Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston, Texas: Steps to Take If You’re Injured by an Uninsured Driver
Getting hit by an uninsured driver can shake your world. The stress feels sharp. You worry about bills, pain, time off work, and how you will pay for care. You should not face this alone. A personal injury lawyer in Houston, Texas can guide you and help you claim fair payment. This page shows what to do right after a crash with an uninsured driver. It also explains your rights, your legal choices, and how a lawyer can help you protect your case from the start.
Why Uninsured Driver Crashes Are Common in Houston
Many drivers in Houston do not carry valid insurance. Some let their policy lapse. Some drive without a license. Some think they will never get caught. When these drivers cause a crash, you get stuck with the mess. Texas law requires drivers to carry basic insurance. Still, thousands ignore this rule. When they cause a crash, you need a plan. Your choices are different compared to a normal crash claim.
Step 1: Call 911 and Stay Safe
Your safety comes first. Move to a safe spot if you can. Call 911. Ask for police and medical help. A crash report is key in an uninsured driver case. The officer notes the facts, the damage, and the driver’s status. This record supports your claim later. If you feel pain, say so. Do not ignore signs of injury. Some injuries show up hours later. A doctor can catch hidden issues early.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Use your cell phone to capture the scene on video. Get clear pictures of both cars, of your injuries, of the marks on the highway and the highway signs. Get a picture of the other driver’s license plate. Ask the name and identification of the other driver. If they refuse, keep quiet and wait for the police. Get any people who saw the crash, names and addresses. Witnesses can help establish the facts of the case.
Step 3: Look for Signs the Driver Has No Insurance
Some drivers admit they have no insurance. Some give false cards. Some claim they “forgot” it at home. Let the police handle the check. They run the driver’s info and confirm the truth. Do not argue with the driver. Do not make deals. A simple statement like “I will let police sort this out” is enough.
Step 4: Tell Your Insurance Company Right Away
Call your insurance company and report the crash. Keep the call simple. Tell them the time, place, and what you know. Do not guess about fault, injuries, or damage. Stick to clear facts. Your policy may include Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. These parts help pay for injuries and damage caused by a driver with no insurance. Many drivers in Houston rely on UM or UIM after a crash like this. If you have this coverage, your own insurance steps in. But they do not make the process easy. They still treat it like a claim they must defend against. A lawyer can protect you from traps and low offers.
Step 5: Get a Full Medical Check as Soon as You Can
Pain can increase over time. Even minor collisions can cause neck, back or head injuries. A physician can preserve your symptoms and relate them to the collision. Such records are essential in a UM claim. Follow exactly what your physician prescribed. Save all receipts. Write down pain, sleep problems, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
Step 6: Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston
An uninsured driver crash creates a different path. You deal with your own insurer instead of the other driver’s insurer. This process can feel unfair and slow. A personal injury lawyer can step in and guide every part of your claim.
A lawyer can:
- Review your policy
- Tell you your rights
- Gather proof
- Handle talks with the insurer
- Push for fair payment
- File suit if needed
You do not pay upfront in most injury cases. Lawyers use a fee plan where they get paid only if they win.
How a Houston Lawyer Builds Your Case
A local lawyer knows Texas traffic laws and how UM claims work. They also know how Houston courts treat uninsured driver cases.
Your lawyer may:
- Study the crash report
- Review your medical records
- Talk to witnesses
- Look at road cameras if available
- Check the driver’s record
- Build a proof file
This proof helps show the crash was not your fault and that your injuries came from the impact.
What Damages You Can Claim
If you were hurt by an uninsured driver, you may claim payment for:
- Medical care
- ER visits
- Surgery
- Therapy
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Car damage
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term impact on daily life
Your lawyer reviews every cost to make sure nothing gets missed.
Why You Should Not Deal With the Insurer Alone
Your own insurer may act friendly at first. But they still aim to pay less. They may claim your injuries are small. They may doubt your pain. They may delay. They may try to settle fast for a small sum. A lawyer can block these moves and keep the process fair. When a lawyer handles your claim, you gain strength. You also gain peace of mind.
Common Mistakes After an Uninsured Driver Crash
Avoid these actions:
Do not skip medical care.
Pain may show up later. If you wait, the insurer may claim you were not hurt.
Do not post about the crash online.
Insurers watch social media. They twist your posts against you.
Do not accept a quick cash offer.
Fast offers are often too low. Talk to a lawyer first.
Do not blame yourself.
Let the facts guide the case.
Why UM and UIM Coverage Matters in Houston
Houston roads have heavy traffic. Crashes happen often. UM and UIM coverage can save you from huge bills when the other driver has no insurance. Many drivers do not know they bought UM or UIM. They see it in their policy only when they need it. This coverage helps pay for injuries, lost work, and pain. Your lawyer can help you use it the right way.
If the Uninsured Driver Runs Away
Some uninsured drivers flee. If this happens, call the police at once. Give the plate number if you saw it. Share details about the car’s make, model, and color. Tell the police where the car went. If police cannot find the driver, you can still file a UM claim. A lawyer can help prove that the crash was a hit-and-run.
How Long You Have to File a Claim in Texas
Texas gives you a set time to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you lose your right to sue. A lawyer can track dates, file papers, and move your case before time runs out.
Working With a Lawyer Step by Step
When you talk to a lawyer, they may:
- Give a free talk about your case
- Study your crash report
- Look at your policy
- Review your medical records
- Build a damage list
- Speak to your insurer for you
- Push for a fair deal
- File a lawsuit if needed
You get updates as your claim moves forward.
Why Local Experience Matters
A Houston car accident lawyer knows local roads, common crash spots, and how uninsured claims unfold in this area. They know how local adjusters act. They know what proof works best. They know how judges respond to UM cases. This knowledge helps build stronger claims.
When a Lawsuit May Be Needed
If your insurer refuses a fair deal, the lawyer may file suit. This step shows you are serious. Many cases settle after this. Some go to court. If so, your lawyer speaks for you, presents proof, calls witnesses, and fights for a fair result.
Living With Injuries After the Crash
Injuries from a crash may slow down your normal daily life. You might miss work. You may need help with daily activities. You might not sleep well or suffer from stress. All of these things affect you. Your lawyer will include them in your claim. Keep a journal each day. List your pain, your limitations and how you feel. This will help show what a burden the crash is on you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I file a claim if the other driver has no insurance?
Yes. You can file a UM claim with your own insurer. This covers injuries caused by an uninsured driver. A lawyer can help you prove the crash and guide each step.
2. Do I need a lawyer after an uninsured driver crash?
You gain strong support with a lawyer. UM claims can get messy. Insurers often push back. A lawyer protects your rights and helps you push for fair payment.
3. What if the uninsured driver ran away?
You can still file a UM claim. Police reports, photos, and witness words help prove the crash. A lawyer knows how to build these cases.
4. What if I do not have UM or UIM coverage?
You may still have options. A lawyer can look for other paths. These may include suing the driver or checking if another policy applies.
5. How long does a UM claim take?
Time depends on your injuries, proof, and how the insurer responds. Some claims move fast. Some take months. A lawyer helps keep your case on track.
