No matter how skillful a driver may be or how carefully insurance coverage for a motor vehicle is chosen, consequences from motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana are inevitable. Distracted and drunk drivers on the road continue to cause accidents due to negligence. There is a possibility that these distracted drivers are uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, one way car accident victims may be compensated for medical expenses if they carry liability coverage.
Many drivers include provisions in their policies to address uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Under this coverage, if a drunk or distracted driver hits a victim’s car, compensation may be provided to the insured and other occupants in the vehicle who have suffered any type of bodily injury.
A variation of uninsured or underinsured coverage which is more cost effective allows for compensation for only bodily injuries and not for pain and suffering.
The uninsured or underinsured motorist property damage clause can provide full vehicle repair or cash value of the vehicle to a recovery limit of $25,000, whichever is less. Also, a deductible may be included as a policy provision. Recovery limits can be higher, if wanted.
Motor vehicle insurance policies may also provide towing and labor coverage if the vehicle cannot be driven from the accident scene. Comprehensive insurance coverage provides benefits for specific damages, such as vandalism, explosion, theft, fire, falling objects and so on, except for collision. The deductible for such claims can be set according to the insured requirements.
Any victim of a motor vehicle accident who is experiencing problems obtaining fair compensation for injuries and other damages can always consult with a car accident attorney to gain knowledge about how to understand their current insurance coverage and how to deal with insurance companies to receive all due benefits.
Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance, “Consumer’s guide to Auto Insurance” Accessed Feb. 11, 2015
