Fault vs. No Fault; Uninsured Motorists
What Is a No-Fault State and an At-Fault State in Regards to Auto Insurance Claims
There are many legal terms you may have heard regarding accident insurance. Two of those are 'no-fault' insurance and 'at-fault'. A New Orleans auto accident lawyer can help you navigate the at-fault regulations in Louisiana.
Only a handful of states are no-fault states. This means that an injured accident victim is generally required to get compensated from their own insurance company. If you don't have insurance, even if an accident is your fault, the other driver cannot file a lawsuit and name you as the defendant. The exceptions to this are where there are serious or significant injuries, as defined by the state, or when medical expenses exceed set limit. If you are uninsured and a lawsuit is filed against you, any expenses or money owed will be paid from your own pocket.
If you are in an at-fault state which is the case with most states you can be sued for all damages incurred by the injured if you cause an accident. These can include medical bills, lost wages, damage to property, and pain and suffering. If you do not carry liability insurance, you are responsible for paying the injured person out of your own pocket. If you are not insured, there may be some limitations on what you can collect if another person causes an accident.
If you need help understanding these terms or need someone to assist you in pressing an auto accident law suit or receiving a fair settlement from an insurance company, contact Brandon Venegas your New Orleans auto accident lawyer today!
