One of the most common things we hear after a car accident is:
“I’ve got full coverage.”
But when we ask what type of insurance coverage someone actually has, many people are surprised to learn that “full coverage” does not always mean what they think it means.
In many cases, people confuse having enough insurance to legally drive in Louisiana with being fully protected after a serious accident. Those are two very different things.
Louisiana law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance limits of:
That is the minimum amount required to legally drive in Louisiana.
The problem is that serious accidents can easily result in medical bills and damages far exceeding those amounts. Unfortunately, many Louisiana drivers carry only minimum coverage.
When purchasing auto insurance, there are several optional coverages that can provide important protection after an accident.
One of the most important is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, often called “UM” coverage. This coverage may help protect you if the driver who caused the accident:
Collision coverage is another important option because it helps cover damage to your own vehicle regardless of who caused the accident.
You may also want to discuss higher liability limits with your insurance agent so you have better protection if you are ever involved in a serious crash.
There is really no official legal definition of “full coverage.”
For some people, it simply means they have collision and comprehensive coverage on their vehicle. For others, it may include higher liability limits and UM coverage.
The important thing is understanding exactly what your policy does and does not cover before an accident happens.
Insurance coverage issues can become confusing very quickly after a wreck. At Flattmann Law, we help clients understand the insurance policies involved and identify available coverage after serious car accidents.
If you have questions about your insurance coverage or were injured in a car accident, contact Flattmann Law today for a free and confidential consultation.
We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, Madisonville, and the New Orleans metro area.
Call (985) 590-6182 today.
When you ask for Grady, you get Grady. At Flattmann Law, we make sure that your consultations and cases are not assigned to a junior associate. Grady will personally be on the phone with you or meet you in person to discuss your individual situation. We will represent you not only as your attorney, but also as your neighbor.
Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
