If an uninsured driver caused your Lafayette traffic accident, you may still have options for pursuing compensation for the damages you experienced. At the Morris Bart law firm, our Lafayette uninsured motorist lawyers do not think that accident victims should be stuck paying for their medical care and other expenses just because the driver who hit them did not have the required liability insurance coverage.
If you qualify, our law office in Lafayette may be able to represent you. This service includes weighing your options and pursuing compensation on your behalf. Call (337) 446-4571 to speak with a member of our team who will evaluate your case for free today.
Louisiana Insurance Requirements for Motor Vehicles
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), all drivers in Lafayette Parish must carry a minimum amount of auto liability coverage by law. This insurance coverage is to cover the expenses incurred by victims in a motorist accident.
Still, people drive without insurance coverage every day. When these uninsured drivers cause an accident, the victims are then put in a position to figure out how they can seek compensation for the damages they suffered through no fault of their own.
Many drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for this reason. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §12.1295, drivers automatically receive optional UM policies when purchasing a liability policy. The only way to drop this coverage is to opt out in writing. For this reason, some drivers in Louisiana have UM coverage and are unaware of it.
Uninsured motorist coverage provides an option for seeking compensation after an accident caused by an uninsured driver. It is often the easiest and most straightforward possibility for mild or moderate personal injuries that will not exceed the policy’s value. Your policy limits should match the limits of your liability auto insurance policy.
For a free legal consultation with a Uninsured Motorist Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call (337) 446-4571
Building a Case to Support Your Uninsured Motorist Accident Claim
A Lafayette uninsured motorist lawyer may be able to help you with your insurance claim or other action to recover the compensation you need to pay your bills and cover your losses. We know how insurance carriers evaluate uninsured motorist claims, the necessary evidence to prove your case, and what you need to do to ensure the settlement you receive is fair.
We will evaluate your case to determine if we can help. If so, we will gather evidence to document your recoverable expenses and losses and work to show the uninsured driver caused your accident and injuries. An uninsured motorist claim requires the same type of proof as we would collect to prove a liability claim or present in court during a personal injury civil suit.
By gathering this evidence and presenting it to your insurance provider, we may be able to recover financial recovery for your damages up to the limits of the policy.
Options for Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you do not have uninsured motorist insurance coverage or if your losses exceed the limits of this policy, it may be necessary to explore additional options for seeking coverage. Your health insurance may provide some coverage for your medical care and treatment expenses, for example.
Another option in this type of case is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. If there is reason to believe the driver who caused your accident has the assets to cover your accident-related losses, taking legal action may hold that driver accountable and recover a financial award for the losses you suffered.
Under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, there is a one-year time limit on filing a civil suit following an accident. If we believe this is a good idea in your case, we can handle this process for you. We will need to go to court and present an argument for compensation and demonstrate the value of your legal case.
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Recoverable Damages in Your Lafayette Traffic Accident Case
The damages you recover after a collision caused by an uninsured driver depend on how you seek and secure damages. For example, a claim filed with your UM policy provider will only provide coverage up to your policy limits. However, a personal injury lawsuit could result in an award with a wider range of damages.
Some recoverable damages in your case could include:
- Medical treatment, care, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Property damages, including your car
- Loss of services
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other non-economic damages
- Wrongful death damages if you are a surviving family member of an accident victim
Consult an Uninsured Motorist Attorney About Your Legal Options
A Lafayette uninsured motorist lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can help you weigh your options and seek compensation based on your personal injuries and losses if we believe we can help you recover a settlement or award based on the facts of your case.
We handle traffic accident cases on a contingency basis. Our clients do not pay us any upfront fees. We only receive fees if we recover a settlement or award for our client. Contact our Lafayette office today at (337) 446-4571.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
