If an uninsured motorist caused your Shreveport, LA, car accident, you might have options for pursuing compensation for the damages you suffered. A Shreveport uninsured motorist accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can help you seek a payout in some circumstances.
Call (318) 553-5470 today to speak with a team member from the Morris Bart law office in Shreveport about your case. We offer free consultations for victims of accidents involving uninsured drivers, and we can discuss how our legal team can help you based on the facts of your case.
You May Have Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
Liability insurance is a requirement for drivers in Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, and elsewhere in Louisiana. The state requires all drivers to carry a minimum coverage policy to cover victims’ damages in accidents the policyholder causes. This policy is how an accident victim would normally recover compensation for their injuries and losses following a collision. When a driver fails to carry this required insurance, it creates a problem for victims injured in this type of accident.
This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play. In Louisiana, this type of coverage is not mandatory. However, under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §22:1295, every Louisiana motorist policy automatically includes this add-on coverage when purchasing liability insurance. You must provide a signed form to opt-out of uninsured motorist coverage. Some people make this effort to save a little money each month, but many do not. Some may not even realize they have UM coverage.
If you have a UM policy and get hit by an uninsured driver, this policy will give you a way to file a claim and recover compensation. However, it will only provide coverage for your losses up to the limits of your policy, usually equal to your liability coverage.
At the Morris Bart law office, we can review your insurance coverage and determine if this is an option for you. If we believe we can prove liability and fault, we can help you pursue this or another option for compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Uninsured Motorist Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call 800-537-8185
Other Options for Seeking a Payout After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
In some cases, uninsured motorist coverage is not the best option for victims of this type of accident. This may be true if:
- You do not have UM coverage; or
- You suffered severe injuries, and your losses exceed your policy limits
If either of these is true in your case, you may need to consider how you can recover compensation for your losses beyond this type of insurance coverage. Options can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Your Health Insurance and Other Policies
In some cases, it may be possible to cover some of your losses by filing claims under other types of insurance policies. This could include filing a claim with your health insurance carrier for your medical treatment and with your collision coverage to repair your vehicle. Our team can help you evaluate these options.
A Personal Injury Lawsuit
Depending on the facts of your case and the financial standing of the uninsured driver, it may be possible to secure compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, drivers may have assets that could cover your losses.
If we believe we can hold the negligent motorist accountable in your accident despite their uninsured status, we will take legal action on your behalf. Per Louisiana Civil Code (CC) §3492, we only have one year following an accident to file our case, so contact us as soon as you can after your accident.
Losses Recoverable in an Uninsured Motorist Accident
The types of damages a Shreveport uninsured motorist accident lawyer can recover for a client following an accident depends on how we pursue these damages. For example, your health insurance carrier will only cover your medical care, and your car insurance company will only cover your damages up to the limits of your UM policy.
For this reason, the best option may be to file a lawsuit if you suffered serious injuries or have extensive financial damages as a result of your accident. This is not the best option for everyone, but we can help you determine if it may work for you based on the facts of your case.
The recoverable damages in a personal injury lawsuit could include almost any related losses and expenses, including a range of intangible losses. We will help you prove your damages and the value of your case as a part of our services. Some common recoverable losses in a civil traffic accident lawsuit include the following:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical care costs for your injuries
- Ongoing care costs, if necessary
- Lost income and reduced ability to work
- Property damages
- Additional economic losses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
To learn more about your options following an uninsured motorist traffic accident in Shreveport, call the Morris Bart law firm now at (318) 553-5470.
Click to contact our Shreveport Car Accident Attorney today
Speak with Our Team About Your Accident and Options Today for Free
A Shreveport uninsured motorist accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm will represent you based on contingency if we believe we can help with your case. You will not need to pay any upfront expenses, and we only receive our fees after we secure a payout for you.
You can discuss your case with a member of our team from the Morris Bart law office in Shreveport. We will evaluate your options, address your concerns, and determine if we can accept your case. Call (318) 553-5470 now to get started.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
