Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protect Me in a Truck Accident Case?
Uninsured /Underinsured Motorist Coverage (“UM Coverage”) provides compensation to you, (your family members and anyone occupying your vehicle) if you are injured by a careless driver who has no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover your loss. UM coverage allows you to collect any additional compensation from your own insurance company, up to the limits of your UM coverage. Unless you have UM coverage, you may not be able to collect for your personal injuries, medical bills, wage loss and other damages, if the trucking company did not have enough truck liability insurance .
Although Louisiana law requires that trucks with a gross weight over 50,000 pounds carry minimum insurance limits of $300,000, this will likely not be adequate to cover the damages inflicted on an automobile and its passengers during an accident. Thus, the possibility of an accident with a big rig is a compelling reason to purchase uninsured/underinsured (UM) motorist coverage on your vehicle. UM coverage in Louisiana is insurance on your car that pays for your damages in the event you are hit by a vehicle (or large truck) that does not have enough insurance or no insurance at all.
If you already have automobile liability coverage, then you automatically have UM coverage up to the limits of your liability limits, unless you sign a document called an UM Waiver Form. The UM Waiver Form allows you to waive UM coverage, or select UM coverage at limits lower than your liability limits. We strongly suggest that you do not waive UM coverage and purchase the highest limits available in order to protect you and your family. We have seen families financially ruined when the “major bread winner is injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. DON’T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU!!!
Finally, do not rely on an insurance agent’s representation that you have “full coverage.” Full coverage does not necessarily mean you have UM coverage. We encourage you to pull out your insurance policy and check to see that you have adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you do not have UM coverage, then contact your agent, pay the additional premium and “protect yourself first!
If you have a question concerning UM coverage, or need additional information, feel free to contact our New Orleans law offices. We will be happy to answer your question without charge. Drive safe, and be smart.
