Car accidents often result in accident victims sustaining major injuries, necessitating significant and ongoing medical treatment. Given the escalating costs of medical care, this treatment is incredibly expensive, and often reaches tens of thousands of dollars, even for what may initially seem to be minor injuries. Of course, most motorists who cause an accident do not have that kind of money available to compensate an accident victim. Thus, the availability of insurance is a critical component of almost all Texas car accident cases.
In Texas, all motorists are required to maintain insurance on their vehicles. There are several types of Texas car insurance; however, only some are required by law. Texas motorists must obtain the following coverage:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage: $25,000 per accident
Motorists should consider purchasing more than just the minimum amount of coverage. In the event of an accident, the expenses that can be incurred often exceed the minimum insurance requirements. In these cases, accident victims are left without any means of recovery, and may be left with unpaid medical expenses.
Insurance companies offer a variety of other types of insurance. Texas law does not require motorists obtain the below coverage; however, these may be helpful to some motorists.
- Comprehensive coverage – Comprehensive insurance provides compensation to motorists whose car is stolen or damaged by fire, flood, vandalism or something other than a collision.
- Collision coverage – Collision coverage pays to repair the insured’s car in the event of an accident that is their fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection: This coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver either does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover a victim’s injuries. Technically, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UIM) is not required; however, Texas insurance companies must include the coverage in a policy unless the insured specifically requests in writing that it is not included.
- Medical payments coverage – This overage pays for the medical bills of the driver, as well as their passengers. It also covers the insured while riding as a passenger in another’s vehicle.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) – PIP coverage pays for the driver’s and passengers’ medical bills. However, it also pays for non-medical costs, such as lost wages. All auto insurance policies in Texas include PIP coverage unless the insured specifically requests in writing that it is not included.
The above is an introduction to the Texas insurance requirements. Next week, we will take a look at issues that can arise when dealing with an insurance company after a Texas car accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Texas Car Wreck?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Texas car accident, contact the dedicated San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw. At Carabin Shaw, we pride ourselves in providing each of our clients with the exceptional representation they deserve. We have extensive experience handling all types of Texas motor vehicle collisions, and offer free consultations to prospective clients to discuss how we can help. To learn more, call 800-862-1260 to schedule your free consultation today.