Fighting to help you recover damages
When you’re injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, that individual’s insurance policy is supposed to cover your medical costs, property damage repairs or replacement, lost wages and other damages. Unfortunately, despite laws requiring motorists to carry minimum liability insurance of at least $25,000, some drivers take their chances and drive uninsured. Other drivers carry only the minimum coverage, which does not adequately cover the expenses for most serious injuries. Often, uninsured and underinsured motorists suffer no consequences, but their victims do. If you or your loved one suffered an injury in an auto accident caused by an underinsured or uninsured motorist, your own insurance policy may hold the key to obtaining full and rightful compensation. A skilled lawyer from our firm can help you file a lawsuit.
What is UM/UIM coverage?
Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is a provision in your own auto insurance policy that covers you in case a driver with inadequate insurance causes you or any of your passengers bodily injury. In these cases, an injury attorney from our firm can help you file a claim with your own insurance company, as though it is the liable party. Your insurer essentially steps in and covers you in the way that the negligent driver’s insurer would have.
Types of UM/UIM coverage available
In Texas, an uninsured/underinsured motorist provision is not required for policyholders, nor is it included in what is considered “full” coverage. However, most injury lawyers and insurance agents agree that it is useful protection.
There are two types of UM/UIM coverage available:
Stackable — Stackable UM/UIM coverage can be added to or stacked on top of the negligent driver’s existing insurance. With this type of coverage, you’d be entitled to the total amount of insurance provided by both policies combined.
Non-stackable — A non-stackable UM/UIM policy only covers the difference between the two policies. For example, if the negligent driver’s policy insures up to $25,000, and your UM/UIM policy insures up to $100,000, you would only receive $75,000 from your insurer.