Compensation For Victims of Uninsured or Hit-And-Run Drivers

Auto accident claims are troublesome enough when everything goes the way it’s supposed to. If the other driver caused the accident, their auto insurance carrier should pay for all the resulting damages. This includes repairing or replacing your vehicle, paying your medical expenses, and compensating you for any missed time at work because of your injuries.

But, when a hit-and-run driver or a driver with no insurance causes an auto accident, this significantly complicates the claims process and adds a whole new dynamic to the situation. In this blog post, the New Orleans car accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier discuss compensation for victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage 

The state of Louisiana mandates that all automobiles are to be insured. Regardless, many motorists drive without any insurance or simply don’t carry enough coverage to meet minimum state requirements. 

To meet Louisiana’s minimum auto insurance requirements, a driver must be able to provide proof of the following coverage:

• $15,000 per person for legal liability associated with bodily injuries
• $30,000 per accident for legal liability when more than one person is injured
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Drivers in Louisiana are not required to carry uninsured motorist protection. However, many drivers elect to add it to their policies because it affords extra protection if they are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who is uninsured or not insured sufficiently to cover your losses.

It’s worth noting that Louisiana is a fault-based insurance state, which means the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying all victims’ medical bills and property damage. If the responsible party is uninsured and therefore unable to cover those expenses, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own auto insurance provider. 

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver in New Orleans

If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, your first step should be to obtain their contact information, including any insurance information they may have or a sworn statement claiming they have none, and provide this information to your insurance provider. Then, if you have suffered injuries, it is important that you get medical help and then contact an experienced and qualified personal injury lawyer immediately.

Because the at-fault driver was not insured, it’s imperative that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. You may find yourself at odds with your own insurance company, as they may contend that you were partially at fault and reduce your compensation.

Contact Dudley DeBosier and get a free initial consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.

What to do After an Accident with a Hit-And-Run Driver in New Orleans

If you were hit by another driver who then leaves the scene, it is important that you call the police to file a report. Any identifying information that you can give the police about the driver may be helpful:

• A physical description of the driver
• A description of their car
• Part or all of their license plate number

Every little bit of information can help the police identify the driver.

Once you have notified the police, you should call your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, they can file a claim for you. You should also contact a car accident attorney to assist you with the appropriate claim. 

How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

There are a number of ways that an experienced car accident attorney can help you after an accident with a hit-and-run or uninsured driver. An attorney will know what kinds of details may help police identify the driver; sometimes something that seems insignificant may turn out to be very helpful. 

Your attorney can also help you file an uninsured motorist claim with your auto insurance provider to ensure that your vehicle is repaired, and your medical bills are covered. If the driver is identified, you will need the help of an aggressive car accident attorney to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf and recover compensation for your accident.

The dedicated car accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier have the experience needed in these types of cases, and they will work hard to protect your rights.

Let a Car Accident Attorney from Dudley DeBosier Help You

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in New Orleans, contact Dudley DeBosier to schedule a consultation. At our law firm, every potential client gets a free case evaluation. We love to help accident victims protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. 

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