Why All Drivers Should Carry UM or UIM Insurance
By Arnold & Itkin, LLP
Mar. 5, 2012 2:16p
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance
If you are injured in a car accident caused by another person, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If, however, the at-fault driver has no insurance policy, or carries state minimum coverage, he or she may not have sufficient funds to compensate you for your injuries, pain and suffering.
Drivers can choose to add Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to their auto insurance to protect themselves against such a situation. UM protects you in cases where a driver that hits you is illegally driving without insurance. UIM insurance covers you in the event that a person who causes a car accident in which you are injured has little liability insurance. UM/UIM insurance is designed to protect you from drivers who irresponsibly choose to drive with little or no insurance coverage. Currently, Texas state minimum insurance only requires people to follow the rule of 30/60/25--$30,000 for each person injured in an accident, for a total of $60,000/ accident and $25,000 of property damage.
If you're seriously hurt in a car accident your medical bills can quickly add up to far more than $30,000. If the person at fault only had state minimum insurance coverage (and in some states, that amount is much lower than $30,000), there may not be enough funds to cover the cost of your immediate medical bills, let alone to compensate you for lost income, long-term disabilities or emotional suffering. If, however, you carry UM or UIM insurance with a limit higher than the state's minimum, your supplemental insurance will pay for whatever bills and expenses remain after the uninsured or underinsured driver has paid for all the expenses that he or she is able to cover. After that point, funds from the UM/UIM policies can also be used to fairly compensate you for long-term injuries, pain and suffering. In fact, if a UM/UIM insurer refuses to pay you the policy limit, an experienced auto accident attorney can sue to ensure fair compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas
Adding UM/UIM coverage to an existing auto insurance policy can cost as little as a few dollars a month; the cost of not protecting yourself in this way may be painfully high. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, a Houston personal injury accident attorney from Arnold & Itkin will be happy to review your case and advise you on the best way to secure compensation for your injuries. All initial consultations are free and confidential, so call today and take the first step toward a just outcome in your case.
To learn more, contact a Houston personal injury lawyer from the firm today to schedule a free consultation.
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