It is stressful to be involved in a car crash at any time, but getting hit by a driver who is uninsured is especially upsetting. In addition to having injuries and vehicle repairs to worry about, you may wonder if you will be stuck paying for your medical bills and other damages on your own.
Learn more about your legal rights after an accident with an uninsured motorist in Lafayette, including your ability to pursue compensation. We also discuss the evidence needed to support your claim and whether you can still sue if you declined uninsured motorist protection.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we understand the complexities of uninsured motorist claims in Lafayette. Our legal team has helped many crash victims recover the compensation they deserve, and we want to help you too. When you call our experienced Lafeyette car accident attorneys, we will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights, all at no cost to you. We turn wrong into right every day. Let us do the same for you.
Do I Have Legal Options if the Driver Who Hit My Car Was Uninsured?
After an accident with an uninsured driver in Lafayette, there are several paths that may enable you to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage. However, the options available to you are dependent on the types and amount of coverage you purchased.
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Filing a Claim Through Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)
Louisiana law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage to all drivers, although drivers can reject it in writing. If you carry this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs up to your policy limits. If you do not have this coverage, you could be stuck having to pay for most of the damages out of your own pocket. Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can provide significant peace of mind for the cost.
Insurance Coverage That Can Help With Your Medical Costs
In Louisiana, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages through optional insurance coverage you may have purchased, including:
Personal injury protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection (PIP) in Louisiana is an optional coverage that provides for upfront medical expenses after a car crash, but it does not stop there. PIP also covers a portion of your lost wages to provide for you while you recover from your car accident injuries. It helps with other crash-related damages, including funeral/burial costs, certain household expenses, and childcare costs. Unfortunately, these benefits are only provided up to the limits of coverage you purchased. For many crash victims, PIP insurance will not be enough to cover all your medical costs, let alone the additional costs we mentioned.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Similar to PIP, MedPay covers some of your medical costs after a car accident. However, the coverage is not as broad as PIP, since it does not provide any compensation for lost wages or household tasks while you recover.
Both of these insurance options can be purchased to provide additional coverage in the event you are injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, regardless of who caused the crash.
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Is There Insurance That Can Help Me to Repair or Replace My Car?
Comprehensive and collision coverage, or “comp and collision,” can be purchased to help cover the cost of vehicle damage resulting from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Vehicle theft
- Hazardous weather, such as from hail, floods, wind, fallen trees, flying debris, and lightning
- Other non-collision accidents
Comp and collision are required if you are still paying on a car loan. If you own your vehicle outright, you can choose or reject this coverage.
Investigating Third-Party Liability
If there are other parties involved in the crash or other parties who may be liable for the accident in some way, they may share responsibility for your accident. For example, if your crash is the result of a multi-vehicle pile-up or if vehicle defects contributed to the crash, a third driver or vehicle manufacturer could be held liable for a portion of your damages.
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Can I Still Sue If I Rejected the Option to Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Yes, you can still pursue legal action against an uninsured driver in Lafayette even if you declined UM coverage. Louisiana law preserves your right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver, regardless of your insurance choices.
However, suing an uninsured driver often carries its own practical challenges since many drivers lack insurance due to limited financial resources.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Crash Claim With an Uninsured Driver?
Having an experienced car accident attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. These cases often involve complex legal issues, including investigating additional sources of coverage and proving damages without an insurance company’s involvement.
The experienced attorneys at Galloway Jefcoat can fully manage your case so you can focus on your recovery. We are prepared to investigate all potential sources of compensation, including the possibility of third-party liability or other applicable insurance coverage that may help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat Today. We Are Here to Help You
If you were injured in a crash caused by an uninsured driver in Lafayette, contact Galloway Jefcoat for a free consultation today. Our experienced car accident attorneys have a proven track record of helping injured victims recover maximum compensation. There are no upfront costs or fees to pay, and your initial consultation is completely free.
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