A serious crash near the I-610 overpass on North Broad Street in New Orleans highlights why uninsured motorist coverage can be critical after a Louisiana car accident.
FAQs
- What is uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana
- Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Louisiana
- Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit and run accidents
- Can passengers use uninsured motorist coverage
- Why do stolen vehicle crashes create insurance problems
According to a Louisiana State Police news release, troopers attempted to stop a Chevrolet Camaro for traffic violations near Elysian Fields Avenue and North Claiborne Avenue. Troopers activated their lights and sirens, but the driver refused to stop.
Police say the driver sped away at a high rate of speed, ignoring several traffic controls while trying to evade officers.
Troopers later located the vehicle after it crashed on North Broad Street under the I-610 overpass in New Orleans. Investigators determined the car failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the roadway, struck a previously downed telephone pole, and then collided head on with a concrete bridge support pillar.
Several passengers in the vehicle suffered serious injuries. A pregnant passenger was also injured, and despite emergency medical efforts, the infant did not survive. Authorities later determined the vehicle involved had been reported stolen months earlier. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be possible.
Crashes involving fleeing drivers often raise difficult legal questions for victims. One of the most important issues involves insurance coverage.
Related: How to Protect Your Child After a Wreck
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters After a Louisiana Car Accidentp
Many drivers assume the at fault driver’s insurance will cover injuries after a crash. However, that is not always the case.
Crashes involving stolen vehicles, uninsured drivers, or hit and run situations can leave victims without a clear insurance policy to cover their damages.
This is where uninsured motorist coverage, often called UM coverage, becomes important.
Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long term medical care
- Permanent injury damages
Without UM coverage, victims may have to pursue compensation directly from the driver responsible for the crash. In many situations, that driver does not have the financial resources to pay for serious injuries.
The Legal Risk of Fleeing a Crash Scene
Drivers who flee police or leave the scene of a crash face serious legal consequences in Louisiana. Leaving the scene of an accident, often called hit and run, is a criminal offense. If someone is injured, the penalties can include fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Fleeing the scene can also affect civil injury claims. Courts often view fleeing as evidence of reckless behavior or negligence.
For victims, hit and run crashes create another problem. If the at fault driver cannot be identified, insurance recovery becomes more difficult. In these cases, uninsured motorist coverage may be the primary way to recover compensation.
Louisiana’s Unique Uninsured Motorist Rule
Louisiana has a unique rule when it comes to uninsured motorist coverage.
Under Louisiana law, UM coverage is automatically included in most auto insurance policies unless the driver signs a written rejection form.
Because of this rule, many Louisiana drivers already have uninsured motorist coverage without realizing it.
This protection can become extremely important in crashes involving:
- Stolen vehicles
- Drivers fleeing police
- Uninsured motorists
- Hit and run crashes
How a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Even when uninsured motorist coverage is available, filing a claim can still be complicated.
In many cases, victims must file claims against their own insurance company. Insurance companies may dispute injuries, question medical treatment, or argue about the value of damages.
A New Orleans car accident lawyer can help victims by:
- Reviewing police crash reports
- Investigating available insurance coverage
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Pursuing compensation for injuries
Serious crashes like the one reported near the I-610 overpass and North Broad Street in New Orleans show how quickly lives can change after reckless driving.
Understanding uninsured motorist coverage before a crash happens can make a major difference in protecting yourself and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Louisiana
What is uninsured motorist coverage in Louisiana?
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for injuries when the driver responsible for the crash does not have insurance or cannot be identified. This often includes crashes involving hit and run drivers, stolen vehicles, or uninsured motorists.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Louisiana?
Louisiana law automatically includes uninsured motorist coverage in most auto insurance policies. However, drivers may reject the coverage by signing a written waiver when purchasing their policy.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit and run accidents?
Yes. Uninsured motorist coverage commonly applies to hit and run crashes when the driver responsible for the accident leaves the scene and cannot be located.
Can passengers use uninsured motorist coverage?
Passengers injured in a crash may be able to use the uninsured motorist coverage on the vehicle they were riding in or their own insurance policy, depending on the situation.
Why do stolen vehicle crashes create insurance problems?
When a stolen vehicle causes a crash, the driver usually does not have valid insurance coverage. Because of this, uninsured motorist coverage may become the main way victims recover compensation.