When you believe that someone else is responsible for a car accident that caused you serious injuries, you can sue them for damages. Insurance policies have limits though, and you may have more in expenses than the other driver’s policy can pay out. There is a potential way to claim more compensation after getting hit by an underinsured driver though, and a Corpus Christi, Texas auto accident lawyer can tell you more about your options.
What Happens if a Driver is Underinsured?
If a driver’s policy cannot pay out for all of the damages caused, they can be considered “underinsured.” There’s a type of insurance policy that exists for these specific kinds of situations. Instead of suing the driver individually, which can come with its own complications, you can use your own insurance policy.
Your policy may have uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. This would cover the gap between what the other driver’s policy could pay and how much you actually need. Let’s say you got a payout up to the other driver’s policy maximum but you still need $4,000 for medical expenses. Your own policy can cover that if you have uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Do I Have to Carry Underinsured Coverage in Texas?
When you buy a car insurance policy in Texas, you must be offered this type of coverage. It is possible to opt out of it though, provided you do so in writing. If you opted out of the coverage, you are going to have to explore other options for dealing with an underinsured driver. If you kept the coverage, you just have to make a claim with your own insurer.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer?
Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t always eager to pay out. If you are struggling with either insurance company, our lawyers may be able to help. We can handle negotiations on your behalf and do our best to secure fair offers from any insurer you file a claim with. We can also help you determine if there are any other potentially liable parties in your case that you might have missed. We’re not leaving any potential source of compensation on the table.
What Kind of Evidence Can Help With My Case?
Your lawyer can help you build a compelling case, and part of that means gathering all of the evidence that you can. Any of the following can help you show why you are deserving of compensation:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Video footage
- Police reports
- Testimony from experts, like accident recreation specialists and medical professionals
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have questions about how this works or need help making two different insurance claims, that’s what we’re here for. Contact Sahadi Legal Group and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. We’re ready to discuss all of your legal options.
