Uninsured Motorists

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:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost income/wages
  • Future lost earnings
  • Lost earning capacity
  • In-home care costs
  • Medications/medical equipment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle damage

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.

insurance adjusters examining documentsHow to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim

The first step in filing a UM claim is determining whether you have this type of coverage. Our Amarillo uninsured motorist claims attorneys can help you review your policy and determine if you have explicitly rejected UM insurance in writing or if you are covered.

Filing a UM claim involves working with your own insurance provider. Unfortunately, all insurance companies, including your own, are hesitant to pay out claims, even when accident victims are rightfully owed compensation. They may dispute your claim or state that you do not have UM coverage when you have not rejected such coverage in writing. We strongly encourage you to work with an attorney who can help you communicate and negotiate with the insurance company.

At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we have a proven track record of success in even highly complex car accident claims and insurance coverage matters. Our team is ready to fully evaluate your legal options and help you move forward in the claims filing process.

Choose a Team That Will Fight for You

Taking on your insurance company after an accident is often a stressful, intimidating prospect. Your focus should be on getting the medical attention you need to recover from your injuries—not on managing a personal injury claim.

At Wood Law Firm, LLP, we are prepared to handle all of the details so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life. Since 1999, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients in all types of motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving hit and runs, uninsured or underinsured motorists, and other complicating factors. We are happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

When you choose Wood Law Firm, LLP, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. We have been AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® for over 15 years, and our founding attorney is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, making him an expert in this area of law. Attorney Wood is also a Board-Certified Civil Law Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and our entire team has been recognized for our commitment to the highest level of client service and ethics.

Give us a call at (806) 304-0447 or contact us online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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