policy did not already offer you enough to cover your healthcare expenses. Your coverage can also help pay for the medical expenses of any passengers who were in the car with you.
When Will My Underinsured Coverage Pay Out?
Underinsured coverage can only kick in after someone else’s coverage has been exhausted. So if the negligent driver who caused the accident has had their policy pay out up to its limits, then it’s time to use your own underinsured motorist coverage. You do have to show your own insurer that you were injured though, and this can lead to a court battle.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
You can pursue compensation on your own, but you should know more about how a personal injury attorney can help you. They can:
- Hold negligent drivers accountable
- Negotiate with insurers for you
- Help you file a claim before the statute of limitations expires
- Answer questions that you have about the legal process
Even your own insurer may try to get out of paying you in full. Our attorneys can help you fight for the damages you are entitled to.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact Sahadi Legal Group today and ask to schedule a free initial consultation. We would love to tell you more about how we can help.