Some states allow car crash victims to stack uninsured motorist coverage across multiple policies and/or multiple vehicles on the same policy. This can dramatically increase the amount of uninsured motorist coverage that is available after a crash.
Stacking could help ensure victims get all the compensation they need for medical bills and other damages, and they do not need to spend money out of their own pocket.
Below, we discuss stacking of uninsured motorist coverage and stacking of insurance policies in Louisiana.
Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Louisiana
Louisiana allows crash victims to stack two uninsured motorist policies to increase the amount of coverage a crash victim has. This extra coverage can be invaluable if the victim suffered a severe injury in a crash with a driver who did not have insurance or whose coverage ran out.
For example, if you were injured in a crash in a vehicle that you did not own, you may be able to stack the primary coverage on that vehicle on top of your own uninsured motorist coverage. You must exhaust this coverage first before you can stack another uninsured motorist policy on top of it. However, you may only stack one more uninsured motorist policy on top of the primary uninsured motorist coverage of the vehicle you were in.
It is important to note you can stack up to three insurance policies in Louisiana. This can include two uninsured motorist policies.
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Options for Additional Coverage for Crash Victims
If you were in your own vehicle when the crash occurred, what are your options for seeking additional compensation beyond the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage?
This is a complex question you should discuss with an experienced attorney. At Galloway Jefcoat, our Lafayette vehicle accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of the law and seeking compensation after a car crash.
Uninsured motorist coverage is used if you get into a crash with a driver who does not have insurance or a driver who fled the scene of the crash. That means you will be unable to obtain compensation from that driver’s liability insurance.
(It may be possible to file a lawsuit to seek full compensation for your damages, as a jury may award more than the policy limits. Your attorney can discuss whether filing a lawsuit may be a viable option.)
Another way to potentially obtain compensation is if the crash involved a third party who bears some fault for your damages. For example, you may have a claim against the third driver’s liability insurance.
It is also possible a third party that is not a driver bears liability for your damages. A government entity or product manufacturer may be partially at fault. For example, a defective part in the car you were riding in, or in another car, may have contributed to the crash. You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Government entities may bear responsibility for hazardous road conditions.
Should I Increase My Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
This is a decision that is up to each policyholder and what they can afford. However, if drivers can afford more coverage, increasing it may be a good idea. You never know when you may get into a crash with an uninsured driver, and additional coverage could help ensure you get the compensation you need.
Even if you cannot increase your coverage, an experienced attorney may be able to help you get more compensation for your damages. Insurance companies are not going to be motivated to work with you to make sure you get all the compensation you need. However, a licensed attorney may be able to help level the playing field.
If you do not already have uninsured motorist protection, we strongly recommend that you consider getting it. Even purchasing the minimum limits will provide additional financial protection.
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Contact Us Today To Discuss Legal Options
For more than 25 years, we have been securing compensation for car crash victims throughout Louisiana. Our firm operates on contingency, which means no upfront fees or legal obligations.
Schedule your free initial legal consultation today. We know how difficult the aftermath of a car crash can be and we are ready to assist you.
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