Russell Reynolds Automobile Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

For motor vehicle liability policies renewed or issued on or after April 1, 2008, the Texas Legislature increased the liability coverage required for Texas motorists.  The current limit is $20,000 for bodily injury or death for one person and $40,000 for two or more persons subject to the $20,000 limit for one person. The new limit will be $25,000 for bodily injury or death for one person and $50,000 for two or more person subject the $25,000 limit for one person.  The Texas Legislature scheduled another limit increase for January 1, 2011 to $30,000 for bodily injury or death for one person and $60,000 for two or more person subject the $30,000 limit for one person.

The reality is that folks who are seriously injured incur far greater in damages than $25,000, especially with healthcare cost inflation increasing annually by double digits.  Most motorists opt for the least amount of coverage with the motive for the cheapest price.  The motorist would incur only a small percentage increase to double the coverage or even elect $100,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death.  This increase would probably satisfy the coverage you would want your neighbor to have when transporting your loved one or if they run into your car and cause you or a loved one serious injury. 

Also, by electing the higher coverage, you would also have the option to increase your underinsured/uninsured (UIM/UM) coverage by another nominal amount.  This becomes important when you or a loved are seriously hurt and the negligent party does not have enough coverage, which is not uncommon.

Another regret I see is that many opt out of having personal injury protection (PIP), which carries a less than nominal expense and goes a long way to cover out-of-pocket expenses.  This is no-fault coverage, and usually can be claimed and paid to the insured with proof of expenses such as a hospital or doctor bill.

Thank you for your interest.  If you would like to talk with a Dallas personal injury attorney about an automobile accident or truck wreck incident that resulted in a serious personal injury to you or a loved one, you may reach me in Dallas at 214-891-6606, Rusty@hcmpc.com, or www.terryhyattlaw.com.

Thank you,

Russell (Rusty) Reynolds