How long does a car accident affect your insurance?
The impact of a motor vehicle wreck can be felt across nearly every aspect of your life. In addition to worrying about how you will cover your medical expenses and monthly household costs while you take time off of work, you may also be wondering how long a car accident affects your insurance rates.
After all, any increases to your auto insurance premiums could have a substantial impact on your family’s budget. Fortunately, with help from a top-rated Lafayette car accident lawyer, you can get these excess damages covered by the liable party. Contact our legal team today to learn more about your legal options for financial relief and the extra costs of auto insurance after a collision.
How long do car accidents affect insurance?
After being involved in a car accident, your life will be affected in many ways. One of the most common ways injury victims suffer is when their auto insurance rates increase. Even though someone else may be responsible for causing the accident, since you were involved in a collision, the insurance company is more likely to consider you a risky driver.Â
The more likely you are to file a claim against your insurance policy, the more likely it is that the insurance company will increase your auto insurance rates. In fact, according to carinsurance.com, most Louisiana drivers will be required to pay more than 60% in auto insurance premiums after being involved in a collision. These increased rates will remain in effect for an average of three years until the accident no longer appears on your driving record.
How to deal with an insurance rate increase
However, there are some ways you can easily deal with these auto insurance rate increases. First, make sure liability for the collision is established. The insurance company and liable party may blame you for the accident in an attempt to avoid liability for your damages. Your car accident lawyer will ensure blame is placed where it should be.
We will also be sure to request additional compensation to account for these auto insurance rate increases when you file your car accident lawsuit against the liable party. This way, the additional costs are not your responsibility.
What to do if you cannot afford auto insurance in Louisiana
If you do not believe you are going to be able to afford the increase to your auto insurance rates after a collision, it is important to do everything possible to ensure liability is assessed correctly in your claim. If the defense accuses you of sharing the blame for the accident, your attorney can introduce evidence that shows the defendant’s liability and negligence.Â
However, if you file a claim against your auto insurance policy, the insurance company can increase your auto insurance rates without regard to liability for the accident. For this reason, we rarely recommend filing a claim against your personal injury protection or no-fault insurance policy if you opt to carry such coverage. Although it is designed to protect you, the insurance company will increase your rates when your policy renews.
Get help from a Lafayette car accident lawyer today
When your auto insurance rates dramatically increase after a collision, having the liable party be ordered to compensate you for your damages could make all the difference. You should never be stuck paying for the consequences of someone else’s negligence.Â
Let us help you move forward from the collision and obtain full compensation on your behalf. Reach out to a leading Lafayette car accident lawyer to schedule a no-cost, risk-free consultation today. You can get started by completing our online contact form or calling our office when you are ready to demand justice.
