All 50 states now require that drivers purchase auto insurance in order to drive legally. While the penalties vary from state-to-state, there can be serious consequences to driving without insurance. In the United States, we have no-fault car insurance states and fault-based states.
Not surprisingly, Texas is a “fault” state, which means that at-fault drivers are fully liable for the accidents they cause. As a tort state, if you cause an accident in Texas and the other person is injured, he or she can sue you for their vehicle damage, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Usually, this means the injured driver files a claim against your auto insurance policy.
When You Are Not Insured
“What if I cause an accident and I am not insured?” Well, you’re not off the hook. If you cause a car accident and you do not have auto insurance, the other driver can still sue you personally. This means that if it can be proven that you caused the accident, you’ll have to pay the injured party out of your own pocket. “But what if I don’t have that kind of money laying around?” You’re still not out of the woods.
Like any other lawsuit, if the other party wins and they obtain a judgment against you, they have options available to enforce the judgment and collect what you owe them – a wage garnishment is one such method.
“The first time you get caught driving without valid insurance in Texas, you will probably get off pretty lightly, at least compared with other states. That is, of course, if you consider the following getting off lightly. First-time offenders will, by law, be cited and fined between $175 and $350. Additionally, a surcharge of $250 will be added to your annual driver’s license fee for each of the next three years. Added up, getting caught driving without insurance in Texas the first time will end up costing you between $925 and $1100,” Emily Delbridge wrote in The Balance.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you’re looking for a Plano car accident attorney, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today.