Auto accidents are a common occurrence on Texas roads. In fact, in 2022 there were over 7,600 reported accidents in Corpus Christi alone. In the aftermath of a car wreck, victims may be overwhelmed dealing with serious injuries, financial instability, and mounting expenses. While some of these cases are minor and are settled out of court, some need the representation of an experienced Texas attorney to ensure that victims receive the maximum compensation possible.
Read on to learn more about navigating liability in car accidents and legal next steps available to victims and their families.
Texas Liability Coverage Legal RequirementsLiability coverage refers to the responsibility of a driver to compensate for damages or injuries caused to others in an accident where they are at fault. Liability coverage protects drivers from potential lawsuits and financial burdens resulting from accidents they cause, while underinsured coverage safeguards against accidents involving drivers with insufficient insurance.
Each state has its own minimum requirements that drivers must adhere to. Texas auto insurance requirements typically include bodily injury liability, which covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees for the injured party, and property damage liability, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, Texas law requires at least $30,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for property damage.
While establishing responsibility in Corpus Christi auto accidents, drivers should understand the minimum liability limits in their own insurance policies. You may consider obtaining higher coverage limits to adequately protect yourself in case of a severe accident. Conversely, if you’ve been in an accident where the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover your damages, you have options.
What to Do After an Accident With an Underinsured DriverEven with liability coverage, in some Corpus auto accidents, the at-fault driver's insurance may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of damages or injuries. This is where uninsured and underinsured coverage comes into play. Underinsured coverage is an additional insurance policy that drivers can purchase to protect themselves if they are involved in an accident with a driver whose insurance coverage is insufficient.
Underinsured coverage typically pays for the difference between the at-fault driver's policy limit and the actual damages or injuries sustained by the insured driver, up to the limit of the underinsured coverage. This coverage ensures that drivers are not left financially burdened, or facing legal consequences and penalties if they are involved in an accident with an underinsured driver.
Seek Legal Counsel to Learn All of Your OptionsNavigating liability and underinsured coverage can be complex, and drivers should consult with their insurance agents to fully understand their coverage options. In some cases, Corpus Christi personal injury claims may be the best option to recover your losses. A skilled lawyer will be able to accurately assess if you have a claim and calculate what you are owed. A personal injury attorney will also work to build your case and advocate on your behalf.
Choose Carabin Shaw and Get the Compensation You DeserveIf you’ve been involved in an accident and are trying to navigate liability and insurance, turn to the Corpus Christi car accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We are ready to fight for you and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. We understand that this ordeal can be traumatic and overwhelming, and it is our goal to ease your burden so that you can focus on recovery while knowing that you, and your case, are in good hands. Reach out to our team today to get started.
For a free case review and initial consultation, you can call us toll-free at 800-862-1260. We have both English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to take your call 24/7. To see what others with similar cases have shared about their experience working with us, be sure to check out Carabin Shaw’s client reviews.
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