Distracted drivers force insurance increases

Louisiana residents who work hard and take care to be safe when on the road, including carrying good auto insurance, deserve to know that their efforts are recognized and that they will be protected if an accident occurs. While that may happen, it appears that the cost of that protection may well be higher today due in large part to the choices made by many negligent drivers.

Car insurance companies evaluate many factors when setting prices. Past payouts and accident trends are among those factors. From 2011 to 2015, the number of crashes in Louisiana jumped by more than 12 percent. Data from the Louisiana State University Highway Safety Research Group adds that from 2014 to 2015, the accident rate increased seven percent despite the fact that Louisianans drove fewer miles in that time.

The jump in accidents is being attributed in part to distracted driving. Despite knowing that using the phone while driving is dangerous, people refuse to quit doing so. In the process, they put themselves and other innocent people at risk. Insurers are responding with rate hikes as high as 14 percent so far. One company is said to have a planned 16-percent increase for later this year.

Louisiana residents involved in accidents might find it helpful to discuss their situations with an attorney. This may be one way of learning about the various means through which they can seek financial compensation for the losses or injuries they experience.

Source: HoumaToday.com, “Car insurance rates might be skyrocketing because of your phone,” Ted Griggs, March 13, 2017