Opinion ID: 1770626
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Precepts Applied

Text: Applying the foregoing precepts, we conclude that the uninsured motorist insurance carrier in this case acquired no right of action against the underinsured motorist tortfeasor or her liability insurer. First, the uninsured motorist insurance statute does not permit the carrier to acquire or have any right against the tortfeasor except the right the carrier may obtain from its insured upon payment under the UM policy. Second, when the carrier in this case paid its insured the insured had already discharged the tortfeasor and her insurer by entering a transaction or compromise. Consequently, the carrier did not obtain any right against the third parties. As noted by Planiol, derivation is the essence of subrogation: Once payment is effected it is impossible for the creditor to transmit to the third party an action he no longer has, which has definitely been extinguished by the receipt of payment. 2 M. Planiol, Civil Law Treatise pt. 1 no. 480; also nos. 477, 478 (11th ed. La.St.L.Inst. trans. 1959); 4 C. Aubry & C. Rau, Droit Civil Francais § 321 (6th ed. Bartin) in A. Yiannopoulos, 1 Civil Law Translations 187-188, 190 (1965).