Home » Law and Legal Articles » 15 Percent of TX Drivers Uninsured, Despite State Law Requiring Coverage
15 Percent of TX Drivers Uninsured, Despite State Law Requiring Coverage
A significant number of uninsured drivers in Texas place everyone at risk.
November 13, 2011 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- A newly released study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) determined that 15 percent of Texas drivers are uninsured, placing themselves in violation of state law and other road users in grave physical and fiscal danger. Texas requires that all drivers be able to pay for accidents they cause by purchasing auto insurance. Failing to purchase coverage can put uninsured motorists and those on the road with them in harm's way physically and financially.
Texas Requires All Drivers to Have Auto Insurance
The state of Texas requires all drivers who register their cars, apply for licenses or have their cars inspected present proof of auto insurance that meets the state's minimum liability requirements. Those individuals who fail to produce proof of insurance are subject to fines from $175 for a first offense to $4,000 if they are in an accident that causes death or serious injury of another party.
The Lone Star State requires that all drivers carry what is known as "30/60/25" liability coverage at the very minimum. This means that drivers must have at least $30,000 per injured person and up to $60,000 per accident coverage as well as $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
This minimum amount of liability coverage, however, may not be enough to cover a serious accident, which can result in costly car repairs and medical bills. Therefore, the state suggests drivers purchase additional insurance, such as collision, comprehension and medical coverage.
Sometimes, drivers may fail to carry appropriate insurance coverage because they have been denied coverage by one or more insurance companies. This, however, does not exempt these drivers from purchasing coverage. The state of Texas offers an insurance plan to drivers that have been denied insurance at least twice. TAIPA, or the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association, plan is more expensive than other coverage available and only offers minimum liability with optional Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist protection. TAIPA also charges higher fees when drivers get a ticket than other insurance companies. Despite these drawbacks, TAIPA remains a viable insurance option for those with accidents or tickets on their records and helps drivers operate within the law.
Risks of Driving While Uninsured
Uninsured drivers pose a grave danger to other road users. In the event of an accident, uninsured motorists do not have the benefit of the protection insurance coverage provides, leaving themselves and others financially vulnerable in the event of an accident. Someone that is injured or whose car is damaged in an accident with an uninsured motorist cannot pursue compensation through that motorist's insurance company, but may seek damages from the driver him or herself through a personal injury lawsuit. The costs of this scenario can far outweigh the costs of the insurance coverage an uninsured driver seeks to avoid. While they avoid paying for their own car insurance, uninsured motorists cost insured drivers almost $11 billion in 2007, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Texas state law requires all drivers to purchase a minimum amount of auto insurance. This helps cover injuries and property damage in the event of an accident and prevents other drivers from being left high and dry by an uninsured motorist. If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving an uninsured motorist, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Article provided by John K. Zaid & Associates, PLLC
Visit us at www.zaidlaw.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com |
|
|
Press Release Contact Information:
FL Web Advantage
|
|
|
|
|
| LAW AND LEGAL ARCHIVE SEARCH |
|
|
| |
| SUBMIT LAW AND LEGAL NEWS |
|
|
| |
|
|
Advertise With Us |
About Us |
Contact Us