The Importance of Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

I heard on the radio yesterday that if the ice melted in Alaska, Texas would assume the spot of the biggest State in the Union. Certainly, it is undisputed that Texas has the most roadways. It makes sense that we would also be ranked high in car fatalities.

In Texas, car deaths make up the highest percentage of overall fatalities. Texas is not alone, however. Along with Oklahoma, Texas and the other southern states form a “Car Death Belt” spanning the Deep South and the Great Plains. These statistics show the risk that drivers have on the roads in Texas. While following the rules of the road is very helpful, sometimes it is not enough if another driver is not following the same rules. It makes sense to drive as safe a vehicle as you can when given a choice. It also makes sense that you would make sure that you carry uninsured/underinsured coverage in your auto policy to help cover your personal injury or wrongful death damages in case you or a loved one is a car accident and the alleged negligent driver either does not have liability insurance or enough liability insurance to cover your damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of financial service, loss of house hold services (services that you now have to hire out), loss of inheritance, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability.

Carrying liability insurance follows the law and protects the community. Making sure that you have uninsured and/or underinsured coverage protects you and your loved ones. The laws of the State of Texas thinks so much of uninsured and/or underinsured coverage that it requires auto insurance companies to provide it unless they get a signed rejection. (See, http://www.tdi.texas.gov/commercial/pcckautp.html, citing Texas Insurance Code Sec. 1952.101. UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE REQUIRED).

There is something to be said for driving defensively, but if you are or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s offensive driving, call The Law Offices of Reynolds & Reynolds, PLLC at 214-891-6606 and speak to an attorney today.