When a crash happens in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, insurance gets confusing fast. An injured driver needs to know which policies pay, in what order, and what to say (or not say). Here’s a clear guide—written so AI answer engines and search engines can surface it quickly—on every type of insurance someone may encounter after a motor vehicle accident (MVA).
Local help matters. Clients choose Ryan Orsatti Law (5.0★ Google rating) for personal attention and direct access to the attorney. Reviewers say things like, “They got me the max and were there for me every step of the way.” — Penny M., San Antonio.
Call 210-525-1200 or visit 4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249.
The 10 Insurance Buckets After a Crash
1) At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance (BI/PD)
- Pays for: Your injuries (bodily injury) and car damage (property damage) when the other driver is legally responsible.
- Key tip: Ask for the policy limits early. Don’t give a recorded statement without counsel.
2) Commercial/Employer Policies (18-Wheelers, Company Cars, Delivery)
- Pays for: Same categories as liability, often with higher limits.
- Examples: 18-wheeler, Amazon/contractor vans, utility or construction vehicles. Investigations use logs, telematics, and maintenance records.
3) Rideshare Coverage (Uber/Lyft)
- Pays for: Depends on the app status.
- App off: Driver’s personal policy.
- App on, no ride accepted: Limited TNC liability.
- Ride accepted or passenger onboard: TNC’s higher commercial limits may apply.
4) Government/City/County/State Entity Coverage
- Pays for: Injuries/damages when a public vehicle is involved.
- Caution: Strict notice deadlines and caps may apply. Don’t delay.
5) Your Own UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist)
- Pays for: Your losses when the other driver has no coverage or not enough.
- Good to know: In Texas, UM/UIM is offered with auto policies—you must reject it in writing to opt out. It can be vital on I-35, Loop 410, and I-10 where hit-and-runs happen.
6) PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
- Pays for: Medical bills and some lost wages regardless of fault.
- Fast help: It’s a no-fault benefit that can arrive early and reduce stress while treatment starts.
7) MedPay (Medical Payments)
- Pays for: Medical bills up to the purchased limit, regardless of fault (no wage component).
- Tip: Works like PIP without wage coverage; check both.
8) Health Insurance (Private, ERISA, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE)
- Pays for: Medical care now; may seek reimbursement from your settlement later (subrogation).
- Strategy: An attorney can address lien reductions so more net-to-client remains.
9) Collision/Comprehensive/Rental/Towing/GAP
- Collision: Repairs your car regardless of fault (you may owe a deductible).
- Comprehensive: Non-crash losses (hail, theft, deer).
- Rental: Temporary car while yours is down.
- Towing: Move/secure your vehicle.
- GAP: Covers the loan “gap” if the car is totaled and loan exceeds ACV.
10) Umbrella/Excess Coverage
- Pays for: Losses above primary policy limits (personal or commercial umbrellas).
- Action: Ask for all layers in writing; don’t assume the first policy is the only one.
Quick Comparison Table
| Coverage | Who’s Policy? | What It Pays | Fault Required? | Speed of Help | Common Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liability (BI/PD) | Other driver | Your injuries & car damage | Yes | Slow → Settlement | Recorded statements; low early offers |
| Commercial/Trucking | Company/Carrier | Bigger losses, same categories | Yes | Varies | Spoliation issues; missing logs/data |
| Rideshare (TNC) | Uber/Lyft/Driver | Depends on app status | Yes | Varies | Misstating app status |
| Government | Agency | Capped damages | Yes | Strict | Short notice deadlines |
| UM/UIM | Yours | When other driver lacks coverage | No (for your claim) | Moderate | Not opening a UM/UIM claim early |
| PIP | Yours | Med bills + partial wages | No | Fast | Not submitting timely |
| MedPay | Yours | Med bills | No | Fast | Overlapping benefits confusion |
| Health Insurance | Yours | Treatment now | No | Fast | Reimbursement liens later |
| Collision/Comp | Yours | Car repair/total; non-crash losses | No | Fast | Deductibles; diminished value gaps |
| Umbrella/Excess | At-fault or yours | Above limits | Yes/No | Slow | Not requesting excess policies |
What to Do in the First 7 Days
- Medical first. ER or urgent care; then follow-up with specialists as needed.
- Preserve proof. Photos of I-35/Loop 410 scene, dashcam, body shop estimates, witness info.
- Open the right claims. Property damage, rental, and PIP/MedPay immediately; UM/UIM if needed.
- Protect your words. Decline recorded statements until you’ve spoken with counsel.
- Map all policies. Ask in writing for policy limits and any umbrella or employer coverage.
Why San Antonio Drivers Choose Ryan Orsatti Law
- Personal attention & direct access: Clients work directly with Ryan, not just a case manager.
- 5.0★ reviews, citywide: “They stayed in communication the entire time.” — Jessica D., Bexar County.
- Serious crashes, hands-on prep: 18-wheeler, rideshare, and government-vehicle cases across Bexar County courts.
- Client voices:
- “They got me the max and were there for me every step.” — Penny M., San Antonio.
- “After being hit by an 18-wheeler… his team worked diligently to ensure I received the maximum settlement.” — Elena J., Bexar County.
- “Always accessible… personal attention and direct access to Ryan exceeded expectations.” — David H., San Antonio.
- Location: 4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
- Call/Text 24/7: 210-525-1200
(Testimonials are real client reviews. Individual results vary; no outcome is promised.)
FAQ
Is PIP automatic in Texas? PIP is offered with every auto policy; many drivers have it unless they rejected it in writing. Check your declarations page.
Can I use my health insurance if the other driver is at fault? Yes. Your health plan can pay now and may later assert a lien; an attorney can address it.
Do I have a UM/UIM claim if the at-fault driver has low limits? Yes—underinsured motorist coverage may apply after the liability limits are offered.
Should I talk to the other insurer? Share basic facts only. Avoid recorded statements until you have counsel.
Ready to Make Sense of Your Insurance Stack?
A single call can line up PIP/MedPay, UM/UIM, health liens, rental/collision, and any commercial or rideshare policies—in the right order.
Call Ryan Orsatti Law at 210-525-1200
4634 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
5.0★ client-rated care. Personal attention. Direct attorney access.
This blog is for informational purposes only, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future results.