What Happens If You Have No Insurance But the Other Driver Was at Fault?

Even though it’s the law to maintain auto insurance, sometimes things happen. You might have missed a renewal notice or been short this month. Next thing you know, you’re involved in an accident that someone else caused. You might wonder about your legal options and whether you can even pursue compensation since you didn’t have insurance.

An experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer from The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can review your particular situation and explain your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Texas’ Car Insurance System

Texas is a fault-based state for car insurance, so the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages that they caused. Under Texas law, all drivers are required to maintain liability insurance, which pays for the victim’s losses. Minimum liability amounts in Texas include:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury for all persons
• $25,000 for property damage

Drivers who don’t maintain insurance can face various penalties, including fines, driver’s license suspension, and impoundment of their vehicle.

What If I Have No Insurance?

Even if you don’t have the insurance that is required by law, you can still file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. Liability has nothing to do with your car insurance status in Texas. The at-fault driver is still responsible for paying for the damages that their negligence caused.

Financial Compensation You Can Pursue in a Car Accident Claim

Regardless of your insurance status, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver through an insurance claim or lawsuit for the losses that you suffered, such as:

• Medical bills you incurred for emergency medical treatment and diagnostic tests
• Payment for ongoing medical care, including doctor visits, visits with medical specialists, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses you can reasonably anticipate, such as hospital stays or surgeries
• Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and other damaged personal property
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Dealing with Auto Insurance Companies

If you get in an accident when you have no insurance, you can bet that the other driver’s insurance company will try to use that fact to deny or reduce your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters might argue that you shouldn’t have been on the road to begin with. They could even try to blame you for the accident, trying to intimidate you not to pursue the issue. They could also try to use your insurance status to try to justify a lowball settlement offer. They might even try to leverage your insurance status to delay your claim since you don’t have insurance to cover your medical bills and other losses.

You don’t have to fight the insurance company alone. You can hire an experienced car accident lawyer who is familiar with these insurance tactics and can fight to protect your rights.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Assistance

If you were involved in an accident and didn’t have insurance, you need strong legal representation. Contact The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC today for a free case review.