A New Orleans Auto Insurance Attorney Explains Information About Louisiana Insurance
We don’t often think about it, but driving is dangerous. Every time you go out on the road, you face the risk of being injured in a car accident. Given the potential expense of repairing your vehicle and possible medical bills, auto insurance serves as an essential safety net. Unfortunately, coverage and limits can be confusing, and it isn’t always clear what insurance will cover. If you have been involved in a car accident, a New Orleans auto insurance attorney can get you the answers you need.
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Louisiana
Like every other state, Louisiana requires all drivers to be insured and carry proof of insurance with them at all times. In addition, Louisiana mandates the following minimum coverages:
- $15,000 for the bodily injury or death of one person
- $30,000 in total coverage for bodily injury or death of more than one person
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
The purpose of these minimum coverage requirements is to ensure the at-fault driver has some financial means to cover any losses caused by their negligence. The minimum requirements are surprisingly low: in the event of a severe injury, $15,000 in coverage will be exhausted fairly quickly. In those situations, the at-fault driver would have to pay any uncovered losses out of their pocket. A New Orleans auto insurance attorney can explain how the other driver’s insurance — or lack of insurance — will impact the outcome in your case.
Louisiana Is a “Fault” State When it Comes to Auto Insurance Coverage
Some states have adopted the “no-fault” system when it comes to pursuing an insurance claim. This means that you pursue a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident.
Like most other states, Louisiana is a “fault” state. Ultimately, this means that the person who caused the accident will be responsible for any losses caused by their negligence. Note that this doesn’t mean you can’t file a claim under your insurance policy, you can still do that, but they will likely seek to recoup your claim from the other driver’s insurance company. Otherwise, you have two other options:
- File your claim under the other driver’s insurance policy; or
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver in civil court.
In most cases, people file the claim with the other driver’s insurance company long before they consider filing a lawsuit. Even if you don’t plan to file a lawsuit, a New Orleans auto insurance attorney can help you navigate the claim process so you can get fair compensation for your claim as quickly as possible.
Involved in a Car Accident? Discuss Your Coverage with an Experienced New Orleans Auto Insurance Attorney
At Bloom Legal, we handle insurance claims so that our clients can focus on their recovery. From gathering the documentation to negotiating a settlement, we have the knowledge and experience to get you the compensation you need to pay your bills and get back on your feet. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online today.
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Posted By: Tyler Ales