From time to time, situations arise where individuals sustain injuries due to intentional actions, such as assaults or road rage incidents. In such cases, questions regarding insurance coverage often arise, depending on various factors such as the type of coverage and the role of the parties involved.
Every auto insurance policy includes liability coverage, which typically applies when an insured individual causes a car accident resulting in injury or property damage. However, most liability policies contain exclusions for intentional acts committed by the insured. For instance, if someone deliberately runs over another person with their car following an argument, not only might this be a criminal offense, but the insurance company could deny coverage for any resulting injuries due to the intentional nature of the act. Consequently, the insured individual would be left without the support of their insurance provider in handling the claim or defending against the legal actions brough by the injured party.
If you find yourself as the victim of an intentional act, certain coverages under your own policy may still apply such as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). PIP, often known as “No-fault insurance,” offers coverage regardless of fault, while UM/UIM comes into play when the at-fault party lacks insurance or their policy does not provide adequate coverage to cover your damages.
In summary, if you find yourself injured as a result of an intentional act, the only potential insurance coverage may come from your own policy. This is why it’s crucial to consult with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate PIP and/or UM/UIM coverage.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s acts, contact an experienced attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584 for your free consultation. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the longest standing personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim.