Driving on Texas roads can be risky, especially if you assume everyone around you is fully insured. Many motorists either have the state’s bare minimum liability coverage—or none at all.
If an underinsured or uninsured driver injures you in a car accident, you could end up paying for expenses they can’t afford. Below is an overview of how Texas insurance requirements work, why so many drivers have inadequate policies, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Minimum Coverage in Texas
Texas law mandates certain minimum liability insurance limits for all registered vehicles. Currently, drivers must carry at least:
- $30,000 of coverage per injured person
- $60,000 total coverage per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This is often referred to as 30/60/25 coverage. While these numbers might sound sizable at first, they can evaporate quickly after a serious accident. Consider that even one night in a hospital may exceed $30,000, let alone the costs of surgery or rehabilitation.
Why So Many Have Inadequate Insurance
There are several reasons people end up driving with too little or no insurance at all:
- Financial strain: Insurance policies can be expensive, and some drivers opt for minimal (or zero) coverage in an attempt to save money.
- Lack of awareness: Many Texans believe the state’s minimum liability requirements are sufficient—until they face a severe accident.
- Complacency: Some drivers might ignore policy expiration dates or assume coverage is automatic, resulting in unintentional lapses.
Regardless of the cause, getting hit by an underinsured or uninsured driver can be a devastating scenario if you rely solely on them to pay for your losses.
What Happens if You’re Hit by an Underinsured/Uninsured Driver?
When a negligent driver doesn’t have enough insurance (or has none), you risk being stuck with:
- Unpaid medical bills: The at-fault party’s policy might cap out far below your total treatment costs.
- Lost wages: If you can’t work and the driver lacks coverage, you have few avenues to recoup your missed paychecks.
- Property damage: Repairs or vehicle replacements might not be fully compensated.
In Texas, you could attempt to sue the at-fault driver personally, but collecting from individuals who can’t afford insurance can be challenging—many simply don’t have sufficient assets to satisfy a large judgment.
Ways To Protect Yourself
Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to guard against financial disaster:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This optional add-on to your auto policy covers your medical bills and other losses if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. UM/UIM coverage typically doesn’t cost much more, but can save you tens of thousands in a bad accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Texas insurers must offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage. PIP pays regardless of fault, covering medical expenses and partial lost wages.
- Higher liability limits: If you’re sued after causing a crash, stronger liability coverage prevents you from dipping into personal assets.
Check your policy at renewal time to see if you have enough coverage, especially if you experience major life changes like getting married, buying a home, or having children.
Even careful drivers can end up in collisions with underinsured or uninsured motorists. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and the at-fault party can’t cover your bills, an experienced car accident lawyer can guide you. They may explore UM/UIM claims, negotiate with your insurer, or sue the negligent driver if viable.
Don’t risk navigating complex insurance or legal processes alone—speak with a lawyer who can fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 777-7777
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861