What Happens If You Don’t Have Insurance During a Car Accident?
Many Texans believe that if they don’t have car insurance at the time of an accident, they can’t pursue a claim — but that’s simply not true. While driving without insurance can lead to penalties, it does not prevent you from seeking compensation if another driver caused the crash.
You Can Still File a Personal Injury Claim
Even if you didn’t have insurance, you still have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Texas is an “at-fault” state, which means the driver who causes the accident is responsible for paying for the damages — through their own insurance policy.
Your lack of insurance has no bearing on the other driver’s responsibility. If the case goes to trial, the only question for the jury is whether the other driver was negligent — not whether you had coverage. In other words, if they caused the crash, they’re still liable for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
What You Could Still Be Penalized For
While you can absolutely bring a claim, it’s important to understand that driving without insurance is still against the law in Texas. You may receive a ticket, pay fines, or even face license suspension for being uninsured. However, those penalties are separate from your injury case and do not affect your right to recover compensation from the negligent driver.
Don’t Let Lack of Insurance Stop You
If you were hurt in a car accident and didn’t have insurance at the time, don’t let that stop you from seeking justice. Insurance companies may try to intimidate or mislead you into thinking you have no options — but that’s false. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer and make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
You still deserve compensation for your injuries, and a skilled lawyer can make sure you get it.
