A car accident can cause serious injuries and leave you with expensive medical bills. In Texas, all drivers must carry liability insurance. However, some people still drive without it.
When the at-fault driver has no insurance, you may feel unsure about who will pay for your medical costs and lost wages. Fortunately, there are several possible options for covering these expenses.
Your own auto insurance policy
Many Texas drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages and other costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance. In Texas, insurance companies must offer UM coverage, but you have the option to reject it in writing. If your policy includes it, though, UM coverage can provide valuable protection in these situations.
Personal Injury Protection
Texas insurance companies also offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover medical expenses and lost income, no matter who caused the accident. Even if the at-fault driver has no insurance, PIP can provide quick financial help.
Health insurance coverage
Health insurance may also help cover injury-related treatment. However, health plans often come with deductibles and co-pays. In addition, health insurance may not cover all types of treatment needed after a serious crash. Many people rely on a combination of PIP, UM coverage and health insurance to pay for their recovery.
When none of these options apply, you may still have the right to sue the at-fault driver directly. However, drivers without insurance often lack the financial resources to pay a judgment. That is why having strong coverage in place before a car accident happens is important. Reviewing your insurance policy carefully and knowing which coverages apply can help protect you from financial hardship after an unexpected crash.