Like all states, Louisiana requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in case they are at fault in an accident. These policies are designed to cover claims from third parties, helping avoid costly litigation and crushing court judgments. Unfortunately, not everyone complies with these requirements.
It is natural to be unsure of your next steps after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Prairieville. At Tomeny | Best, our skilled accident attorneys can advise you of your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. These minimums are designed to cover damages in the event of an at-fault accident. The required policy minimums include:
- $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This coverage helps pay for the medical expenses and property repair costs of others if the insured driver causes a crash. However, many drivers carry only the minimum, and that is often not enough to cover the full value of your loss.
What Are My Options?
If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Prairieville, you still have several legal options. First, you have the right to file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. Your opportunity to pursue a personal injury case is there regardless of what their insurance coverage looks like. If you obtain a judgment, you may be able to collect what you are owed through tools like wage garnishment or property liens. It can take time to recover your damages this way, and some judgments are never paid off.
In cases involving underinsured motorists, you may be able to recover damages from their policy up to the limits of their coverage. Once that amount is exhausted, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) policy may step in to cover the remaining losses. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Of course, IUM insurance is not mandatory, and many people choose not to carry it due to the higher premiums. Our attorneys can review your policy and advise you whether or not you could potentially file a claim with your own carrier after a collision with an uninsured motorist.
Understanding No Pay, No Play Rules
Louisiana is one of the states that has adopted a “No Pay, No Play” insurance rule. This is designed to address the state’s long-running issue with motorists failing to keep the required amount of liability insurance when driving.
Under this rule, injured motorists who do not have auto insurance are limited in what they can recover through a personal injury claim. This is true even when there is no doubt that another party was at fault. Under this rule, uninsured motorists are barred from collecting the first $15,000 for bodily injuries and the first $25,000 for personal property losses.
There are some exceptions to be aware of, but they typically do not apply. Our attorneys can advise you when these exceptions might be applicable following an uninsured/underinsured collision in Prairieville.
Talk to an Attorney in Prairieville about an Uninsured / Underinsured Car Accident
There is no question that dealing with uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Prairieville is challenging. When serious injuries are involved, it quickly becomes a situation where you need legal support as soon as possible. That is where the team at Tomeny | Best comes in. Our skilled injury attorneys are here to advocate on your behalf. Reach out as soon as possible to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.