Louisiana requires drivers to carry auto insurance, but there are limits to what is covered by these policies

Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana drivers are required by law to have insurance coverage in case there is an accident. This is one way that the state attempts to minimize the damage and financial loss caused by automobile accidents, however collisions do still happen and some accident victims get into financial trouble. Victims should look into a civil lawsuit, even if they have insurance, as it may not always be easy to cover all of the losses caused by a collision through insurance alone.

Louisiana auto insurance requirements

All drivers must have some kind of basic liability coverage to legally operate their vehicle on the state’s roads. The driver must also present proof of this coverage to a police officer when asked during a traffic stop or other interaction. There are fines for not having proof of coverage, and the vehicle’s registration may even be suspended.

The minimum coverage amounts required by state law include $15,000 worth of bodily injury per person, $30,000 worth of bodily injury in total for an accident, and $25,000 worth of coverage for property damage per accident. There are additional coverage requirements for cars that are subject to a lease or financing for more comprehensive forms of coverage.

What is liability coverage?

Liability is the term for someone’s financial responsibilities that are tied to a lawsuit or other legal action. This type of auto coverage is usually meant to pay for a victim’s lost wages and income, medical bills, and property damage. A driver who is insured will have their insurance provider pay for these losses so that they do not have to cover them directly out of their own money. In most cases, the victim’s own medical losses will not be covered by their insurance, and they will need to pay for them through other means. Even vehicle damage requires the victim to pay a deductible before coverage activates.

When coverage is insufficient

One of the most common reasons that a civil injury lawsuit tied to an accident happens is due to the fact that insurance will not cover everything. Especially in serious accidents that require long term medical treatment, the policy payouts of $15,000 to $30,000 will not be nearly enough to cover healthcare costs. A negligence lawsuit against the person or business responsible is often the only way to receive large amounts of money that are necessary to cover all of the victim’s losses.

Finding out more about legal issues

Anyone who has been in an accident can contact a lawyer to discuss their options and decide if they need to file a civil lawsuit. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a firm that serves clients in the Baton Rouge area with advice and representation.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205