As a Louisiana car accident lawyer, I often talk to drivers who are unsure what their policy really covers. One of the most misunderstood parts is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if another driver doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for your injuries. Around 65% of Louisiana drivers carry only the minimum coverage or less, and about 15% of motorists in Louisiana have no insurance at all. UM/UIM fills that gap, covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Although it isn’t required by law, it’s one of the smartest add-ons you can buy.
A Real Story From One of Our Clients
We once represented a mother of two young children whose husband was tragically killed in a crash. The at-fault driver only carried Louisiana’s minimum required coverage—$15,000—and they didn’t have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on their own policy. That $15,000 was all that was available for the loss of a husband, a father, and a provider. Telling her there was nothing more we could do financially was devastating for her family, and for us. No amount of money could replace what they lost, but the lack of coverage left them without even a safety net.
We get calls every single week from people seriously injured or left grieving because an at-fault driver had no insurance or only the minimum required. It’s one of the hardest parts of our job: having to tell good people that there simply isn’t enough coverage to make them whole.
We GET IT DONE
Clients trust us to handle their case properly and effectively
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773Why UM Coverage Matters for Louisiana Families
Serious injuries can bring serious costs. A few nights in the ICU can cost over $30,000. A helicopter ride to the hospital might add another $20,000. One surgery can run more than $50,000. If you need long-term care or time away from work, the financial hit keeps growing.
Minimum insurance won’t come close to covering these bills. But UM coverage can step in to protect your family’s finances during one of the hardest times of your life.
We DO THE RIGHT THING
The correct choice – always – is to do the right thing.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773Common Misunderstandings About UM Coverage
- “I have full coverage.” Many people assume “full coverage” means they have UM coverage, but it isn’t included automatically. You must add it.
- “I have health insurance, so I don’t need it.” Health insurance doesn’t cover lost income, pain and suffering, or out-of-network care.
- “It’s too expensive.” UM coverage is often much more affordable than people think, especially when compared to the costs it can help cover.
We ARE TRANSPARENT
We don’t play games and we don’t hide the ball.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773From a Lawyer’s Perspective
If I could make one change to help protect Louisiana families from financial ruin after a crash, it would be requiring UM coverage. I’ve seen too many lives turned upside down. Not just from the injury, but from not having enough coverage when they needed it most.
Even if you’re a safe driver, you’re sharing the road with people who aren’t. You can’t control what someone else does behind the wheel, but you can make sure your policy protects your family.
We ARE COMPASSIONATE
Emotionally intelligent listeners with positive attitudes.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What’s the Difference Between UM and UIM?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage applies when the driver who caused your crash has no auto insurance at all. It can also apply in a hit-and-run accident when the other driver cannot be identified.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t enough to pay for all your damages. Louisiana’s minimum required liability coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Those minimums are often far less than the cost of hospital care or long-term recovery after a serious crash.
Does UM Coverage Apply to Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Yes, UM coverage may apply if you’re injured by a hit-and-run driver. However, Louisiana law requires that you prove another vehicle caused the accident, usually through the testimony of an independent and disinterested witness. This helps prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that genuine victims are protected.
What Types of UM/UIM Coverage Can You Choose?
- Bodily Injury Coverage: Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Property Damage Coverage: Helps repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by an uninsured driver. This can be particularly useful if you don’t have collision coverage.
- Economic-Only Coverage: A limited form of UM coverage that pays only for economic losses such as medical bills and lost income, but not for pain and suffering.
Do I Need UM Coverage If I Have Health Insurance?
Health insurance helps with medical bills, but it won’t cover your lost income, pain and suffering, or out-of-network costs. UM coverage fills those gaps and also protects against wrongful death losses if a loved one dies in a crash.
- Health insurance does not pay for lost wages if you’re unable to work after an accident.
- It won’t cover your lost future earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or force a career change.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life are not covered by health insurance.
- If you lose your job due to your injuries, future medical care and prescriptions may no longer be covered through employer-based insurance.
- Most health plans have limits or higher costs for out-of-network care, which can be critical after a crash, especially if you’re taken to the nearest hospital without choice.
- Funeral expenses after a fatal accident are not typically covered by health insurance.
- Even basic deductibles and co-pays can add up quickly and are not reimbursed by health plans.
Even if you already have health insurance, it won’t replace other types of car insurance coverage that protect against lost income, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage.
How Much UM Coverage Should You Carry?
You are not required to carry UM coverage. But, by law, your insurance company must offer UM/UIM coverage with limits equal to your liability coverage, unless you reject it or choose lower limits in writing. The minimum required liability coverage in Louisiana of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage is rarely enough to protect you after a major crash. Consider setting your UM limits to match or exceed your liability limits, such as $100,000 per person and $250,000 per accident, to give yourself better protection.
How Does UM Coverage Protect You Legally?
Your UM insurer owes you a duty of good faith and fair dealing. Once you prove the other driver was at fault and uninsured or underinsured, your insurer must pay or make an unconditional tender within 30 days of receiving proof of your claim. Failure to do so can result in penalties and attorney fees.
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, contact our Louisiana personal injury attorneys at (985) 240-9773 for a free consultation. We’ll review your coverage and make sure you aren’t left paying for someone else’s mistake.
