You do everything right – you carry insurance, drive responsibly, and follow the law. But what happens when someone who crashes into you doesn’t have coverage? The truth about uninsured motorist coverage is that it can be a financial lifesaver.
Lafayette has its fair share of uninsured drivers. If one of them causes an accident, you could be left covering the costs yourself unless you have uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay For?
If an uninsured driver hits you, your policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help. This insurance coverage can pay for your:
- Medical Expenses – Including hospital stays, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost Wages – Missed paydays due to your injuries
- Property Damage – Pays to fix or replace your car
If you did not select economic-only uninsured motorist coverage, you could also seek compensation for your non-economic losses, including pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, and other noneconomic damages.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Lafayette Required?
Louisiana’s uninsured motorist requirements do not make it mandatory for you to carry this additional coverage. However, insurance companies must offer it as part of your policy. If you don’t want it, you must decline it in writing.
Pros and Cons of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana has both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them can help you decide if it’s worth adding to your policy.
Many Lafayette drivers choose UM coverage for these advantages:
- Covers Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers – If someone without insurance (or with minimal coverage) hits you, UM coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs.
- Pays for Medical Expenses and Lost Wages – Injuries can lead to mounting bills and missed work. UM coverage provides financial relief when you need it most.
- Applies in Hit-and-Run Cases – UM coverage can still compensate you if a driver flees the scene.
However, some Lafayette drivers exercise their right to opt out of uninsured motorist coverage over these concerns:
- Increases Your Premium – Adding UM coverage means a higher insurance bill, although the exact amount depends on your selected coverage.
- Requires Filing with Your Insurer – Even if you weren’t at fault, you’ll need to go through your own insurance, which can sometimes be frustrating.
- Covers Only to Policy Limit – If your medical costs exceed your policy’s UM limit, you may have to cover the difference yourself.
Many uninsured motorist lawyers would agree with Lafayette drivers who opt for this additional coverage. Without it, you could pay out of pocket after an accident. If you’re unsure about your policy, a Lafayette car wreck lawyer can review your options.
Contact The Thibeaux Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in a crash with an uninsured driver, you don’t have to deal with the financial and legal headaches alone. An uninsured motorist accident lawyer with The Thibeaux Firm can review your policy, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take legal action. Don’t wait for bills to pile up and your stress level to rise. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation with a respectful and understanding car accident attorney in Lafayette.
