accident lawsuits | Online Lawyer Network

Lafayette, LA – Each driver can purchase an auto insurance policy that is appropriate based on their driving habits and coverage needs. Certain types of coverage are optional, while all drivers must have some kind of basic liability insurance if they want to drive legally. Louisiana, like most other states, only legally requires liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This is because of the government’s interest in protecting life and property, but not necessarily protecting a person’s personal investment in their car.

Lawsuits are also a common part of the process following a car crash, as victims may need larger amounts than their insurance policy will cover.

Liability coverage

If a driver causes injuries to another person or property damage during their accident, they will be covered up to several thousand dollars worth of damage. This is the main type of insurance that most drivers purchase because it is necessary in order to drive. Coverage amounts will usually range between ten and twenty five thousand dollars of liability protection for standard policies.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance that pays the owner of the car for vehicle damage and repairs is generally only required if the car is subject to a lien or financed by a loan from a bank. If the driver does not purchase collision insurance, then they will have to pay for all repairs on their own without the help of an insurance company. Even if a driver has collision insurance, they will usually have to pay for several hundred dollars worth of repairs before the insurance company will help.

Comprehensive coverage for a car

This is an optional part of an insurance policy that protects a car from damage by something other than a car crash. Different providers have slightly different types of comprehensive policies, but they usually cover losses from crime, theft, vandalism, bad weather, and other less common sources of damage. Damage from animals and pest issues is usually covered under a comprehensive policy as well, as this is not considered normal accident damage. Despite the additional costs of comprehensive

Lawsuits against negligent drivers

Drivers are regularly sued for causing accidents and property damage, whether they have sufficient coverage or not. When someone is seriously hurt and cannot work as normal, a lawsuit based on the events of the car accident is often the only way that the person can receive enough money to cover their medical bills and lost income.

Legal help in Louisiana

Meeting with a local attorney is the most important step for accident victims who need financial help. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf help clients in Lafayette with the process to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

www.mlhlaw.com

Grand Rapids, MI – The financial costs of an accident can be just as devastating for some accident victims as their injuries and property damage. Civil lawsuits are the main way that people involved in a crash who have experienced large amounts of losses can try to recover the money that they need to spend on medical procedures, continued healthcare, and missed time from work. The monetary award at the conclusion of a lawsuit through a jury verdict or settlement agreement is called damages. There are some rules codified in the state’s statutes regarding what damages are available and how they are awarded to the victim.

Damages under Michigan law

In Michigan and other states, damages are usually divided into two categories for economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are the easiest to calculate, as the plaintiff can argue that the defendant should pay for all of their medical treatment, lost wages, property repairs, and other financial issues that can be easily proven through documentation and other forms of evidence. Non-economic damages are usually referred to as pain and suffering. These intangible amounts can be based on things like trauma, psychological problems, physical pain caused by an injury, and the victim’s reduced quality of life. The Michigan legislature has placed limits or damage caps on certain kinds of injury lawsuits to create a maximum that can be awarded for non-economic damages in certain cases. There are also two other types of less common damages available in cases of malicious or intentional misconduct in Michigan. These are punitive damages and exemplary damages.

The insurance claim process

Determining whether a lawsuit will be necessary in addition to an insurance claim is usually done on a case by case basis. Anyone involved in an accident should notify their insurance provider, as this is usually required by the terms of the policy. However, many standard auto insurance policies will only cover several thousand dollars worth of liability and property repairs. The victim can ask their insurance provider important questions about their collision and the possibility of receiving funds from a claim that will cover most or all of their losses. In cases that involve severe injuries and large medical costs, it is more likely that a personal injury lawsuit will be necessary to cover the insufficiencies of an insurance claim. Accident victims should speak with a licensed lawyer before making any decisions about bringing a lawsuit.

Speak with a local accident attorney

There are lawyers in the Grand Rapids area who focus their practice on accident lawsuits and related matters to assist clients. Anyone who needs to learn more about this process can contact the attorneys at Neumann Law Group.

Firm contact info:

Neumann Law Group

300 E Front St. #445, Traverse City, MI 49684

231-221-0050

Posts

What are the different types of auto insurance coverage in Lafayette?

Accident victims in Grand Rapids will be awarded compensation based on the law of damages