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What Happens If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Louisiana

  • By: Robichaux Law Firm, LLC
A shattered windshield, reflecting on an accident caused by an uninsured driver in Louisiana

In this article, you will discover:

  • The advantages of purchasing uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana
  • Your options if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana
  • What coverage your health insurance provides in the event of an accident in Louisiana

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work In Louisiana?

If you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance company, it will pay a claim for:

  • Bodily injury
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages

Uninsured motorist coverage also pays if the person who hit you was either uninsured or underinsured. Underinsured means that the other driver may have a minimum policy that doesn’t cover all of your damages. If that’s the case, then your uninsured motorist coverage is engaged, and you would be able to file a claim against your insurance company for your damages.

However, the only way uninsured motorist coverage will pay is if the other person is at fault. Your insurance company will, therefore, not hold the claim against you, as you are seeking compensation due to an uninsured motorist’s carelessness.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory In Louisiana, And What Are My Options If I Don’t Have It?

Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Louisiana. In fact, most insurance companies do not go out of their way to offer it because it is the coverage that protects you against a careless operator. They would probably prefer not to insure the general public. For that reason, they will usually not recommend uninsured motorist coverage.

What Are My Options If I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage And A Careless Driver Injures Me?

Should you lack uninsured motorist coverage, you will have to fall back on whatever healthcare coverage you have that can cover your medical bills, be it private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.

These coverages, however, will not address lost wages, pain, suffering and disability. Only uninsured motorist coverage covers this, which is why this is essential coverage to purchase when you are renewing your coverages on your automobiles.

Should I Use Health Insurance Coverage Even If I Have UM/UIM Coverage?

It is best to use your healthcare insurance to cover injuries, as healthcare providers are usually set up to accept these coverages.

What Is The Time Limit For Filing An Uninsured Motorist Claim In Louisiana?

The time limit for filing an uninsured motorist claim is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss that window, you have no other option.

How Can I Understand Uninsured Motorist Coverage And Its Implications For My Situation?

Uninsured motorist coverage comes into play when the offending at-fault driver is either uninsured or underinsured. There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage:

  • Standard or full coverage, which covers all of your losses
  • Uninsured motorist economic-only coverage, a less expensive type that insurers like to sell

Economic-only coverage will only pay for medical bills and wage loss. It will not pay for pain and suffering, disability, scarring, or any of the major damages often sustained in an automobile accident. Always insist on full uninsured motorist coverage.

Can You Share A Case Where A Client Was Facing An Underinsured Accident Claim, And How You Helped Minimize Their Financial Loss?

We have handled many cases where the offending driver not only caused a serious accident but also fled the scene. Therefore, we have no information on the owner of the vehicle or the driver of the offending vehicle.

That’s where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play. It’s essential the accident and the hit-and-run be clearly documented in an accident report. Otherwise, it’s difficult to prevail in an uninsured motorist claim. Those accident reports are key.

Closing Thoughts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage

State law requires you to carry a minimum amount of insurance to protect the general public from accidents caused by you. If you are a sensible and cautious driver, the chances are the accident you will be involved in will be someone else’s fault. They may not have insurance, and the only thing that protects you from a reckless driver is the uninsured motorist coverage that you purchased for yourself.

Always have uninsured motorist coverage, and try not to purchase just the minimum; get something substantial to protect yourself.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on What Happens If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Louisiana, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 332-8188 today.