When someone else hits your car, the financial burden should never fall on your shoulders. Unfortunately, despite car insurance being required in Texas, many motorists navigate the roads without this important safety net. This leaves responsible motorists vulnerable to situations they never anticipated.
But with uninsured motorist coverage, you can still recover the compensation you need to move forward after the accident. Our Round Rock car accident attorneys at Dow Law Firm understand these complex policies and will work to maximize your benefits.
Contact a dedicated uninsured motorist claim lawyer in Round Rock today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Is It Required in Texas?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage essentially steps into the shoes of a missing insurance policy. When the other driver has no insurance, your UM coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages up to your policy limits. If the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your full damages, your policy can also fill the gap between their policy limits and your actual losses.
Texas law does not require that drivers purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies must offer this protection to every policyholder. This coverage becomes your safety net when an at-fault driver lacks insurance or flees the scene of an accident. Every UM policy in Texas includes a $250 deductible that you must pay before your coverage activates.
When to File a Round Rock Uninsured Motorist Claim
You should file an uninsured motorist claim in Round Rock immediately after discovering that the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage. This discovery might happen at the scene when the other driver admits they have no insurance, or it could come days later when their insurance company confirms insufficient coverage.
Time works against you in these situations. Texas imposes a two-year deadline for car accident cases, and delays can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. File your UM claim as soon as possible to protect your rights and start the process.
Challenges When Dealing with Your Own Insurance Company
Many car accident victims assume their own insurance company will treat them fairly since they have been paying premiums. Unfortunately, these companies operate as businesses first and foremost. Your insurer might employ several tactics to reduce your potential compensation, such as the following:
- Delaying claim processing to pressure you into accepting an early settlement while your bills pile up and financial stress grows
- Disputing the severity of your injuries by questioning medical diagnoses or suggesting your condition isn’t as serious as you claim
- Offering inadequate initial settlements before you fully understand the extent of your damages or long-term medical needs
- Requesting unnecessary medical examinations with company-selected doctors who may unnecessarily scrutinize your injuries
- Questioning the other driver’s fault in the accident to argue that you bear partial responsibility
- Suggesting certain procedures, therapies, or medications are not necessary for your recovery
- Pressuring you to provide recorded statements that they can later use to contradict your injury claims
- Questioning pre-existing conditions to argue that your current pain was caused by previous injuries rather than the recent accident
- Using ambiguous policy language to deny coverage or reduce payouts based on technical interpretations of your contract
Having a Round Rock uninsured motorist claim attorney on your side prevents you from falling victim to these tactics. Your lawyer will possess a deep understanding of these strategies and fight to protect your rights and interests so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
How a Round Rock Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Uninsured Motorist Benefits
When you are pursuing a UM claim in Round Rock, having an uninsured motorist claim attorney on your side can make all the difference. At Dow Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers will level the playing field with these insurance companies and work tirelessly to maximize your final settlement.
We start by thoroughly reviewing your policy to identify all available coverage options and understand the terms of your insurance. Next, we gather as much evidence as possible to build a compelling case for maximum compensation, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even expert testimony when necessary.
Insurance companies take attorney representation seriously because they know lawyers understand the true value of claims and won’t accept lowball offers. Your attorney will negotiate from a position of strength, armed with legal knowledge and robust evidence that insurance adjusters respect.
When necessary, your Round Rock attorney can file a lawsuit against your own insurance company if they refuse to pay a fair settlement. The threat of litigation often motivates insurers to negotiate more reasonably, knowing that court proceedings could result in even higher judgments plus attorney fees. From start to finish, our Round Rock uninsured motorist attorneys will work to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life following the crash.
What to Do After a Collision with an Uninsured Driver in Round Rock
When the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you still have options to pursue compensation. However, you must act strategically to protect your interests. Take the following steps after the accident to gather evidence and initiate your UM claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention for all injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses.
- Document all missed work days and lost income due to your injuries.
- Avoid discussing fault or accepting blame with anyone at the accident scene.
- Refuse any under-the-table payment offers from the uninsured driver.
- Never sign any documents or agreements without legal review.
- Preserve all evidence, including damaged clothing and personal items.
- Follow all medical treatment recommendations to avoid gaps in care.
- Report the accident to law enforcement, even for seemingly minor collisions.
- Contact an uninsured motorist claim attorney in Round Rock before accepting any settlement offers.
Trust Dow Law Firm to Help You Navigate Your Round Rock Uninsured Motorist Claim
Getting hit by someone without insurance can feel like being victimized twice—first by the accident, then by the system. Your own insurance company might hope you will accept less than you deserve, but Dow Law Firm will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Contact us at (512) 240-9951 for a free case review and learn how our Round Rock uninsured motorist claim lawyers can help.