What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Causes an Accident?

What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Causes an Accident?

You probably did not read the fine print on your car insurance policy when you purchased it, and you may not have thought very much about what it covers. Most people buy car insurance coverage while waiting in line at the DMV, while filled with the conflicting emotions of excitement about getting a new car and worry about all the expenses associated with it, including the cost of insurance. Given the amount of money that you pay each month for insurance, you might drive around with a false sense of confidence that, if you get into a car accident, insurance will pay for everything. It is not that simple, though, especially if the driver that caused your accident did not have liability insurance. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver, contact a Houma car accident lawyer.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Louisiana

Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance that covers $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in medical bills and $25,000 per accident in property damage. The bad news is that these amounts only cover injuries and property damage that you cause, not harm that someone else causes to you or your car. The even worse news is that Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of uninsured drivers in the United States. Nearly three out of every 20 drivers on the road do not have insurance. That means that, if one of these uninsured drivers hits your car, their (non-existent) insurance cannot pay for your medical bills and vehicle damage.

Your best protection in this case is uninsured motorist coverage. If you do not already have uninsured motorist coverage, it is worthwhile to add it to your policy. Louisiana law does not require all drivers to purchase uninsured motorist insurance, but it requires all car insurance companies to offer it. When you bought your current car insurance policy, you either opted in or opted out of uninsured motorist coverage.

If you have uninsured motorist insurance coverage, then if an uninsured driver hits your car, your insurance company will cover your accident-related losses. Depending on which uninsured motorist policy you have, the insurance may just pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs, or it may reimburse you for other losses, including non-economic (pain and suffering) losses.  Whether or not you have uninsured motorist coverage, you should contact a car accident lawyer shortly after the accident. Even if you do not file a lawsuit, your lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance companies to get the best possible settlement.

Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey About Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers

Uninsured motorist coverage is not a freebie, but a car accident lawyer can help you maximize the amount of money you can get from your uninsured motorist insurance. Even if you do not have this insurance, your lawyer can help you find other solutions. Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey in Houma, Louisiana to see if you have grounds for a lawsuit.