Some uninsured and underinsured motorist claims can resolve in a matter of weeks. Others take much longer. Like other types of claims, it depends on the strength of your liability evidence, your insurance company’s willingness to negotiate, and how long it takes for you to determine your future financial losses.
Even though you’ll be dealing with your own insurance company, you’ll want an experienced Round Rock car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process.
The adjuster works for a company whose interests aren’t aligned with yours, and having an attorney in your corner can accelerate meaningful negotiations and put much-needed compensation in your hands sooner rather than later.
Understanding UM and UIM Claims in Texas
Uninsured motorist (UM) takes the place of insurance benefits another party should have had at the time of an accident. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage bridges the gap between what the at-fault driver’s policy covers and your actual damages.
In Texas, it’s mandatory for insurance companies to offer both types of coverage when you buy a policy. If you didn’t reject it in writing, it’s part of your car insurance policy.
You file a claim with your insurer to recover benefits after an accident with an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver, or a driver whose coverage wasn’t enough to pay you in full, even if they’re the one at fault.
Factors That Affect the Timeline of a Texas UM/UIM Accident Claim
The insurance company will be required to respond to your UM/UIM claim within 15 days. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll respond by approving your request for benefits. Realistically, they have an additional 15 days to review the claim and can extend that period for up to 45 days if necessary.
Even though you’re requesting your own benefits, the insurance company won’t want to pay. So, there are times when UM/UIM claims can take a while to settle.
Several factors can influence how long it takes for a UM/UIM claim to resolve:
- Gaps in treatment or delays in seeking medical care
- The strength of your liability evidence
- Claims that you caused the accident or share responsibility for your injuries
- The extent of your physical injuries and anticipated recovery period
The insurance company won’t want to pay you at all. You shouldn’t settle until you know what your claim is worth. An experienced Round Rock car accident attorney can help you navigate this complicated process and fight for a prompt, proper settlement when you need it most.
Tips to Help Your Texas UM/UIM Claim Settle Faster
Here’s what you can do to protect your interests and force your insurance company to pay the UM/UIM benefits you need:
- Report your accident to your insurance company right away so that they’re aware that a claim might be incoming
- Submit a demand letter backed by compelling evidence, including medical records, discharge paperwork, wage statements, and doctors’ notes
- Seek medical attention for crash-related injuries right away and keep up with treatment as instructed
Finally, don’t speak with the insurance adjuster directly; direct conversations to your car accident attorney.
Working with an Experienced Round Rock Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer
Even though it’s your insurance company, when you file a claim for UM or UIM benefits, they turn into an adversary. Your interests aren’t aligned, and you’ll be outmatched from the start. Hiring a Round Rock car accident attorney from Dow Law Firm with experience in handling UM/UIM claims does more than put you on a level playing field.
Our team of car accident lawyers has a proven track record of success litigating high-stakes insurance disputes for Texas crash victims. We know how to navigate the claims process to help clients recover meaningful compensation within a reasonable timeframe after an accident. We’ll also fight for your best interests and never fold when insurance companies apply pressure.
Our car accident attorneys will push back and won’t rest until you’ve gotten the best possible result. Contact our car accident lawyers in Round Rock, TX, today at (512) 240-9951 to discuss your UM/UIM claim for free.