Coverage Under Your UM / UIM Policy

Unfortunately, many lawyers claim to understand insurance law and insurance policies but fail to explain key aspects of uninsured and underinsured motorist policies that you, as the insurance consumer, would benefit from knowing. Most San Antonio drivers believe that their insurance covers them only while they are in their insured motor vehicle. However, the experienced attorneys at Carabin Shaw can explain the coverage under your UM/UIM policy so that you can receive the compensation you may not know that you deserve. San Antonio drivers are often unaware that if you, or more importantly, your children and other family members are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have a right to make a claim even if you were not in your vehicle at the time of the accident.

Trust the expert San Antonio UM coverage lawyers at Carabin Shaw to assist you if you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

A good quote to remember on this topic or issue comes from the Texas Case of Greene v. Great American Insurance Company: “There is no requirement that the insured have any relation, at the time of the accident, with any vehicle he owns and that is insured with the insurer. The uninsured motorists protection covers the insured and the family members while riding in uninsured vehicles, while riding in commercial vehicles, while pedestrians, or while rocking on the front porch.” In other words, you or your loved one can make a claim against your UM/UIM coverage if you were injured as a result of the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured driver regardless of location or activity. These activities can include riding in someone else’s car or riding your bicycle or walking or doing most anything else. When looking at your own coverage under your UM/UIM policy, the focus is not on what you were doing, but whether you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

However, there are two things to keep in mind: First, this analysis only applies to your own UM/UIM insurance. If you are looking to make a recovery on UM/UIM insurance bought by someone else — for example, your employer, someone whose car you’re in, etc. — then this specific analysis does not apply. In that situation, you must be in their vehicle at the time of the loss. Second, the potential coverage isn’t always quite as broad as the case above indicates. Because of exclusions, there might be some very specific situations where coverage doesn’t apply. Because policies are so different, you’ll have to look to your policy to know what applies.

The experienced attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you understand the nuances of your specific situation and the details of your coverage under your UM/UIM policy so that you are able to receive the maximum benefit you are owed.

If you have been involved in an accident in San Antonio with an uninsured or underinsured driver and need advice or just have a question, you do not have to wrestle with the confusing details of your policy alone. San Antonio drivers can easily feel powerless when they become victims in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver especially when they are not in their insured vehicle. We at Carabin Shaw want you to understand your rights under your policy so that you are not left with sudden and unmanageable out-of-pocket costs.

Our lawyers at Carabin Shaw are ready to assist you with your claim in English or Spanish. Our attorneys offer a free initial consultation to go over your policy and specific claim. You and your family should be able to claim payment for accidents that are covered under your insurance and Carabin Shaw is prepared to get you the compensation you deserve. Call and make an appointment today!