Remarkably, nearly one fourth of Texas drivers lack auto insurance. In fact, drivers of 4.1 million vehicles break the state law requiring it. Clearly, much needs to be done to solve this problem, but there is one thing you can do to safeguard your family against deadbeat drivers: You can purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance.

If you don’t do this, and a driver who’s uninsured or underinsured hurts you or a loved one, you could face major problems getting economic recovery for your medical bills and other losses. The fact that you weren’t at fault or that you have auto insurance won’t matter. When an uninsured driver causes a car wreck via negligence or recklessness, the innocent persons who are harmed could suffer extreme monetary losses.

But a solution is basic and simple. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may cost as little as 30 per cent of what you pay for liability insurance, yet can offer a tremendous degree of protection. After a costly car accident, if the negligent driver who harmed you has little or no insurance, your UM/UIM coverage can provide the protection you need.

For traffic collisions, state-mandated liability coverage in Texas is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If your damages are more than this, your UM/UIM coverage can protect you. The cost of such coverage is a small price to pay when you consider the enormous savings it can provide you if you are injured by an uninsured driver.

Persons who ride motorcycles in Texas especially should consider getting UM/UIM coverage. Texas has a higher rate than most states of motorcycle accident injuries and deaths, and since motorcyclists are more vulnerable, their post-accident costs can be enormous. Also keep in mind that most motorcycle crashes are caused by negligent drivers of cars that fail to yield, and since many such drivers don’t carry insurance, a motorcyclist must have added UM/UIM protection.

Texas motorists can’t depend on their health insurance after a costly car accident, because that insurance doesn’t allow for lost present and future salary, or for victims’ pain and suffering. On the other hand, uninsured motorist coverage can offer vital protections.

Enforcing state law requires far more to be done to get uninsured drivers off our roads. The Houston-area cities of Richmond and Pasadena, TX have one solution: impound uninsured drivers’ cars until they get insurance. After all, they’re being driven illegally. But you can provide your own counter-action: Buy UM/UIM coverage to protect your family – and possibly ensure your peace of mind.

Personal injury law firm Jim S. Adler & Associates, of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Channelview, TX, strongly advises that Texas drivers protect themselves via uninsured motorist coverage. Also, an Adler car accident attorney can help make sure proper financial compensation comes from a car accident insurance claim.