The Button Law Firm Files Lawsuit Against Insurance Company that Turned Its Back After Devastating Red-Light Wreck

The Growing Risk of Underinsured Drivers in Texas

Many Texas drivers believe that if they’re in a wreck, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover their medical expenses and damages. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 20% of drivers in the state are completely uninsured.

Even more alarming, many with insurance carry only the minimum liability coverage—just $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per incident. That’s nowhere near enough to cover catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with mounting medical bills and no way to recover lost wages.

One person who has experienced this tragedy firsthand is Nia Mitchell, a 24-year-old aspiring pilot whose dreams were put on hold after a devastating car wreck caused by a reckless driver.

A Red-Light Wreck that Changed Everything

In February 2023, Mitchell was making a protected left turn at a green light when a red-light runner in a large Chevrolet pickup truck crashed into her car at high speed. The impact destroyed her vehicle and left her with a severe head injury. The injury forced her to step away from flight school to focus on her recovery.

To make matters worse, the driver of the pickup truck lied to the police at the scene, claiming Mitchell was at fault. Disoriented and unable to speak, she had no way to correct his false statement. As a result, the negligent driver’s insurance company failed to properly investigate the wreck, and Mitchell’s own insurance company denied her claim—leaving her without financial support when she needed it most.

After her claim was wrongfully denied, Mitchell turned to The Button Law Firm and Snellings Law PLLC for help. We filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver and, through the legal process, discovered that he carried only the minimum insurance required by Texas law. Due to the severity of Mitchell’s injuries and the significant financial toll, we are also pursuing an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim to ensure she can receive the help she needs.

Read the full petition here.

Why Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Essential

Mitchell’s story is a stark reminder of why every Texas driver should have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, helping to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses when liability coverage falls short.

The Reality of Minimum Insurance Policies

Texas law only requires drivers to carry liability insurance that covers up to $30,000 per person in medical expenses and other damages. But in serious wrecks, medical bills can easily exceed six figures. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), like the one Mitchell suffered, often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and lost time from work—costs that far surpass what a minimum policy will cover.

UIM coverage is an essential safety net that can make a life-changing difference in the aftermath of a serious accident. Here’s why every Texas driver should consider adding UIM coverage to their policy:

• Medical Bills and Lost Wages: UIM helps cover costs that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, ensuring you’re not left with overwhelming expenses.
• Protection Against Uninsured Drivers: Texas has a high rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers. UIM coverage provides peace of mind that you won’t be left unprotected.
• Financial Security for Your Future: Serious injuries can require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily life. UIM coverage helps ensure that you have the resources you need to recover fully.

No one expects to be in a serious car wreck, but having the right insurance in place makes a difference. If you have questions about UIM coverage, click here for more information.

Contact Our Team and Share Your Story

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck caused by a negligent driver, it's important to take immediate action to protect your rights. At The Button Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of serious car wrecks get the justice and recovery they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and support you through your recovery.

To contact our team, call us at (214) 699-4409, email us at [email protected], or fill out a contact form. You can also reach out to us by starting a chat.