What to Do If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance in Texas

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but discovering the other driver doesn’t have insurance can make an already difficult situation even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in Texas, where thousands of drivers are uninsured or underinsured.

At The Law Office of Silverio Martinez P.C., we help injury victims understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve—even when the at-fault driver lacks insurance coverage.

Here’s what you need to know and what steps to take after being hit by an uninsured driver in Texas.

1. Stay Calm and Gather Evidence at the Scene

Just like any other accident, the first step is to stay calm and ensure everyone’s safety. Then, gather as much information as possible:

Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
The other driver’s license and contact information
Witness names and contact details
Police report number

Even if the driver admits they don’t have insurance, never accept cash or verbal promises. Instead, call the police so there’s an official report. That documentation can play a key role when filing a claim through your own insurance or pursuing legal action later.

For a step-by-step breakdown of what to do after any collision, visit our guide on Car Accidents in Texas: What to Do Immediately After a Crash.

2. Understand Texas Insurance Requirements

Under Texas law, all drivers must carry a minimum level of liability insurance (often called 30/60/25 coverage):

$30,000 for bodily injury per person
$60,000 total for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage

However, many drivers violate this law and drive uninsured. When that happens, your insurance coverage—especially if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) protection—can make all the difference.

3. File a Claim Under Your Own UM/UIM Coverage

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can compensate you for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage

If the driver has insurance but not enough to cover your losses, your Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage fills that gap.

UM/UIM coverage is optional in Texas, but insurance companies must offer it—and you can only reject it in writing. If you’re unsure whether you have this protection, check your policy or contact your insurance provider.

4. Consider Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage—or if your insurer denies your claim—you may need to pursue compensation directly through a personal injury lawsuit.

While suing an uninsured driver can be challenging, especially if they lack financial resources, a skilled attorney can:

Identify other liable parties (such as employers, vehicle owners, or third parties)
Investigate whether the driver was working at the time of the crash
Explore other insurance policies that may apply

Our firm has successfully handled complex uninsured motorist cases across Texas, helping victims recover damages even when traditional insurance options seemed unavailable.

To learn more about how personal injury lawsuits work, read our detailed guide on What to Expect in a Texas Personal Injury Lawsuit: Step-by-Step Guide.

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes After the Accident

To protect your claim, avoid the following:

Admitting fault or apologizing to the other driver
Accepting a quick settlement from your insurer
Delaying medical treatment
Failing to document your injuries or missed work

Insurance companies often use these mistakes to devalue or deny your claim. Having a lawyer handle communication ensures your rights are fully protected.

6. Don’t Wait—Texas Has a Strict Deadline

Under the Texas statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Delaying can make it harder to collect evidence, find witnesses, or secure compensation through insurance or litigation. Acting quickly gives your attorney more leverage to build a strong case on your behalf.

For more information about claim timelines, visit How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas.

7. Contact The Law Office of Silverio Martinez P.C.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t have to face it alone.

At The Law Office of Silverio Martinez P.C., we provide strategic, aggressive representation to ensure your medical expenses, lost wages, and damages are covered. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling (956) 724-5047 or visiting silveriomartinezlaw.com/contact.

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