Texas is an at-fault state, meaning that when you get into a car accident, the driver responsible has to pay for the damages. However, if you end up colliding with someone who doesn’t have insurance, the process isn’t as cut and dry—and it can be quite difficult to get the driver to pay up on their own. If you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for your medical bills and auto repairs, use the following guide to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How to Pursue Compensation From an Uninsured Driver

1. Notify Your Car Insurance Company

As soon as you’ve addressed your injuries and ensured your safety, call your car insurance provider and tell them about the accident. They will be able to tell you definitively whether the driver has insurance or not. For example, if they were driving for work, their employer’s insurance may take over.

2. Ask About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If the driver is uninsured and was not driving for work, ask your insurance provider if your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage. This is not standard, but if you did elect to add it to your policy, the insurer will step in to cover what the other driver can’t.

This way, you won’t have to cover the repair and medical bills out of your own pocket. Another option would be to file a property damage claim on your insurance, but this may increase your own rates.

3. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the options above don’t work, contact a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit. This will require trying the driver in a court of law, where a judge will make a decision about their involvement in the accident and subsequent financial responsibilities. This way, even if the driver doesn’t have an insurance policy, they will be ordered to take care of your expenses so long as you can prove their culpability.

If you were in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in the Sugar Land, TX, area, Reed & Terry, LLP is poised to fight for compensation on your behalf. Lead attorneys Travis Terry and Jackson Reed have over 100 years of combined experience, and they’ve been running the firm since 1994. If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer who will remain attentive and motivated throughout your lawsuit, call (281) 491-5000 to set up a free consultation today. You can also visit the website to learn more about their practice areas.