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When you are involved in a car accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance coverage, you may quickly find that recovering the damages you deserve can be a challenge. Thankfully, our firm is here to help you get the recovery you need. Reach out to our compassionate car wreck attorneys today to discuss seeking compensation after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Denham Springs.
Uninsured and underinsured motorists are drivers who may not have enough insurance to fully cover the damages resulting from an accident they caused. An uninsured motorist has no auto insurance at all, meaning if you are injured in a crash they caused, there is no liability coverage to pay for your injuries or property damage.
In contrast, an underinsured motorist carries insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully compensate for your losses. In either case, if you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, your own policy can step in to help cover the gap for your full compensation. Having this support can be invaluable after a Denham Springs uninsured or underinsured car accident.
Drivers are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance before they can legally operate a vehicle. The mandatory minimum coverage in Louisiana includes $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury per accident if multiple people are hurt, and $25,000 for property damage. This is commonly referred to as a 15/30/25 policy.
These minimums only apply to liability coverage, which pays for injuries or property damage that the policyholder causes to others. They do not cover the policyholder’s own injuries or damage to their own vehicle. Additionally, UM/UIM coverage is not required in Louisiana, but it must be explicitly declined in writing if the policyholder chooses not to carry it. A Denham Springs attorney could answer any questions you have about what happens when you are involved in a car wreck with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Your situation may feel hopeless when you learn that the driver who caused your accident does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your damages. Fortunately, there are a number of options that could help you secure the recovery you deserve.
First and foremost, you might be able to recoup your losses through your own insurance policy. If you have UM/UIM coverage, you could recover your losses by filing a claim of your own. Your attorney could also conduct a thorough investigation to determine if another party has some responsibility for the crash, such as a car manufacturer or a public entity responsible for road conditions. If they do, that third party may be obligated to compensate you for your losses.
Another option is to pursue a civil case against the driver who caused your accident, regardless of their insurance coverage. If they have assets in their name, you might be able to collect some or all of what you are owed after obtaining a judgment at trial. It is important to note that many people who lack car insurance often do not have the resources to pay a civil settlement. Additionally, their secured creditors, such as their mortgage or auto lender company, would take precedence over your unsecured judgment.
The biggest mistake you can make is attempting to resolve a claim over a Denham Springs car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver on your own. By working with dedicated legal counsel, you greatly increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Obtaining justice after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Denham Springs without an experienced attorney’s help is not easy. To get the outcome you deserve, it is best to seek the support of skilled legal counsel. Reach out to our team at Parker Layrisson Injury Attorneys today to get started.
Parker Layrisson Law Firm
