Car accidents can be scary enough without having to worry about insurance coverage. But what happens if the cost of your damages goes over the insurance limits? It’s a situation that a lot of people don’t think about until they’re in it. Here’s what you need to know and how to handle it if your claim exceeds the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
Understanding Insurance Limits
First, let’s get clear on what insurance limits are. In Texas, every driver is required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. These limits are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These limits are the maximum amounts that the insurance company will pay out for an accident. If your damages are higher than these amounts, you could be left with expenses that aren’t covered.
What If Your Claim Is More Than the Insurance Coverage?
If the costs of your medical bills, car repairs, and other damages are more than the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, here are some options to consider:
- Use Your Own Insurance: If you have underinsured motorist coverage as part of your own insurance policy, it can help cover the difference. This is an optional coverage in Texas, but it’s super helpful if you ever find yourself in this situation.
- Go After the At-Fault Driver’s Assets: You may be able to sue the at-fault driver personally to cover the remaining expenses. This can be complicated, though, and it only makes sense if the person has assets worth pursuing.
- Seek Other Sources of Compensation: Sometimes, more than one party can be at fault for an accident. If that’s the case, you might be able to seek compensation from other sources. An experienced attorney can help you figure out if this applies to you.
- Health Insurance: If you have medical bills that are still unpaid, your health insurance might cover them. Keep in mind that your health insurance provider might expect to be reimbursed if you win a settlement later on.
Why You Need Legal Help
Dealing with insurance companies and figuring out how to get the compensation you deserve can be overwhelming. When the costs are more than the insurance limits, things get even trickier. An experienced car accident attorney can:
- Help you understand your options
- Negotiate with the insurance companies
- Fight for you to get the maximum compensation available
Call Us for a Free Consultation
If you’re worried about your car accident claim exceeding insurance limits, you don’t have to go through it alone. We offer free consultations to help you understand your case and what options you have. Our team knows Texas law and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket when someone else was at fault!
