If you were involved in a car accident in California, your insurance could increase. How much will depend on a few factors, primarily whether you were at fault or not. In fact, despite your best efforts, car accidents happen every day in Southern California. Taking precautions cannot always help you avoid a collision with a negligent driver. Unfortunately, an unavoidable accident could be costly in more ways than one.
If this has happened to you, a Los Angeles personal injury attorney at Salamati Law might be able to help. By pursuing a civil case, you could recover a monetary award from the negligent driver.
Why do insurance rates go up after an accident?
Like with drunk driving, an accident could cause your insurance rates to go up. This is true whether you were involved in a speeding accident or struck by a driver who failed to yield the right-of-way. As noted above, the most crucial factor is whether or not you were at fault. You can count on your insurance company raising your monthly premiums if you are responsible. The unfortunate news is that some insurers could increase your premiums even if you were not at fault.
When insurance companies raise rates, their focus is entirely on risk. The more accidents a driver is involved in, the more likely they will be in another crash. So, insurers increase rates in these cases to absorb the risk that comes with a driver with multiple accidents on their record.
Lowering rates after a crash
There are steps you could take to reduce the cost of your insurance after an accident. While this will not undo the impact your crash has on your premiums, the end result could see your premiums go down.
One of the best options is seeking out discounts. If you are not currently using every available one, now is the time to rectify that decision. It is also essential to drive safely. By avoiding additional accidents, you could see your rate go down. If you are concerned with the total price of your policy, adjusting your coverage amounts could help you keep the costs low.
Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer for a free consultation
Insurance premiums are only one of the ways an accident could impact your finances. You could also face costly medical bills or lose your ability to work due to your injuries. A car accident lawyer could be a great resource. Our team at Salamati Law has extensive experience handling personal injury cases. Call for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
