Amarillo Uninsured Motorist Attorney

Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Texas

All drivers in the state of Texas are required to carry minimum liability auto insurance. However, studies have found that as many as one in eight drivers in the United States is uninsured. Because Texas is a fault state, meaning injured individuals typically file claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider to recover compensation, those who are hit by uninsured motorists may be rightfully concerned about how they will be able to recover for their losses after an accident. The same is true of those involved in hit and run accidents.

Depending on your specific auto insurance policy, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own insurance provider. Our Amarillo uninsured motorist claims attorneys can help you identify your options and, if applicable, file a claim for UM coverage. At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and know how to effectively advocate for you and your rights.

To discuss your case with an experienced, compassionate attorney, call Wood Law Firm, LLP at (806) 304-0447, or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

UM coverage is a type of insurance that protects you when you cannot file a claim against the other person’s insurance company for some reason.

Reasons might include:

• The other driver is uninsured
• The other driver does not have enough coverage
• You were involved in a hit and run
• The other driver committed a criminal act
• The other driver is not covered for various reasons (e.g. they are a rideshare driver, etc.)

Essentially, any time you are unable to file a claim with the other person’s insurance company or are unable to recover adequate compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance, you can turn to your UM coverage and receive the compensation you need for your damages.

What Does UM Insurance Cover?

Similar to other forms of insurance coverage, UM insurance covers damages caused by the accident.

Depending on the specifics of your situation, damages might include:

You should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own, which is where your UM coverage comes in. Even if the at-fault party is uninsured or fails to stop after the accident, you could still be able to recover compensation if you have this type of coverage.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Texas?

In Texas, you are not required to have UM coverage, but your insurance provider is required to offer it to you. If you choose to decline UM coverage, you must do so in writing.

Your insurance provider is required to offer UM coverage at least in the minimum amounts (which will usually be similar to minimum liability limits). If your insurance provider attempts to claim that you do not have UM coverage, they must show proof that you declined UM coverage in writing.