According to the Austin Police Department, thousands of citations were issued to Austin drivers who had no insurance at all this year. Between January and September, data showed that uninsured driving citations were issued more than others.
While this news is troubling, it highlights a deeper issue that many Texans overlook: even if you follow the law, there is no guarantee that the driver who hits you will. For anyone in Austin who spends time on I-35, MoPac, or 183, the risk of being hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist is much higher than people realize.
When that happens, the financial repercussions can be devastating. That’s why having uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most important – and most affordable – forms of protection you can carry.
Having a Safety Net
The data collected by ADP did not include drivers who are technically insured but only carry the state minimum liability limits. These limits often fail to cover a single ambulance ride or visit to the emergency room.
When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a car accident in Austin, their lack of coverage becomes your problem unless you have your own financial safety net. That safety net is UM/UIM coverage.
Why UM/UIM Coverage in Austin Matters
The city continues to expand quickly, which means more traffic and higher risks of car accidents in Austin. Many victims assume the other driver’s insurance will pay if they are not at fault, but if that driver has no coverage (Or not enough) you can be stuck with:
- Medical bills and future treatments
- Lost wages
- Long-term impacts with pain or trauma
- Car repairs or replacement
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage steps in to cover these losses when the at-fault driver cannot. This type of coverage is usually affordable, and increasing your UM/UIM limits typically only costs a few more dollars per month. This can make the difference between financial security and severe debt after a crash.
Minimum Liability Coverage Might Not Be Enough
With rising medical costs and more traffic, minimum limits are rarely enough to cover a car accident in Austin with an underinsured driver. In Texas, the minimum liability coverage is:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $30,000 per injured person
- $60,000 total per crash
Injuries that aren’t crippling can still exceed $30,000 in medical bills alone. If the at-fault driver carries only minimum coverage, your UM/UIM can fill the gap. If they carry no insurance at all, then UM can cover you entirely.
What to Do If You Are Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Austin
Car accidents can happen at any time, so knowing the steps to take after one happens can help the future of your health and finances. If you are involved in a car crash in Austin:
- Call 911 and report the crash to get a police report on record
- Take photos of the scene, damage and injuries for documentation
- Exchange information
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer
- Contact a car accident attorney in Austin who understands the roads and insurance laws
You should also consider medical attention after a car accident. Even minor collisions can cause injuries that might not show up immediately, but seeing a doctor creates an official record connecting your injuries to the crash.
When filing a claim with your own insurance company, they may look for ways to minimize what they pay. UM/UIM claims often require negotiation and proof of damages, so a car accident attorney in Austin can help with your statement and claim.
The Carlson Law Firm Can Help
At The Carlson Law Firm, we have helped countless Austin crash victims through the UM/UIM claim process. This includes denied claims and complicated insurance disputes. Dealing with your insurance company while recovering from an injury can be hard, but you are not alone.
You should not be punished because another driver failed to follow the law. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Austin, we can help. Our car accident lawyer can also help to understand and strengthen your UM/UIM coverage.
Call The Carlson Law Firm today and let us know how we can help.
