Fort Polk  Transportation

Louisiana is a "Fault" Car Accident State

Louisiana follows a traditional "fault"-based system when it comes to financial responsibility for losses stemming from a car accident: injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, and so on. This means that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is also responsible for any resulting harm (from a practical standpoint, the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will absorb these losses, up to policy limits).

In Louisiana, a person who suffers any kind of injury or damage due to an auto accident usually can proceed in one of three ways:

• by filing a claim with his or her own insurance company, assuming that the loss is covered under the policy (in this situation, the injured person's insurance company will likely turn around and pursue a subrogation claim against the at-fault driver’s carrier)
• by filing a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, or
• by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.

Note: In no-fault car insurance states, a claimant doesn't usually have this same range of options. After a car accident in a no-fault state, you must turn to the personal injury protection coverage of your own car insurance policy for payment of medical bills and other out-of-pocket losses, regardless of who caused the crash. Only if your injuries reach a certain threshold can you step outside of no-fault and make a claim directly against the at-fault driver. But Louisiana drivers don't need to worry about no-fault after an in-state accident.

Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Louisiana

The required minimum amounts of liability car insurance coverage in Louisiana are:

• $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle
• $30,000 for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle, and
• $25,000 for property damage per accident caused by the driver of the insured vehicle.

This basic coverage pays the medical bills, property damage bills, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in a car accident you cause, up to coverage limits. You can (and in some situations should) carry more coverage to protect you in case a serious crash results in significant car accident injuries and vehicle damage. Remember, once policy limits are exhausted, you are personally on the financial hook, so higher insurance limits can help protect your personal assets in the event of a serious crash.

Your liability coverage will kick in if any family member is driving your vehicle, or if you've given someone else permission to use it. It will likely also cover you if you get into an accident in a rental car.

Remember that the liability coverage we discussed here doesn't apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after a Louisiana car accident. You'll need different (additional) coverage for that if you're involved in a car accident and no one else's coverage applies to your losses. For example, collision coverage (optional in Louisiana) can pay for repairs to (or replacement of) your damaged vehicle after a car accident.

Note that collision or comprehensive might be required under the terms of a vehicle lease or financing agreement. And while not required in Louisiana, uninsured motorist coverage can really save the day if you're in a car accident with a motorist who is driving without insurance, or if you're involved in a hit and run accident. Learn more about different types of car insurance coverage.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Louisiana

According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, driving without insurance -- or being involved in a crash without insurance -- can result in the imposition of a fine of $500 to $1,000, plus the suspension of driving privileges, impoundment of a vehicle, revocation of registration, or cancellation of license plates.

What's more, if you drive without insurance in Louisiana, the state's "No Pay, No Play" law may also prohibit you from collecting certain amounts after a car accident, even if the other driver is at fault; specifically:

• the first $25,000 in property damages, and
• the first $15,000 in personal injuries.

Remember that the liability coverage we discussed here doesn't apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage after a Louisiana car accident. You'll need different (additional) coverage for that if you're involved in a car accident and no one else's coverage applies to your losses. For example, collision coverage (optional in Louisiana) can pay for repairs to (or replacement of) your damaged vehicle after a car accident.

Car Insurance Cancellation

Your auto insurance company can cancel your insurance policy within 60 days of purchase.

If your policy is canceled, they must notify you within:

• 10 days, if it's canceled because you didn't pay your premium.
• 20 days, if it's canceled for a traffic violation, accident, or any other reason.

After 60 days, your car insurance policy can be canceled ONLY if:

• You do not pay your insurance premium.
• You make a false claim.
• You or someone in your home gets a driver's license or vehicle registration suspension.

Again, your insurance company must notify you of any cancellation or non-renewal:

• Within 10 days if it's canceled because you didn't pay your premium.
• Within 30 days by certified mail if it's canceled for any other reason.
• No later than 20 days prior to expiration if they aren't renewing your policy.

If your policy is not renewed, you can request the reason in writing and expect a refund of any pre-paid premiums within 30 days.

Installation Regulation and Registration

ID Cards --All military personnel, dependents, contractors and vendors are required to register through Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS). This system immediately alerts officers that person is authorized access to the installation. For more information, call 337-531-7303 or 337-531-1746.

Corvious: NOISE/QUIET HOURS

Resident, other authorized occupants and guests will not disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the community. Resident shall keep the volume of any radio, stereo, TV, musical instrument or electronic device in their Home or vehicle sufficiently reduced at all times so as not to disturb other Residents. Residents shall not conduct or permit vocal or instrumental practice or instruction at the home without prior written consent of the Neighborhood Office. As per Command Policy Memorandum DES-02 – Noise Abatement; quiet hours are from 2200 to 0500 Sunday evening – Friday morning and 2400 to 0600 Friday evening - Sunday morning and should be observed by all residents and their guests that reside or visit homes at Fort Polk. Residents are required to control their pets to avoid disturbance during the quiet hours as defined above as well as from becoming a nuisance due to prolonged or frequent barking.

Weapons Registration -- All personnel residing on post must register their privately owned weapons within three working days. A weapon is defined as all firearms, pellet guns, BB guns, knives with blades in excess of 3.5 inches, and archery bows. Items such as switchblade knives, Chinese fighting instruments (throwing stars, nunchakus), and explosive devices are prohibited.

For registration each applicant must submit FP Form 563 with the make, model, caliber, and barrel length of each weapon. The actual weapon need not be brought in. Individuals residing in family housing may retain their weapons in their quarters after registration. Residents of troop barracks must store their weapons in their unit arms room.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.

You and your passengers must always wear seatbelts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seatbelts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 60 pounds be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.