When the At-Fault Driver is Underinsured - Legal Options for New Braunfels Victims

When you are involved in a New Braunfels car accident caused by a negligent driver, you expect that the at-fault driver's insurance will cover your damages. However, Texas law only requires motorists to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. So where does that leave you if your damages exceed these limits or if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all?

When damages exceed these limits, you may need to explore alternative legal options for accident victims in Texas. Researching your options may be a daunting and difficult process; it is best to consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Texas law as well as the solutions available to you if you find yourself in this challenging situation.

Our firm of Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw believes that knowledge is power and that you are better equipped to handle your situation if you understand how the law works and what your options are. Read on to learn more about what you can do if the at-fault driver does not have adequate coverage and how a car wreck lawyer in Braunfels can assist you.

If the at-fault driver's insurance policy does not cover all of your damages incurred during the accident in New Braunfels, one legal option to pursue is filing a personal injury claim. You may seek compensation through a civil lawsuit against the underinsured driver who caused the accident.

Victims of reckless driving frequently seek to make claims on their own. The difficulty with this method is that they may not receive a reasonable settlement offer unless they are good negotiators.

In a study conducted by The Insurance Research Council, it was determined that personal injury victims represented by an attorney received settlements approximately 3.5 times more than those who did not have legal representation. This underscores the importance of speaking with one of our experienced lawyers.

In Texas, car insurance policies may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage that can be utilized when an at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured. This coverage allows you to file a claim against your own insurer when the responsible party's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. However, UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory in Texas, so it's essential to verify the details of your auto insurance policy when purchasing it.

Due to the high level of passenger and 18-wheeler traffic that passes through the area, New Braunfels underinsured car accident coverage is crucial to protect yourself in case you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover your expenses.

Although not required in Texas, Medical Payments (MedPay) and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverages can be invaluable during a car accident with an underinsured driver. MedPay helps cover medical bills and funeral expenses, while PIP covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other nonmedical costs associated with an accident.

These additional coverages can ease the financial burden during the recovery period despite insufficient compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance. Our firm can help you navigate the complexities of car insurance policies and ensure that all possible damages are covered.

When selecting a legal team, it's a smart move to review Carabin Shaw's client reviews to gain insights into our expertise and how we've helped others in similar situations. Then call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free initial consultation. You may speak with a member of our team at any time in English or Spanish.

For more information:

• Insurance Research
• Texas TDI
• Opic Texas