Imagine yourself cruising down SPID on a warm summer morning. You have your beach bag packed, the family is in the vehicle, and you even have your puppy loaded up for the fun summer day. All of a sudden and without warning, you are struck from behind. Everyone is shaken up, the kids are crying and the dog is barking. You have to now cancel your day and take everyone to the hospital. All of this due to someone else’s negligence.
A couple of days later you find out the driver of the vehicle that struck you has no insurance. Now you’re left asking, “What should I do?” Lucky for you, you were responsible and you have Uninsured motorist coverage. Your attorney assures you that you are ok because your insurance will now cover you. But many clients still wonder, “Why should my insurance have to pay when someone else wasn’t covered?”
This is a very common example that I as a personal injury attorney in Corpus Christi, TX see every day. My client is confused as to why their own insurance company is left with the bill. I assure my clients that they have been paying an extra premium every month to their insurance company for this EXACT scenario. If they did not have this coverage, they would be forced to pay all the medical bills and rehabilitation costs associated with the accident that was not their fault.
If you never want to use your insurance to cover you from an uninsured motorist then it is important to cancel this coverage immediately as you are paying for something that you may someday refuse to use. But once I’m able to explain this to clients they understand the process and they are glad they have been paying for the coverage because now they are protected.
It is unfortunate that uninsured motorist are all over the road today. Our laws are not strict enough punishing these folks and thus the problem is ever increasing. It’s very rare that I even see an uninsured driver has been issued a citation for lack of insurance. The best advice I can give someone is to make sure you are fully protected when driving on the roads. Obtain uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect your vehicle and you from being involved in financial debt that’s not your fault.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at sstratso@herrmanandherrman.com or call the office Monday through Friday 8:30-5:30 at 361-882-4357.
