Baton Rouge Uninsured Motorist Lawyer

Recovering Damages on Behalf of Car Accident Victims

When you get into a car accident, the number one rule is to exchange insurance company information with the other driver. Although all Baton Rouge drivers are required to have car insurance, there are some unfortunate instances when a driver is uninsured or underinsured. Dealing with an uninsured motorist after a car accident can be challenging; however, by working with an experienced legal team, you can recover the compensation you deserve.

A car crash can leave you with medical expenses, property damage repair, and more. Seeking compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver can sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, we can help you recover a full settlement to cover all of your expenses.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our attorney today. For a free consultation, contact our law firm by calling (225) 263-6194.

How Much Car Insurance Are Louisiana Drivers Required to Have?

All drivers on the road are required to have car insurance. In Louisiana, drivers must have minimum liability coverage. Minimum liability insurance covers the following:

• $15,000 for bodily injury or death of another person in an accident caused by the driver
• $25,000 for any property damage
• $30,000 for total bodily injury or death liability
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects drivers who are involved in an accident without insurance or without enough insurance to cover their damages. There are a few different kinds of uninsured motorist coverage you may have, including:

Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage

Most people have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, as it’s the default form of this type of insurance. It helps pay for any costs you accrue after a car wreck involving a person without insurance or without enough insurance. Unless you’ve specifically waived this type of coverage, your insurance company will have included it by default.

Uninsured Motorist Economy Only Coverage

Economy-only coverage only covers economic damages after a car wreck. Economic damages are any damages with a specific dollar amount, like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. Economic damages do not cover things like the loss of a loved one, loss of enjoyment of life, or emotional distress.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage

Property damage coverage helps pay for the damage your vehicle sustained in an accident. Most policies will cover up to $25,000 or the cash value of the car, whichever is lower.

What is an Underinsured Driver?

An underinsured driver is a driver who has auto insurance, but it is not enough insurance to pay for the damages they caused you. In most cases, these drivers have the minimum amount of liability insurance they need under the law. However, this insurance may not be enough in catastrophic accidents or accidents that cause extensive bodily injury and property damage.

If you are injured by an underinsured driver, your underinsured motorist coverage can pay for your additional damages.

What is the No Pay, No Play Law?

In Louisiana law, there’s a rule called “No Pay, No Play.” Essentially, it means that if you are in a car crash and you don’t have insurance, you cannot recover compensation, even if the other driver is at fault. The law was created to encourage drivers to buy and maintain their auto insurance policies.

There are exceptions to the no pay, no play law, including:

• Your property damages are more than $25,000
• Your personal injuries cost more than $15,000
• The other driver fled the accident scene
• The other driver caused the accident intentionally
• The accident happened while the other driver was committing a felony
• The other driver pleads no contest or is convicted of drunk driving
• You are from another state that doesn’t require drivers to have liability insurance

How Do You Recover Damages from an Uninsured Driver?

If you have minimum liability insurance, you can pursue damages from a driver even if they are uninsured or underinsured. In most cases, your own insurance company will recover losses from the other driver’s insurer and pass that compensation to you. If the other driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance, then your insurance company will likely try to recover your damages directly from the driver.

If the at-fault driver cannot pay for your damages out of pocket, you may have to take them to court. By working with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer, you have a much higher chance of recovering compensation quickly to pay for all of your damages.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Car accidents are very scary, and many people go into shock after being injured in one. Knowing what to do after you’re injured by an uninsured driver can help you seek compensation later.

If you’ve been in a Baton Rouge car wreck, be sure to take the following steps:

Call the Police

The police will file a police report that can be used to support your claim. Calling the police also ensures that the other driver stays at the scene and does not attempt to flee.

Get Medical Attention

If you are injured, it is essential to seek medical attention. Even the smallest injury can cause long-term symptoms. If you or anyone else is severely injured, call emergency services.

Get the Other Driver’s Information

Even if the other driver does not have insurance, you still need their contact information. Get their name, number, license plate number, and driver’s license number.

Take Photos of the Accident

Photos and videos of the scene can be used to support your claim. Take pictures of the accident, the road around the accident, and any injuries you have sustained.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company right away to inform them of the accident. You can also tell them that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Talk to Our Accident Lawyer

Having an attorney on your side ensures you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. The sooner you reach out to our legal team, the sooner we can begin working on your case.

What Are the Main Types of Injuries After a Car Accident?

Depending on the type of car wreck you are in, you may sustain severe injuries with long-term symptoms. It is essential to be seen by a medical professional after any motor vehicle accident.

Many car accident victims suffer from:

• Cuts, scrapes, and contusions
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Head or brain injuries
• Neck and spine injuries
• Burns
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The severity of your injuries and your recovery time will also impact your personal injury claim. Always keep a record of how much you spend on medical expenses and note any continual treatment you will need.

What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover?

After a car wreck, you are likely facing many expenses. Any financial losses that you’ve suffered as a result of the accident can be recovered, including:

• Medical bills, both past and future
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Property damage repair or replacement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Getting into a car wreck is never a pleasant experience. However, when the wreck is caused by an uninsured driver, you may have additional legal steps to take before you can recover compensation. By working with our team, you can focus on your recovery while we do the hard work for you.

Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, is here for our clients in Baton Rouge. We are confident that we can help you seek compensation after a car accident. For more information and to speak to our uninsured motorist accident lawyer, call today at (225) 263-6194.