
An accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you wondering what to do next. It’s not uncommon to feel uncertain about how to move forward, but Laborde Earles is here to offer guidance. With a proven record of recovering over $1 billion for our clients, we’re ready to stand by your side.
Seeking advice from a Lafayette uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you take control of your situation. Our team works to make the legal process as straightforward as possible while pursuing the best outcome for your case.
As your trusted Lafayette car accident lawyer, we’re committed to addressing your concerns and helping you understand your options. Let us work with you to achieve a fair resolution.
Proven Outcomes With an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Lafayette
As trusted Lafayette personal injury lawyers, we take pride in helping clients seek justice after serious accidents. Whether dealing with uninsured drivers or accidents involving commercial vehicles, our team is committed to providing strong legal representation.
Our history of verdicts and settlements highlights the difference we’ve made for those we represent. From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we are committed to achieving results.
Examples of our notable outcomes include:
- $195,000.00 – Auto accident resulting in back injury without surgery
- $190,000.00 – Auto accident with hip and back injuries
- $180,000.00 – Defective tire causing one-car accident and neck injury
- $1,400,000.00 – Settlement for Alexandria woman in a car accident
- $150,000.00 – Auto accident with neck and back injuries
- $125,000.00 – Auto accident resulting in leg and back injury
- $5,250,000.00 – Auto accident resulting in brain injury
- $5,100,000.00 – Verdict for auto accident victim
Our Lafayette uninsured motorist accident attorneys are prepared to take on challenging cases and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation, we stand ready to support you throughout the legal process.


Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientUnderstanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by drivers without insurance. It can help cover costs like medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
In Louisiana, auto insurers must offer UM coverage with every policy, though you can choose to decline it in writing.
How UM Coverage Can Help
This type of coverage offers key financial protection by:
- Covering medical expenses and related treatment costs
- Protecting against financial strain by covering accident-related bills
- Providing stability even when the at-fault driver lacks insurance
We’re here to help you understand your options and support you after motor vehicle accidents involving uninsured drivers.


I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientHow Many Drivers Are Uninsured?
Uninsured motorist statistics reveal that about 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S.—roughly 28 million people—are uninsured. In Louisiana, over 13% of drivers lack insurance, increasing the risk of accidents involving uninsured motorists.
Uninsured motorists aren’t the only concern. Some drivers are underinsured, with coverage limits too low to fully address damages like medical treatment costs, lost wages, or property repairs. This can leave you with unexpected financial burdens.
If you’ve been involved in such an accident, an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, can help you explore your legal options and find a path forward.


The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientCar Insurance Requirements in Louisiana
To legally drive in Louisiana, you must carry minimum auto liability insurance. This includes:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- $30,000 for total bodily injury or death liability per accident
- $15,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 per accident
These requirements aim to cover expenses like property damage, medical bills, and other losses caused by accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need financial compensation for medical bills, repairs, or lost income, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the support you need. Our team is here to guide you through each step.


