Car accidents are already scary. But they can feel even worse when the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance. What do you do then? Can you still get help for your injuries or car repairs? Thankfully, a car accident attorney knows how to handle this situation.
In places like San Antonio, the problem is very real. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, San Antonio has a high volume of daily traffic—especially along major roads like Loop 410, I-10, and US-281. Combined with Texas ranking among the top states with the highest number of uninsured drivers, the risk is even higher.
If you get hit by one of them, the road to recovery may feel tough. That’s where a skilled car accident attorney in San Antonio steps in to guide you.
Going deeper:
What Is an Uninsured Driver?
An uninsured driver is someone who drives without the required car insurance. Some may have let their policy expire, while others never had one at all. Sometimes, people flee the scene—this is called a hit-and-run. No matter the reason, not having insurance is against the law in most places.
These cases are tricky. If the other driver has no insurance, how can they pay for your injuries, car, or time off work? This is where the attorney’s job becomes so essential.
What Does the Attorney Do First?
The first thing a car accident attorney does is learn the facts. They ask for the police report, medical records, and any photos or videos from the crash. They also talk to witnesses if needed, which helps them determine the strength of the case.
Then, they look at your insurance policy. You may have something called Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This can pay for your damages when the other driver has no insurance. Your attorney will check if this is part of your policy.
Ways to Get Paid
Even if the other driver has no insurance, there are ways to recover money. Here are the main options:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim: If you have UM coverage, your attorney can file a claim with your insurer.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claim: If the driver has insurance, but it’s not enough, this helps cover the gap.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This pays for medical bills no matter who is at fault.
- MedPay: Similar to PIP but usually for smaller amounts.
- Finding other parties: Sometimes, someone else may be partly at fault, like the car owner or an employer.
Your lawyer will explore every option to help you get what you deserve.
Legal Steps Your Attorney Might Take
A car accident attorney may attempt to reach a settlement with your insurance company, but if the insurer refuses to pay or offers too little, the attorney can take further legal action on your behalf. They might:
- File a lawsuit.
- Take the case to court or arbitration.
- Push back against unfair offers.
They also look into whether the uninsured driver has any money or property. If so, the lawyer may sue them directly. However, this only works if the person has something to lose.
Why These Cases Are Tough
Getting money from someone with no insurance—and no money—is hard. Many people who drive without insurance don’t have much. So even if you win in court, you might be unable to collect.
Insurance companies can also be slow to act. They may delay or try to deny your claim. That’s why having an attorney who fights back is essential.
Another issue is proving who caused the crash. If the uninsured driver leaves the scene, that makes it more challenging. Your lawyer has to work even harder to find out what happened.
How an Attorney Helps You
Your attorney makes sure your rights are safe. They:
- Talk to the insurance company for you.
- Help you avoid low settlement offers.
- Guide you through every legal step.
- Keep all the paperwork and deadlines in order.
They also explain everything in simple terms so you understand your options.
How You Can Be Ready
To protect yourself from uninsured drivers:
- Make sure you have UM or UIM coverage in your car insurance.
- Always report accidents to the police and your insurer.
- Keep all records from the accident—photos, notes, and bills.
These steps can make a big difference later.
The Final Say!
Getting into a crash with an uninsured driver can feel like a dead end. But with the right attorney, it doesn’t have to be. They know the rules, the options, and the best ways to get you back on track.
