The City of Wichita Falls is implementing an impound policy for the cars of uninsured drivers. Beginning on Tuesday, October 15th, if a driver can’t produce proof of insurance or a valid driver’s license during a routine traffic stop, his or her car will be towed immediately. Drivers will be expected to pay for the cost of towing in addition to the $25 fee to get their cars back. Iowa Park has implemented a similar policy. Manuel Borrego, Police Chief with the Wichita Falls Police Department, will address questions about the new policy this Tuesday morning, at the Wichita Falls City Council meeting.
Deterring Uninsured Motorists
Uninsured and underinsured drivers put everybody on the road at risk. Officials with the Wichita Falls Police Department are hoping this new policy will deter uninsured and underinsured motorists from getting behind the wheel. It will immediately remove uninsured motorists from the roadways. Additionally, it will be expensive to get their cars back. We reported on the initial proposal last July. Chief Borrego was a major proponent for this policy’s institution.
Uninsured Motorist Facts
- InAmerica, one in seven drivers is uninsured.
- In Dallas County alone, one in six drivers is uninsured.
- An estimated 13.8 percent of motorists are uninsured.
lt;li>About 20 percent of motorists in Texas are uninsured.
- Texans pay almost $900 million to protect themselves from the uninsured and the underinsured.
- Responsible drivers spent $10.8 billion protecting themselves from uninsured motorists in 2007.
The Costs Associated with Wrecks Involving Uninsured Motorists
Responsible drivers are picking up the slack for uninsured motorists. Insurance companies certainly don’t plan on letting these costs impact their bottom lines. They pass the expenses on to their policy holders. Responsible drivers know that they’re absorbing theadditional costs involved with uninsured drivers. Collisions involving uninsured or underinsured motorists can be complicated too. Even with an uninsured motorist policy, it can be difficult to collect money for medical bills and damages.
What to Do After a Wreck
It’s important to contact an attorney as quickly as possible after a car accident. A lawyer can get the ball rolling on your case. Even if you have an uninsured motorist policy, it can still be difficult to collect from your insurance company. If you’ve been injured in a wreck with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact the experienced team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free consultation.