Any car accident is enough to ruin your day. The situation becomes even worse when you ask the other driver for their insurance information and find out that they are uninsured. In cases like this, you may have to get creative and consult the experts in order to obtain the compensation that you deserve for the economic and physical damages that you suffered due to the uninsured driver’s negligent behavior.
Louisiana’s Insurance Requirements
Louisiana law requires all drivers to carry sufficient liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident. Statewide, drivers must maintain a minimum coverage of $15,000 for bodily injury per person involved and $30,000 for bodily injury per accident, as well as $25,000 for property damage that resulted from the accident.
Despite these requirements, some drivers remain uninsured for various reasons. This creates significant challenges when these drivers are responsible for accidents with other drivers.
Contact Law Enforcement and Document the Scene
Immediately after the accident, call the police to report the incident. A police report is crucial for any future insurance claims or legal actions. While waiting for law enforcement, gather as much information as possible. Take photos of the scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses, as their statements can be valuable in establishing the facts of the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call you insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Louisiana is a “fault” state, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. However, when the other driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play. UM coverage is optional in Louisiana, but insurers must offer it. If you opted for this coverage, it can help cover medical expenses and property damage caused by an uninsured driver.
Consider Legal Action
If you suffer significant damages or injuries and your UM coverage is insufficient, consider seeking legal advice. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. While obtaining compensation directly from an uninsured driver may be challenging due to their financial situation, an attorney can help explore all available avenues for recovery.
While dealing with an accident involving an uninsured driver can be daunting, you have options. By documenting the accident thoroughly and acting promptly, you can explore all of the various ways that you can make sure that the damages that you suffered are justly compensated.