Do Insurance Companies Go After Uninsured Drivers?

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers? Insurance companies have the right to pursue compensation from an uninsured driver through subrogation. However, the company only seeks reimbursement for the amount paid through your coverage. 

Unfortunately, this can leave victims of car accidents without the compensation necessary to recover fully. When you work with a law firm such as Universal Law Group, you have an advocate ready to pursue the compensation you need and deserve. 

Car Accidents & Uninsured Drivers

A car accident is hard enough to deal with when it’s not your fault, but when the negligent driver doesn’t have insurance, it makes the process more difficult. Previously, we discussed whether it’s possible to sue an uninsured driver. 

Under Texas law, every driver must carry a certain amount of car insurance. However, this doesn’t mean every driver follows the law. According to data from the Insurance Research Council, around 14.1% of drivers in Texas are uninsured.

Unfortunately, that means your odds of being in an accident with an uninsured driver are higher than you might think. Moreover, the financial impact of that accident is very real, leaving victims to foot the bill. 

If you have insurance, you can file a claim against your own insurance policy. But, that requires you to have uninsured motorist coverage. It also means you are responsible for the deductible and have limits to the compensation you can pursue. 

What Can I Get From My Own Coverage? 

The amount you can recover from an uninsured motorist claim depends on the coverage of your policy. As mentioned above, Texas law requires a minimum coverage. 

• $30,000 for injuries per person up to $60,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Your claim pulls from that coverage, so once you hit the limit, that’s all your insurance company will provide. So, if your limit is $100,000 and you have $150,000 in expenses, it leaves you with $50,000 to find. 

“Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?” The company might pursue reimbursement of what it paid to you through subrogation. Subrogation is a legal doctrine in which one party substitutes another in respect of a debt or insurance claim, so the uninsured driver assumes your debt. 

But, what about you and your debt? Filing an insurance claim for uninsured drivers is hard on its own. Even if you pay extra for uninsured motorist coverage, the insurance company doesn’t want to pay your full claim. 

More likely, they will offer you a lowball settlement or deny your claim. For them, that is much easier than trying to fight with an uninsured driver for the money they paid you. 

Should I Go Through My Insurance or Sue the Uninsured Driver?

Ultimately, it depends on the facts of your case and who the uninsured driver is. Generally, if a driver doesn’t have insurance, they might not be able to pay any sort of settlement. Your best option is to work with an experienced attorney to explore your options. 

Suing an uninsured driver isn’t always easy, but in some cases, there may be another liable party. For example, if the other driver’s vehicle malfunctioned due to a defective car part, the manufacturer may be liable. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with an attorney after an accident. Typically, personal injury law firms offer free consultations, so you won’t have to pay to learn more about your options. Additionally, law firms have more resources to investigate your claim and pursue compensation. 

What Do I Do If An Uninsured Driver Hits Me?

First, don’t wonder whether insurance companies go after uninsured drivers. It doesn’t change your circumstances all that much. Instead, schedule an appointment with Universal Law Group. 

You can speak with an experienced attorney who knows how to handle complex claims. Your attorney is an advocate for your best interests, and you deserve strong representation. 

Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney for a free consultation.