Lafayette Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Skilled Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in Lafayette, LA

Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming and infuriating enough before considering the unfortunate fact that the other driver may not have car insurance. A Lafayette uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you build a strong case.

It’s understandable to not know what to do next in situations like these. After all, every driver on the road is supposed to have car insurance just in case something were to happen. Depending on your coverage, you may still have options with the help of a Lafayette car accident lawyer.

The Gauthier & Granger legal team understands how hard an uninsured motorist accident case can be for injured drivers. Navigating the state’s uninsured motorist accident laws can be quite the nuisance without a Lafayette car accident lawyer in your corner.

Hiring the right Lafayette uninsured motorist accident attorney can end up making a significant difference. Our firm has considerable personal injury experience and can assist you in developing your claim. We aim to be available to talk whenever you need us.

Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Lafayette

If you proceed with filing an uninsured motorist accident case in Lafayette, your case is filed in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish if your claim is high value. If it’s not, your case is filed in the Lafayette City Court.

As of 2024, there were 172,880 licensed drivers in Lafayette Parish and 146,189 car accidents throughout the state. In 2023, 1,149 serious injuries were due solely to distracted driving. Your case may not be as rare as you initially thought.

Uninsured motorist coverage is completely optional in Louisiana, but it is often automatically included in every auto policy unless the client explicitly rejects it in writing. It’s meant to protect you in the event that you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance.

It also protects you from a hit-and-run. You should hire an uninsured motorist accident lawyer to learn about your coverage.

Important Steps in the Filing Process

After you’ve been in a car accident, there are certain legal actions you need to take in order for your accident claim to be processed successfully. This can be especially true in situations involving uninsured drivers.

Even if you are solely dealing with your own insurance carrier, they may still act fairly adversarial when going through your claim. Here are some of the most important steps in the overall process:

• Call the police. The process begins when you notify the authorities. The state requires any driver who has been involved in a hit-and-run to file a police report as soon as possible. You should do the same if the driver is still at the scene but uninsured. Make sure you request an official copy of the police report for your own records.
• Seek medical help. It’s also extremely important that you go see a doctor after your accident, even if you don’t think you have any injuries. Not only can a doctor possibly find internal injuries you weren’t aware of, but having medical documentation of all your injuries after a car accident can be vital to your accident claim. This can help link any pain you’re feeling to the crash itself.
• Contact your insurance carrier. You need to reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible to let them know that you’ve been in an accident. Provide your policy details and all the evidence you’ve gathered that shows the other driver did not have insurance or had inadequate coverage.
• Contact a lawyer. If your claim is denied or disputed, you should reach out to an uninsured motorist accident lawyer who can help you determine the most effective way forward.

FAQs

Is It Worth Taking Legal Action Against Someone With No Insurance?

It could be worth taking legal action against someone with no insurance depending on the situation. Filing an accident claim against someone who has no insurance may not result in the outcome you want.

If someone doesn’t have car insurance, they may also lack the personal funds or assets to pay a court judgment against them. Uninsured motorist coverage lets you seek reimbursement directly from your insurance provider instead.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Uninsured Motorist Cases in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations for uninsured motorist accident cases in Louisiana is generally two years from the date of the accident. You have two years to:

• Establish grounds for your case.
• Gather evidence that supports it.
• Contact an uninsured motorist accident lawyer.
• File your claim for damages.

If you can’t build a compelling case within two years, your case may be dismissed outright. A good lawyer can help you build a strong case.

Are Uninsured Drivers Automatically At Fault in Louisiana?

No, uninsured drivers are not automatically at fault for accidents in Louisiana. An investigation has to be held, which will determine which driver caused the accident.

If the uninsured driver is found to be at fault, then they are responsible for reimbursing the other driver for damages. Louisiana is a fault state when it comes to car accidents. If you are driving without insurance, it can be difficult to collect damages even if the other driver is at fault.

Should I Hire an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire an uninsured motorist accident lawyer. It can be difficult to handle the insurance company, the police, your doctor, and potential injuries all at the same time. By hiring a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours, you are giving yourself a stronger chance of success. Your lawyer can guide your case in the right direction.

Be Sure to Hire an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

The Gauthier & Granger legal team knows the most effective ways to handle a case like yours. We can build your case up, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and prevent you from being taken advantage of. Contact us to speak with a team member about your options.