One way to try to protect yourself financially if you are ever in an accident with an uninsured driver is to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
The experienced Baton Rouge auto accident attorneys at Simien & Simien may be able to help you obtain compensation from this type of insurance. Schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation right now to find out if we can help you. We will not charge legal fees for our services unless you recover compensation.
Louisiana Insurance Requirements
There are also several additional types of coverage that policyholders can purchase to help better protect themselves in the event of an accident, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
The minimum car insurance requirements in Louisiana are:
$15,000 per person for bodily injury
$30,000 if more than one person was injured in a single accident
$25,000 for property damage to the other driver’s vehicle
These coverages pay for damages suffered by another driver in an accident you caused.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage provides financial compensation if you are ever injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage for the damages you suffered. This coverage also pays benefits if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident and the authorities are unable to locate the other driver.
This coverage is an important safeguard; without it you might not be able to obtain any insurance compensation if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, nearly 14 percent of Louisiana drivers were uninsured in 2012.
Even if the other driver has insurance, if you suffer a severe injury, the other driver’s insurance coverage may quickly be exhausted. Underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for expenses that exceed the other driver’s coverage.
Who Does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Cover?
These policies provide compensation for damages you or your passengers suffered in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Family members and other individuals who drive your vehicle with your permission are also covered by these policies.
Some of the types of damages that may be covered include:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
You can purchase a policy that covers all of these damages or one that only covers certain damages, such as property damage or lost wages and medical expenses.
Legal Help for Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver who does not have enough insurance coverage for your injuries, a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer at Simien & Simien may be able to help you obtain compensation from your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
We can handle communications with the insurance company and work to protect your legal rights throughout the process.
Your consultation with our attorneys is free and you will not owe us for any legal fees unless we obtain compensation.
