In Louisiana, every driver must have insurance. The law helps protect people who are victims of car crashes. As you can imagine, car insurance plays a big part in personal injury lawsuits and personal injury settlements. This article will tell you about a few important types of insurance.
Mandatory insurance
In Louisiana, every car must have coverage for bodily injury and property. The law sets minimum coverage amounts. Each driver must have insurance providing at least $15,000 for bodily injury to one person and $30,000 per accident. The minimum coverage for property must be at least $25,000 for damage to someone else’s vehicle or other property.
Optional insurance
Drivers have the option of getting other types of insurance as well. The following types of insurance might provide coverage in your personal injury lawsuit: medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist economic-only coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage, towing and labor coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage.
Medical payments insurance
This insurance pays for medical expenses for a period of time following the accident. It caps at the policy’s dollar limits. It includes funeral expenses. Payments are made no matter who caused the accident. The medical payments cover the policy holder, their family members, and other passengers.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance
Pays if your car is hit by a driver who does not have insurance. It also pays if the person who hit you does not have enough insurance to pay the full amount of your injuries or property damage. This type of insurance may cover hit and run drivers.
Uninsured or underinsured economic insurance
It is the same as uninsured motorist coverage, except that it only covers economic losses. It does not cover pain and suffering.
Uninsured or underinsured property insurance
Provides for repairs to your vehicle when the person who hit you does not have insurance. There is a deductible. Recovery is limited to $25,000 or the actual cash value of the vehicle – whichever is less. You can buy a higher recovery limit. This is not available if your policy has collision insurance.
Towing and labor insurance
Pays for towing and labor costs if your car is disabled.
Comprehensive insurance
Pays for specified damages to your car, like damages that are caused by falling objects, flood, fire, explosion, vandalism, or theft.
Collision insurance
Pays for damage to your car, whether or not you caused the accident.
Louisiana personal injury lawyers
If you are involved in a car accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you figure out how much insurance is available to settle your personal injury claim. Call 504-593-9600 for a free consultation.