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For many car crash victims in Houston, the financial fallout of an accident extends far beyond medical bills and vehicle repairs. When the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is too low to pay for the damages, or when that driver has no insurance at all, injured victims often feel trapped with no options for recovery. This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, commonly referred to as UM/UIM coverage, becomes critical.
At Charles J. Argento, our Harris County personal injury lawyer helps victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need, even when insurance coverage seems to have run out.
What UM/UIM Coverage Means for Houston Drivers
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides protection when a driver who causes a crash does not carry liability insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but the policy limits are not enough to cover the victim’s losses. These types of coverage give injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians a financial safety net.
In Texas, UM/UIM coverage is not required by law. However, insurance companies must offer it when you purchase liability insurance. Unless you reject it in writing, UM/UIM coverage will be included in your policy by default. Many drivers do not realize they have this protection until they are forced to rely on it after a crash.
Why Victims Often Need UM/UIM Coverage
The cost of medical treatment after a serious car crash can be overwhelming. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care often exceed the minimum insurance limits carried by many drivers in Texas.
Currently, state law requires drivers to have only $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage. These limits are rarely enough to pay for catastrophic injuries.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, the problem is even more severe. Without UM/UIM coverage, victims may have no practical way to recover the compensation they need. UM/UIM coverage bridges this gap by stepping in when the responsible driver cannot pay.
How to Pursue a UM/UIM Claim
Pursuing a UM/UIM claim is not always straightforward. Even though you are filing with your own insurance company, the process can still be adversarial. Insurers often challenge these claims by questioning the extent of your injuries or by arguing that another party was at fault. Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is essential to support your case.
At Charles J. Argento, our team works to build a strong claim backed by solid evidence. We negotiate directly with the insurance company to pursue the maximum amount of compensation available under the policy. When necessary, we are prepared to take legal action to protect our clients’ rights.
Why Legal Guidance Matters in UM/UIM Claims
The rules surrounding UM/UIM coverage are complex, and victims should not assume their insurer will act in their best interest. Our skilled Houston personal injury attorney can analyze the policy, identify the available coverage, and push back against efforts to minimize payouts. This guidance can make the difference between partial compensation and the full recovery that a victim needs to move forward.
Protecting Your Financial Future After a Crash
Car crash victims in Houston should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s decision to drive without adequate insurance. UM/UIM coverage exists to provide a financial lifeline, but securing these benefits often requires persistence and skilled legal representation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston car crash and worries about the limits of available insurance coverage, contact Charles J. Argento today at (713) 225-5050 or online for a free consultation. Our Houston personal injury attorney is ready to review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
