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Last Modified on Jul 04, 2026
If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Houston, it can leave you worried about your ability to file a claim and recover damages. While you can normally file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance, if they are uninsured, you must file through your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
A crash can be stressful, especially so if you are concerned about your legal options. If you work with a Houston uninsured motorist attorney, they can guide you through the process of filing a claim through UM/UIM insurance and can pursue a fair recovery for your losses.
Uninsured Motorist Crashes in Houston
Houston is a dangerous place to drive, with heavy traffic and high-speed routes that increase the risk of an accident, especially along I-10 or US-59. When a car accident does happen, insurance provides a safety net for accident victims, allowing them to recover financial compensation for their losses.
While Texas law requires drivers to have liability insurance, not everyone follows Texas uninsured motorist coverage. In Texas, 22% of drivers have insurance, which is even higher than the overall uninsured motorist rate of 15.4% in the United States.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage in Texas
UM/UIM coverage is a type of insurance that can help pay for your losses when the driver responsible for the crash does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance. Filing a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage is one of the most common routes for recovering compensation after a crash with an uninsured driver.
Texas auto insurance companies offer UM/UIM coverage, though policyholders can choose to reject this additional coverage. Additionally, every insurance policy contains its own terms, exclusions, and coverage limits, which affect how helpful UM/UIM can be after a crash.
Other Instances Where You Can Use UM/UIM Insurance
Other than a crash with an uninsured driver, there are other situations where you may need to use your UM/UIM coverage, including:
- A crash with an underinsured driver. UM/UIM insurance can be used even if a driver does have some insurance coverage. If the other driver does not carry the minimum required amount of liability coverage, or their coverage does not meet the full extent of your damages, you should speak with a Houston uninsured motorist attorney about filing a UM/UIM claim.
- A hit-and-run accident. In 2023, 15% of all police-reported crashes involved a driver who left the scene. If you hire an uninsured motorist lawyer, they can investigate the accident and attempt to identify the individual responsible. However, if the at-fault driver’s identity cannot be discovered, UM/UIM coverage may be used to recover your losses.
How to Build a Strong UM/UIM Case
Successfully recovering compensation in uninsured motorist cases can be complex. Having strong evidence and acting promptly can help you improve your chances of success. A Houston UM/UIM motorist attorney can guide you through the specific steps you should take in your case. However, some common steps that can be important for building a strong claim include:
- Contacting the police. Contacting the police provides an official accident report, which is valuable evidence of the crash.
- Gather evidence. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, visible injuries, and any other relevant information.
- Avoid discussing your case with an insurance company before seeking legal guidance. Insurance companies look for evidence to use against you in order to minimize payouts. Avoid giving recorded statements or answering questions until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Take note of all important deadlines. Your lawyer can help you identify the specific deadlines for filing an uninsured motorist claim based on your insurance policy details and the applicable uninsured motorist laws.
Why Choose Stevenson & Murray
Stevenson & Murray has over 80 years of experience supporting accident victims. We do not let challenges such as an uninsured driver stop us from working tirelessly to secure fair compensation for our clients. Throughout our firm’s history, we have brought our clients over $500 million in compensation.
FAQs
What Happens If You Get Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Texas?
If you get hit by an uninsured driver in Texas, then you can file a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage, personal injury protection, or you can file a claim directly against the driver. It is most common for individuals to use UM/UIM coverage because it can cover costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
Does Insurance Pay Out If You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Houston?
Yes, insurance typically pays out if you are hit by an uninsured driver, but only if you carry UM/UIM coverage. UM/UIM coverage is not legally required for Texas drivers. However, insured drivers have this coverage by default, unless they reject UM/UIM coverage. Without this coverage, your insurer may not provide compensation. If you hire an uninsured motorist lawyer, they can help you either file a claim through your own coverage or explore alternative options.
Does Your Insurance Go Up for Using Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Houston?
It is possible for your insurance premium to increase because you filed an uninsured motorist claim. However, this depends on the value of the claim, whether it was denied or not, and your insurance provider’s individual policies. Ultimately, a small increase in your insurance premium may be worth it to receive coverage for medical bills, property damage, and other losses after an accident.
What Does UM/UIM Coverage Cover in Texas?
In Texas, UM/UIM coverage typically pays for car repairs and other property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering costs, reduced value to your vehicle, and a rental car, if necessary. The specific coverage depends on your insurance company, the amount of coverage you are paying for, and the types of damages you are suffering from.
Hire an Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Now
Learning that another driver involved in an accident is uninsured can be scary. However, this does not mean that there are no ways to secure compensation. Contact Stevenson & Murray to learn more about your options after a crash with an uninsured driver.
