Car Collision Attorney Helping Those Injured by Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in El Paso, TX
Did you know New Mexico recently ranked as one of the worst states for uninsured drivers in the U.S.? Although the majority of Texas drivers have at least some auto insurance, many carry minimal or no coverage. Any driver, whether they have sufficient insurance or not, can cause an accident.
You may worry about the availability of compensation if an underinsured or uninsured driver causes a car accident that injures you. Although compensation can be harder to obtain in these situations, you still have options. At Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC, our car accident lawyers in El Paso have have experience handling these cases, and our law firm can help you file a claim to recover compensation.
Insurance Coverage Requirements in El Paso, Texas
Texas is a fault-based insurance state that requires at-fault drivers to pay for any accidents that they cause. To uphold this financial responsibility, the state mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage, including:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury when multiple people are hurt
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Despite these clear legal requirements, thousands of El Paso drivers still operate vehicles without proper coverage. Financial hardship often drives this risky behavior, as some residents struggle to afford monthly premiums. Others mistakenly believe they can avoid consequences by simply not getting caught, while some drivers allow their policies to lapse due to missed payments or administrative oversights.
What Damages Can Be Compensated in a Car Accident Claim?
When another driver’s negligence injures you, the first step toward obtaining compensation is typically filing a claim with that party’s insurance company. If the policyholder’s coverage limits are enough to satisfy your damages, you or your car accident lawyer can negotiate an acceptable settlement offer. These damages may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage
- Ongoing care
- Pain and suffering
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Every accident is different, and your damages are calculated on a case-specific basis. Our auto accident lawyer will assess your damages and advocate for your best interests to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The situation becomes more complicated if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage to drivers purchasing their policies, but you can reject this coverage. If you have this kind of coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer to pay a portion or all of your damages. You still have options for recovering compensation through a civil lawsuit even if you do not have UM/UIM coverage on your policy, but the complexity of your claim will most likely increase.
How to File a Claim When the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance
Normally, after a car accident in El Paso, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. When you are hit by an underinsured or uninsured driver, this option essentially disappears. However, you can still pursue compensation.
Uninsured motorist coverage allows your own insurance company to step into the shoes of the uninsured driver’s nonexistent policy. This coverage is optional, but it is a smart investment to protect your financial interests in these situations. Without uninsured motorist coverage, your remaining option involves filing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Insurance companies often resist paying uninsured motorist claims, employing various tactics to minimize or deny compensation. Cal Mundell excels at navigating these complex negotiations and making sure your insurer honors its contractual obligations. We also investigate to identify other potentially liable parties or uncover hidden insurance policies that might provide coverage, maximizing your chances of full recovery.
How Our UM/UIM Lawyer in El Paso Can Help
It is rarely easy to receive a reasonable settlement after a car crash. When an uninsured or underinsured driver is involved, there are additional challenges. If you do not know how to navigate through these challenges, you may settle for less than your case is worth.
At Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC, we know the applicable laws and how they apply to your case. We know how to get insurance companies to cooperate, because our firm’s founder, Cal Mundell, used to represent them. We use his inside knowledge to give you an advantage when pursuing compensation.
UM/UIM cases may require multiple insurance claims or filing a civil lawsuit. We will guide you through every step in our fight to gain a favorable outcome and win the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Underinsured or Uninsured Driver
The moments following an accident with an uninsured driver require strategic thinking. Protect your health and legal rights by taking the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately. Official police reports provide important evidence when insurance coverage is limited or non-existent.
- Document everything by taking photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Refuse any under-the-table cash payment offers from uninsured drivers.
- Seek medical attention. Delayed treatment can complicate both your recovery and your insurance claim.
- Contact Cal Mundell Law Firm before making statements to insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers.
Contact Our Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Accident Attorney Today
You deserve to have effective legal representation without worsening your financial strain after a car crash. At Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC, our El Paso personal injury attorneys provide free consultations, and we do not charge fees unless we win compensation for you. Contact us at 915-250-0700 for more details about how we can help with your uninsured or underinsured driver case. We are available 24/7.