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(281) 587-1111
(281) 587-1111
June 6, 2025 by Greg Baumgartner
Texas drivers must navigate a complex auto insurance system when dealing with liability coverage after a crash. Understanding Texas liability insurance policies after a car accident is essential to ensure proper compensation and protect your rights in the aftermath of an accident.
Texas law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. This insurance covers the damages you cause to others in a crash for which you are found at fault.
The minimum required liability coverage in Texas includes:
These coverage limits are often referred to as 30/60/25 policies. They only pay for damages suffered by other people, not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Liability insurance provides financial compensation to others when you are legally responsible for causing a crash. It pays for:
Liability coverage does not pay for your own medical expenses or repair costs. For that, you must carry additional Coverage such as personal injury protection (PIP), collision, or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. A party must be less than 51 percent at fault to recover damages. If you are partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Insurance adjusters examine the following to determine fault:
The insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating injured parties up to the policy limits. However, they will often attempt to minimize payouts or deny valid claims.
When an accident causes serious injury or death, minimum coverage limits are often not enough to cover all damages. If damages exceed policy limits, victims may:
Insurance carriers only pay up to the maximum stated in the at-fault driver’s policy. Anything beyond those limits becomes the legal responsibility of the driver.
Texas drivers are encouraged to carry more than just minimum liability insurance. Optional Coverage offers protection in cases where the other driver is uninsured, underinsured, or the damages exceed liability limits.
Key optional coverages include:
To initiate a claim against a liability insurance policy, the following steps are essential:
The insurer will assign an adjuster to evaluate the claim. In many cases, legal representation becomes necessary to ensure fair compensation.
Insurance companies may deny or delay claims to avoid full payouts. Common reasons for denial include:
If your claim is denied or underpaid, legal action may be required. A skilled attorney can challenge wrongful denials, negotiate with insurers, or file a lawsuit if necessary.
If the at-fault driver’s policy limits do not cover your full damages, you can pursue additional compensation directly from the driver’s personal assets. The process may involve:
These steps require legal intervention and may take time, but they can help secure the compensation you are legally entitled to receive.
Carrying sufficient insurance protects both you and others. Minimum policies are often insufficient. To avoid exposure to financial risk:
Many serious injury cases in Texas involve multiple sources of recovery. Without strong coverage, you may be personally liable for damages that exceed your insurance limits.
Insurance companies protect their bottom line—not accident victims. Hiring experienced legal counsel for your auto accident helps level the playing field and ensures that:
A lawyer can handle the entire claim process, communicate with adjusters, and fight for the full value of your losses in court if necessary.
Understanding the role of liability insurance in Texas is critical after any car accident. Minimum Coverage may not be enough in a serious crash. Victims must act quickly, gather evidence, and consider legal help to ensure fair treatment and full compensation.
Contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111.
Baumgartner Law Firm
Since establishing Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has built a reputation as one of Houston’s leading personal injury attorneys, dedicated to representing severely injured victims and families who have lost loved ones due to negligence.
Greg holds two law degrees, a distinction earned by less than 1% of all attorneys, demonstrating his exceptional legal expertise. He is also a prestigious Trial Lawyers College graduate, further enhancing his skills in trial advocacy and litigation.
His relentless commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and many others.
With decades of experience, Greg has consistently received top peer reviews. He holds a preeminent rating, a testament to his unwavering dedication to securing justice and maximum compensation for his clients.
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