Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but when the other driver doesn't have insurance, the situation can become even more overwhelming. In Texas, thousands of drivers operate vehicles without the legally required liability coverage, leaving responsible drivers like you to pick up the pieces.

This issue is even more serious in Laredo and Webb County, where we see some of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the state. Our location along the Texas–Mexico border means that many vehicles crossing into the U.S. may be uninsured or underinsured, putting local drivers at greater risk of being left without recourse after an accident.

If you've been injured in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, or were the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still have options to recover your damages. In this post, we'll explain what to do immediately after the crash, and how to protect your rights through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

First Steps After the Accident

Whether or not the at-fault driver has insurance, your immediate steps after an accident are the same:

• Call 911 and report the crash
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Take photos of the scene and all vehicle damage
• Get witness names and contact information
• Request a copy of the police report

If the other driver fled the scene, this may become a hit-and-run case—which uninsured motorist policies also cover in Texas.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Texas

Texas drivers are offered UM/UIM coverage when they buy auto insurance. If you chose to include this protection, it can help pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repairs

In border communities like Laredo, having this coverage isn't just smart, it's essential. With so many cross-border drivers and uninsured vehicles on the road, the risk of being left without coverage after an accident is much higher than in other parts of Texas.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

Technically, you can file a UM claim on your own. But if your injuries are serious or the insurance company isn't cooperating, it's in your best interest to hire a lawyer. An experienced attorney can:

• Deal with the insurance company on your behalf
• Prove the uninsured driver caused the crash
• Negotiate a better settlement
• Take your case to court, if necessary

Learn More About Your Legal Options

If you're unsure whether you have uninsured motorist coverage, or how to use it, we're here to help. Learn more in our full guide: Uninsured Motorist Claims in Texas: Know Your Rights After an Accident.

At Tellez Law, we help injury victims across Laredo and Webb County hold insurance companies accountable. We never charge a fee unless we win your case.