Louisiana is seeing a rise in uninsured and underinsured road users. If a motorcycle rider does not have the right insurance or flees the scene of an accident, you could have a much harder time recovering the compensation you need. Our motorcycle accident attorneys can explain the options available to you. A Lafayette uninsured/underinsured motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm is ready to discuss your case with you.
What Is the State Insurance Law for Motorcycles?
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:861 requires vehicle owners to carry at least some liability insurance for injuries to others. The minimum coverage levels are $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage.
The industry refers to these levels as 15/30/25. These minimums will likely not cover severe injuries and the major medical expenses that follow, especially if a crash injures multiple people. The situation becomes more complicated if the rider involved in the wreck has no insurance or never stops to provide their information. A Lafayette attorney experienced with underinsured and uninsured motorcycle crash claims can review whether these limits apply to your situation.
The state requires insurers to offer coverage for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM). UM/UIM coverage can substitute for the coverage that the other party in an accident should have had, or at least for the state minimums. Without UM/UIM coverage, you may only have the option to sue an uninsured driver personally, if they can be identified.
When the Rider Is Uninsured, Underinsured, or Gone
UM/UIM coverage should apply to a motorcycle accident when:
- The accident involved physical contact with the survivor or their vehicle
- A witness can confirm that the motorcyclist caused the crash without physical contact
- The company confirms that the rider had no insurance or not enough to meet the claim for damages
- The rider is unknown
See Louisiana Revised Statutes § 22:1295.
A UM/UIM policy does not necessarily provide exactly what another person’s insurance would have. Some UM/UIM policies only cover medical payments and losses, and some only cover property damage. A Lafayette motorcycle wreck attorney can help you understand what your UM/UIM policy includes.
An accident survivor can get immediate relief if they have MedPay coverage and/or collision coverage. These can quickly cover medical expenses and vehicle damage, no matter who was at fault. Still, the coverage limits are typically too low to manage the full expenses of a major accident.
How Does a Lawyer Help With UM/UIM Claims?
From 2026 onward, state law has changed to exclude some survivors’ claims. Someone with partial fault in an accident may still claim a reduced amount of damages, according to Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. However, if that person was 51 percent or more at fault, they will have no rights to recover in most cases, regardless of their injuries.
Insurance companies do not make money by paying claims, and they know how to find reasons to deny one or offer only a small payment. Without help from a skilled Lafayette attorney, you might believe you have to accept a denial or a reduced offer after a UM/UIM motorcycle collision. Our job is to fight insurance company tactics, review the evidence, and help you assemble a claim for what you deserve.
Call a Lafayette Attorney About a UM/UIM Motorcycle Crash
As accident attorneys, we understand how frustrating and agonizing the claims process can be. With a serious injury, the frustration and pain become far worse. Tomeny | Best wants to make sure every client receives the investigation and protection they deserve.
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment with a Lafayette uninsured/underinsured motorcycle accident lawyer. We do not collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you.