by Dallas Car Accident Attorney, Tim O’Hare
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Texas laws require all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents they cause, yet everyday, motorists drive without proper insurance coverage. In Texas, motorists who are caught driving without liability insurance can be fined on their first offense. Consecutive offenses could result in suspension of their driver license and even vehicle impounding. In the City of Dallas, uninsured drivers can have their car towed.
Even with the potential consequences, many drivers still do not carry insurance. The Insurance Research Council estimates that drivers in the U.S. have a 14 percent chance of being involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
Because not all drivers carry liability insurance, despite the laws requiring them to do so, for more than 30 years, the Texas Insurance Code has mandated that all insurance companies doing business in Texas offer uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. (An “uninsured motorist” is a driver who does not carry liability insurance, or an unidentified hit-and-run driver. An “underinsured motorist”is a driver who carries liability insurance within the limits required by law, but not enough to cover the actual cost of damages caused in a collision.) Simply put, drivers who do have insurance, are covering uninsured and underinsured motorists with their policies when they take out Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage. (Hit-and-run drivers are considered uninsured motorists.)
Even so, if you have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t expect your insurance company to be much help. Insurance companies are notorious for doing everything possible to lessen the amount they pay to you, yet regularly tell victims they are being paid what is “fair.” Unfortunately, the insurance company’s definition of “fair” frequently varies from what the policyholder considers fair and what juries consider fair.
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your physical injuries, emotional suffering and loss of wages, but to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, you need an attorney.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare are knowledgeable and experienced in personal injury cases dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorists. We know it can be difficult to deal with insurance companies which is why we are here to help you level the playing field. Our attorneys will fight on your behalf to make sure you get the financial recovery you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, or have lost a loved one in a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver, call us. The experienced legal team at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare will guide you through your case and ensure you get everything you deserve.
Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation
972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020
