A car accident with an uninsured driver in Slidell, Louisiana, can be a nightmare. According to the Insurance Information Institute’s facts and statistics on uninsured motorists, one in eight drivers are uninsured. If you are ever in an accident involving an uninsured driver, you are likely to carry the burden of dealing with medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. However, if you have a car accident lawyer in your corner, you will have professional help in navigating the situation, discovering your legal options, and possibly even recovering the damages from your insurance company. To learn more about car accidents with uninsured drivers, call Morris Bart, LLC at (504) 613-4771 to discuss your case with a member of the team.
What to Do Following an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Any one of us on the road may become the victim of a car accident through no fault of our own. At times, the difficult part is being unsure of what to do following the accident. To navigate this situation properly, the steps to take after a crash include:
- Seeking medical attention. Your health is a priority, so make sure you visit the doctor for a thorough checkup. Even if you do not have any visible injuries, we ask that you do not skip this step.
- Getting contact information. Even if the driver is uninsured, exchange details with them. This action consists of asking for their full name, address, number plate, and other information relevant to the car accident. Make sure to verify the information by repeating it to the driver and asking them to confirm it.
- Calling the police. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive. Be patient and let them do their job. Even if it is a minor accident, remember to file an accident report. This report helps to have a legal document that verifies the date of the crash and all relevant details.
- Taking pictures. Use your phone to collect digital evidence of the accident. Take pictures of the crash from different angles and highlight the damages. If you prefer journaling or voice recording, make a note of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Contacting your insurance company. As soon as you seek medical attention, contact your insurance company and report the accident. Depending on the policies in place, you may have a few days to put in a formal report and start the process of recovering damages.
- Hiring a car accident lawyer. We recommend hiring a lawyer to represent you. Call Morris Bart, LLC at 1-800-537-8185 to discuss your case with a member of the team. Once you hire us, we can assist you in seeking recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Uninsured Car Accident lawyer serving Slidell, call 800-537-8185
Can I Sue the Uninsured Driver?
Yes, you can. However, it is usually not worth the effort to file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable party who has no insurance. In most cases, litigation is not a viable course of action since there is a high possibility that the uninsured driver does not have the financial means to compensate you for the damages. However, if you are certain that they have personal assets available to reimburse your losses, you may proceed with the lawsuit. To recover damages, the best route to take is to file a claim against your insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Under Louisiana law, insurance companies provide policyholders with the option to opt-out of uninsured motorist coverage (UM), otherwise, it is automatically included with your car insurance coverage. For UM to apply when recovering damages:
- The driver must be uninsured or unidentifiable.
- The driver must be solely liable for the crash and ensuing damages.
- Your injuries must exceed the Louisiana tort thresholds.
When the insurance company’s investigation confirms the above elements in your case, they will take the steps to settle your insurance claim.
Recovering Damages
Although it seems simple, UM claims can be complex. This complexity is because you are essentially making a liability claim against your insurance company. To recover damages and establish liability, your legal team will:
- Participate in discovery by responding to all requests and questions
- Document medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses
- Establish any disabilities and any medical conditions caused by the accident
- Submit to independent medical examinations
- Address personal injury protection (PIP) threshold considerations
- Prove the other driver was legally liable
- Prove the value of your injury claim
Settling the Claim
Similar to filing a personal injury claim against an at-fault party insurance company, you should be mindful that every settlement is different. Factors that can influence your settlement include the type of UM coverage you have, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disabilities, and negotiating power of your lawyer.
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The Car Accident Lawyers with Morris Bart, LLC Can Help
For over 30 years, Morris Bart, LLC has been on a mission to protect our clients’ legal rights and help them receive the compensation they deserve. If the insurance company refuses to agree on an equitable amount, we will be willing to go to trial. We have the commitment, knowledge, and resources. To learn more about our legal strategies for Slidell car accidents involving an uninsured driver, call us at (504) 613-4771 for a free case review.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
