Auto Insurance Claims: Louisiana Hit and Run, medical payments coverage, insurance cards

Question
Mr. Hixenbaugh,

On the 17th of September I was involved in a hit and run. We were able to get her license plate and make a police report. The next day she was arrested for a hit and run and driving with a suspended license. Yesterday I finally got ahold of the police report, and the officer said her insurance information was in the report. I then made a claim with her insurance. I was told by their agent to go ahead and go to the hospital since I was already a handicapped person and injured in the accident. My passenger was also injured. The day of the accident I also contacted my insurance, since I have minimum state insurance, my insurance only covers the other person. I am not sure of Louisiana's requirements for the non-insured policy, or even what it means.
Today I received a call from the other woman's insurance and they said that the suspect might not actually be insured, and that they hand out 6 month insurance cards, even if the person does not pay for it.
My question is: where do I go from here? I cannot not drive my car. I am a student and need it back in working condition now. Because of the accident, I was not able to walk for two days from pain. I believe I am supposed to sue them, but I don't know how, or how to find a reputable lawyer, or if I need a lawyer since she was obviously in the wrong. Also, who is to say she will actually pay up since she is obviously a criminal and doesn't mind breaking laws?

Answer
Hi Kaylah,

I am very sory you are in this situation.

Unfortunately, this is not a good situation. If the other person does not have any insurance, then you are pretty much on your own if you do not have collision coverage on your car or medical payments coverage on your own policy. You are correct that you would have to sue the at-fault driver, but if they do not even keep insurance con their vehicle it is unlikely you will ever collect anything even if you win in court.

The only thing you can hope for is that the other person actually does have insurance. Just stay on top of that insurance company for a difinitive answer. Beyond that, unfortunately, I nothing to offer you.

Richard Hixenbaugh