Most people assume that if they get hit by another driver in Austin, the other person’s insurance will pay for everything.
But Texas has a major problem that many drivers don’t realize until it’s too late:
A large number of motorists are uninsured or underinsured.
So even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you can still end up stuck with medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs—unless you know what steps to take next.
Why Uninsured Drivers Are a Serious Problem in Texas
Texas consistently ranks among the states with a high number of uninsured drivers. In a busy city like Austin—where traffic, construction zones, and distracted driving are everyday issues—this becomes even more dangerous.
If an uninsured driver causes a crash, they usually can’t pay out-of-pocket for:
- hospital treatment
- surgery or therapy
- car repairs
- long-term lost income
Which means the burden often shifts onto you.
What Happens Right After the Crash
If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, you’ll likely notice one of these situations:
1) They admit they don’t have coverage
Some drivers are honest and say it immediately.
2) They refuse to show proof of insurance
They may dodge questions, stall, or become aggressive.
3) They give fake insurance information
Unfortunately, this happens more than people think.
4) They flee the scene
A hit-and-run is often a sign the driver has no coverage, no license, or both.
Can You Still Get Compensation?
Yes—depending on your policy and the facts of the case.
1) Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
This is coverage on your policy that may pay for:
- medical bills
- pain and suffering
- lost wages
- sometimes vehicle damage
2) Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
This applies when the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
For example:
- They have minimum coverage
- Your injuries require months of treatment
- Their policy runs out quickly
The Catch: Your Own Insurance Company May Fight You
This part shocks most accident victims.
Even though you pay premiums every month, your insurer may still:
- delay your claim
- request excessive documentation
- dispute medical treatment
- argue your injuries aren’t serious
- try to lowball your payout
At that point, it’s not really “you vs. the uninsured driver.”
It becomes you vs. an insurance company with lawyers and adjusters.
This is one of the most common reasons people contact an Austin, TX Car Accident Lawyer when an uninsured driver is involved, because the process becomes a legal fight instead of a simple claim.
What You Should Do Immediately (To Protect Yourself)
If you suspect the other driver has no insurance, these steps matter:
Call the police and insist on a report
A police report becomes critical proof later.
Take photos of everything
Get photos of:
- damage
- the other driver
- license plate
- the roadway
- any injuries
Get witness information
Witnesses can help confirm:
- who caused the crash
- whether the driver fled
- whether the driver admitted fault
Seek medical care quickly
Delaying treatment makes insurers argue your injury “wasn’t real” or wasn’t related.
What If It Was a Hit-and-Run?
Hit-and-run accidents are extremely common in uninsured driver situations.
In many cases, uninsured motorist coverage can still apply, even if the other driver is never found—especially if:
- you reported it immediately
- there’s a police report
- you have evidence of the crash
Final Thoughts
A crash with an uninsured driver in Austin can feel unfair, frustrating, and financially terrifying—especially when you did nothing wrong.
But you may still have options through your own coverage, and the key is taking the right steps early so you don’t get blamed, delayed, or denied.
If you’re dealing with a claim where the other driver has no insurance, it often helps to speak with an attorney before the insurance company controls the narrative.
