In Texas, liability for harm resulting from an automobile accident is based on fault. A driver who contributed to causing the crash must pay for some or all of the injured parties’ damages. Automobile liability insurance is mandatory under Texas law, but a driver need only have $30,000 in coverage. Given that a serious accident can result in medical bills reaching well into six figures, the minimum policy limit can be wholly inadequate to compensate the injured. If you are hurt in an accident and an at-fault driver has inadequate coverage to pay for your losses, you will have to seek other sources of compensation.

While Texas insurance laws only require drivers to carry liability insurance, vehicle owners should always purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This additional coverage pays the policyholder for damages and losses in those situations where the party at fault has no insurance or inadequate insurance. UM/UIM coverage costs the policyholder an extra premium, but it is worth it to make sure that the insured and his or her family have a source of compensation when the other driver’s liability insurance is lacking.

You can seek reimbursement for the medical, hospital and therapeutic costs resulting from your injuries by filing claims with your health insurance carrier, under either a personal policy or one obtained through your employer. You will need to document the treatment you received to support your claims.

Another potential source of funds for compensation is a person or organization not directly involved in the accident who may nonetheless share in the fault. For example, suppose a driver hits another car, failing to stop in time because the brakes failed. The brakes may have been defective or the mechanic who replaced the brakes may have done so improperly. The brake’s manufacturer and/or the mechanic might be liable for part of the damage claim. A qualified personal injury attorney can thoroughly investigate possible third-party liability.

A driver who contributed to causing the accident does not escape liability simply by being inadequately insured. Most people with significant assets protect their interests by buying sufficient car insurance. If not, an accident victim might have to no other option than to sue that party and, after winning a judgment, seize his or her assets or garnish their income. This course of action can be difficult and should not be attempted without an experienced attorney.

Hope & Causey in Conroe, Texas focuses its practice on personal injury cases in Houston and the surrounding metropolitan area. If you or family members have been hurt in an automobile accident, feel free to contact us online or call 936-441-4673 for a free initial consultation.