​How Much Does Car Insurance Go up After an Accident?

Following a car accident, there is a chance your insurance company will increase your rates simply for filing a claim. However, your rates are less likely to make a significant jump if you were not at fault for the accident in question.

When other drivers behave carelessly or recklessly, they are more likely to cause accidents that result in debilitating injuries and financial repercussions for accident victims. They should be responsible for these actions, and victims should not experience financial fallout from the crash or resulting injuries, including increased insurance premiums.

An experienced car accident lawyer can handle all dealings with insurance companies on your behalf, including with your own insurance provider, to ensure the fault is clear.

Your car accident attorney can also file a claim on your behalf with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and pursue compensation for your injuries. If the insurance company refuses to treat you fairly and offer you the compensation you deserve, your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and pursue litigation in the state court system.

Get A Free Consultation Today!

How do Other Drivers Cause Car Accidents?

If another driver caused your accident, your car insurance rates are less likely to increase significantly. Car accidents can occur for various reasons, and often, other drivers play a significant role. Some common ways that other drivers may cause accidents include reckless driving, traffic law violations, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, and road rage.

Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with a blatant disregard for safety, such as excessive speeding, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic. Reckless drivers often engage in risky maneuvers that increase the likelihood of accidents, putting themselves and others at risk of injury or death.

Traffic law violations, such as running red lights, failing to yield, or ignoring stop signs, can also lead to accidents. When drivers disregard traffic laws, they create dangerous situations on the road, increasing the chances of collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Intoxicated driving, or driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, is another leading cause of car accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased coordination, making them more likely to cause accidents. DUI accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the severity of these collisions and the force of impact involved.

Distracted driving has become a significant concern in recent years, with the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices behind the wheel. Drivers who text, make phone calls, or use social media while driving take their attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Even brief moments of distraction can have devastating consequences on the road.

Road rage, or aggressive driving behavior fueled by anger or frustration, can also lead to accidents. Drivers who engage in road rage may tailgate, honk excessively, or engage in dangerous maneuvers out of anger towards other drivers. These aggressive actions can escalate quickly and result in collisions or confrontations on the road.

If you suffered injuries in a car accident due to a negligent driver, your lawyer can explain any insurance consequences and file a claim on your behalf seeking the compensation you need.

Available Insurance Coverage in a Car Crash

Understanding the various types of insurance coverage available is crucial in a car accident. These coverages help protect drivers, passengers, and vehicles from financial losses and medical expenses. Three common types of coverage in a car accident include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
• Third-party liability coverage.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP coverage, is insurance that helps cover medical expenses and lost income for injured accident victims, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. PIP coverage typically includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and partial lost income due to injuries sustained in the accident. It provides financial assistance quickly, allowing injured parties to access necessary medical treatment without delay.

Third-Party Liability Coverage

Third-party liability coverage comes into play when another driver negligently causes a car accident. Their insurance coverage may pay for the victim’s accident-related medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses. In addition, as part of a third-party claim, accident victims may be eligible to recover compensation for non-economic losses, like pain, suffering, and inconvenience.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. In such situations, your own insurance policy steps in to cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses. This coverage provides peace of mind, knowing you are protected even if the other driver lacks adequate insurance coverage. It helps bridge the gap between what the other driver can pay and the actual costs incurred due to the accident.

An experienced car accident lawyer in your area can determine which of these insurance coverages may apply, given the circumstances of your accident. They can also determine the likely consequences of filing a claim with your own insurance company, including potential insurance rate increases.

Car Accidents Can Already be Costly

Aside from insurance hikes, car accidents can already have devastating financial consequences. They can cause serious injuries, resulting in costly medical treatment and time away from work. The bills can quickly add up, leaving victims feeling the financial strain of their accidents.

One of the most immediate costs of a car accident is medical care. From ambulatory services and emergency room visits to hospital stays and surgeries, the expenses can easily skyrocket. Injuries from a car accident can be serious, possibly including the following:

• Fractures: Car accidents can cause bone fractures due to the impact and force involved. Fractures can occur in any part of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and spine. These injuries can be extremely painful and may require surgical intervention for proper healing.
• Head and Brain Injuries: The head is particularly vulnerable in car accidents, and injuries to the head and brain can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s cognitive abilities, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause damage to the back and spinal cord, leading to conditions such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, or even paralysis. These injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s mobility and daily functioning.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. It occurs when the head is forcefully jerked forward and backward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
• Other Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can be easily injured in a car accident. Sprains, strains, and tears are common soft tissue injuries that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Each injury requires specific medical attention, which can further increase the medical bills.

Car accident injuries can also keep individuals from working, adding more financial stress. In some cases, victims may not return to work for an extended period, resulting in a significant loss of income. This loss can prevent them from covering daily expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and groceries.

In addition to the immediate medical and financial costs, there may be long-term consequences as well. Extensive medical treatment, such as physical therapy, ongoing medication, or even long-term care for debilitating injuries, can result in continued expenses. These long-term medical costs can place a significant strain on victims and their families, making it difficult to maintain their quality of life.

The financial effects of a car accident can already be overwhelming, especially when medical bills and the prospect of lost income. This makes it even more critical to obtain full coverage of all accident-related losses and avoid additional financial effects, such as insurance increases.

Damages for Injuries in a Car Accident

The primary purpose of filing a claim is to recover compensation for accident-related injuries and other losses. When a car accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence, victims may be entitled to different damages to compensate for these losses.

Economic Damages

Economic or compensatory damages are tangible losses that can be quantified in monetary terms. They include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, medication costs, and rehabilitation expenses incurred due to the accident. Additionally, economic damages cover lost income resulting from the victim’s inability to work due to injuries they suffered in their accident. Property damage to the vehicle or other belongings is also economic damage. These damages aim to reimburse the victims for their financial hardships from the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic or general damages are intangible losses with no precise monetary value. These damages compensate the accident victim for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life they experienced as a result of the accident. Non-economic damages are subjective and can vary greatly, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the severity of their injuries. They aim to provide compensation for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on the victim’s life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to the victim in cases where the at-fault party’s conduct is particularly reckless, egregious, or intentional. Unlike economic damages, punitive damages do not compensate the victim for their losses but punish the negligent party for their conduct and set an example. They are less common and typically only available in court.

If you suffered injuries in an accident due to another driver, an experienced car accident lawyer can determine your options and take necessary legal steps on your behalf. Your attorney can then aggressively advocate for you during settlement negotiations, pursuing the fair settlement compensation you deserve.

Talk with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Your Area Today

After a car crash, immediately consult an experienced personal injury attorney in your area. Your lawyer can explain the potential repercussions of filing a claim with your insurance company and determine your eligibility for filing a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. If the insurance company does not offer fair compensation, your attorney can determine your litigation options and aggressively represent you during any in-court proceedings.