The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Louisiana

Being in a car accident is always an unexpected and overwhelming experience, but what people don’t anticipate is the added shock of being hit by an uninsured driver. Having uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Louisiana is critical because, in an already frightening situation, it provides you with a safety net when an at-fault driver cannot pay for your damages.

What Exactly Is UM Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and any suffering if the driver who caused your accident lacks auto insurance. In Louisiana, insurance companies are required by law to offer you UM coverage when you purchase a policy, meaning you must explicitly opt out in writing if you choose not to carry it.

When keeping UM coverage on your insurance plan, you normally have two options: 

1. Standard (or Full) UM Coverage

This is the most comprehensive option. It typically covers:

• Bodily injury protection (medical bills, lost wages)
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Underinsured protection and compensation

2. Economic-Only UM Coverage 

This is a more limited option that strictly covers actual financial losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Other out-of-pocket expenses (Note: this does not cover pain and suffering)

The Risk of Not Having UM Coverage 

What is the risk of not having UM coverage? UM coverage not only covers uninsured drivers but also pays for underinsured drivers who have the bare minimum insurance requirements. Not only does UM coverage pay for necessary costs when someone lacks auto insurance, but it also compensates for damages when a driver at fault cannot.

In Louisiana, a significant number of drivers on the road only meet the state's minimum liability requirements, which currently stand at:

• $15,000 maximum payout for bodily injury per person 
• $30,000 maximum payout for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 maximum payout for property damage

Depending on the severity of your accident, these payouts may not be sufficient to cover emergency room bills, let alone long-term recovery, lost income, and lasting trauma.

If you don't have UM coverage and the at-fault driver's policy is maxed out, you could be left paying those remaining bills out of your own pocket.

Schedule a Consultation with Anderson Traylor Edwards

Involvement in a car crash may be unpredictable, but your lasting damage is preventable. Whether you have been hit by an uninsured driver, are struggling to receive compensation from an underinsured motorist, or just looking for guidance with an insurance claim, our team at Anderson Traylor Edwards is here to help.

UM coverage doesn’t have to be hard. Reach out to ATE’s experienced lawyers to discover how coverage can be made easy for you today.