Even though all Texas motorists are required to have automobile insurance, it is hardly a secret that not all drivers obey the law. To protect yourself if you are hit by another driver who does not have any insurance, or who does not carry enough insurance to pay for all of the damages his negligence causes, it is a good idea to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage, known as "UM/UIM."

UM/UIM insurance covers you for personal injuries and some other kinds of damages caused when you are hit by a person with no insurance or not enough insurance. If the driver who hits you does not have insurance of his own, UM/UIM coverage is the best way to protect yourself and those riding with you from the damages these uninsured motorists cause. The only alternative is to sue the uninsured motorist, and a driver who does not have enough money to afford insurance usually does not have enough money to pay the judgment you get if you win the lawsuit.

For the protection it provides, UM/UIM coverage is a wise insurance buy. If you do not already have UM/UIM insurance, contact your insurance company about adding it to your policy. If you already carry UM/UIM insurance, it would be wise to make sure that you have enough to protect you from an unexpected loss. And if worst has come to worst and you've already suffered an unexpected loss or been in a car crash , contact our Dallas car crash legal staff about your situation.

[Return To The Fall 2004 Texas Law Alert] [subscribe] [archives]