They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientIs Louisiana an At-Fault State?
Yes, Louisiana operates as an at-fault state, often referred to as a “tort” state. This means that if you’re in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, their insurance is responsible for covering your damages, not your own.
Recovering damages can become complicated if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, pursuing compensation may involve additional steps to address medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
If you’re dealing with the challenges of an accident involving an uninsured driver, an uninsured car accident lawyer in Lafayette can help. Our law firm is here to guide you through the process and help you explore your legal options.
Proving Fault in a Tort State
In Louisiana, a tort state, proving the other party’s responsibility for an accident involves demonstrating they breached their duty of care. In some cases, this is straightforward—such as when you’re rear-ended or if the other driver receives a citation at the scene. These situations typically make it easier to establish who is at fault.
However, determining fault can be more challenging in complex situations. Louisiana’s comparative fault laws assign a percentage at fault to each party, which can affect the outcome of your claim. A personal injury attorney from our Lafayette law firm can help clarify these issues and build a strong case.
Our team is here to assist you in working through the impact of comparative fault laws and making sure the liable party is held accountable. Let us provide the guidance you need to pursue a resolution you believe is fair.
Understanding Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule
Louisiana law (Art. 2323) follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that courts determine the percentage of fault each party holds in an accident. This rule also applies if you’re partially responsible for the crash.
For example, if you were texting while driving and ran a stop sign, and another driver who was speeding hit your car, both parties would share some responsibility. The court might decide you’re 40% at fault and the other driver 60%. In this case, the other party would be responsible for covering 60% of your damages.
If the at-fault party is uninsured, things can become more challenging. That’s where an experienced uninsured motorist accident attorney in Lafayette, LA, can make a difference. We’re here to help you pursue a claim and explore all available options to recover the damages you’re owed.
Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Louisiana, you may be eligible for two types of recoverable damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to costs with a clear dollar value, including:
- Medical care expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage repairs
Non-economic damages cover more personal losses, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving wrongful death, additional damages may include funeral costs, loss of future income, and non-economic damages tied to grief.
Pursuing financial compensation and a fair settlement can help address these losses, and our Lafayette wrongful death lawyers are ready to assist.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
In Louisiana, filing a personal injury claim after a car accident must be done promptly. You have two years from the accident date to file a liability claim against the at-fault party. Failing to act within this statute of limitations allows the other party to request the court to dismiss your claim.
Time limits can make it challenging to seek fair compensation for your losses. Acting quickly ensures you can gather the necessary evidence and begin building your case.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, working with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Our law firm is here to support you and help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to receive.
What Happens if You Don’t Have UM or UIM Coverage?
Without uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may face significant financial challenges after an accident caused by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. Medical costs, vehicle repairs, and lost wages during recovery often fall on your shoulders, leaving you to rely on your health insurance or personal savings.
In these situations, filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver might be your only option. However, this can be a lengthy process, and if the driver lacks financial resources, even a successful judgment may not cover your losses.
Insurance companies are often difficult to deal with in these cases, but our attorneys are here to help. We can guide you through your options and work to address the financial impact of the accident on your behalf.
Common Reasons Drivers Lack Adequate Auto Insurance Coverage
In Louisiana, drivers are required to carry minimum insurance coverage, but many still drive without enough—or any—protection. Here are some common reasons this happens:
- Financial struggles: High premiums can make insurance unaffordable for some, leading them to drive without coverage and increasing risks for others on the road.
- Lapsed or canceled policies: Missing payments or deadlines can result in policy cancellations, often leaving drivers unaware they’re uninsured.
- Minimal coverage: The state’s minimum liability requirements often fall short of covering medical expenses and repair costs in serious accidents.
- Lack of awareness: Some believe limited driving or a clean accident record means they don’t need insurance, a mindset that can leave all parties vulnerable in a crash.
If you’ve been affected by an accident involving an uninsured driver, seeking legal advice is imperative. We can help you understand your options and determine the best way to address the challenges caused by inadequate insurance coverage.
How Our Attorneys Will Help
Dealing with an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver can create significant challenges, especially if your auto insurance policy doesn’t cover all your needs.
At our law office, a Lafayette insurance denial lawyer can provide the guidance you need to address your situation and explore your legal options.
Here’s how we can help:
- Case evaluation: We’ll review the details of your accident (including the police report and witness statements) and auto insurance policy to determine the most effective way to proceed, whether through a claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
- Advocating with insurers: Insurance companies may try to minimize or deny valid claims. We’ll work on your behalf to negotiate a fair resolution.
- Legal action when needed: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage and your insurer fails to cooperate, we’ll take the necessary steps to protect your rights in court.
We are committed to helping you pursue the support you deserve after an accident. Let us guide you through this process with care and professionalism.
Steps to Take After an Accident in Lafayette
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Here’s what to do:
- Contact the police: Having an accident report is essential for filing accident claims, documenting details about the accident scene, and supporting your case.
- Seek medical attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated promptly, as they can develop into more serious issues over time and impact your accident claims.
- Gather information: Obtain contact details, license plate numbers, and driver’s license information from other parties and witnesses at the scene, if possible.
- Inform your insurer: Notify your insurance company about the accident, provide the accident report, and let them know the other driver is uninsured.
Protect Your Rights
Unfortunately, some insurance companies may undervalue or deny your claim, even when you have uninsured motorist coverage. If the liable party lacks insurance, an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Lafayette, LA, can help you fight for maximum compensation.
Our team understands the challenges these situations bring. We are here to support you, advocate for your rights, and help lead you toward the recovery you deserve.
Partner With a Legal Team That Fights for You
At Laborde Earles, our lawyers understand the financial burden that can follow an accident with an uninsured motorist. From medical bills to vehicle repairs and lost income, these situations can leave you with unexpected expenses. That’s why we’re here to guide you toward financial recovery and protect your rights every step of the way.
As the “Louisiana Attorneys That Care,” our team is dedicated to helping you explore your options and pursue the support you need. A Lafayette uninsured motorist accident lawyer from our firm will work tirelessly to address your concerns and seek justice on your behalf.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, reach out to Laborde Earles today. Let our legal team provide the support and advocacy you deserve as you focus on moving forward.