Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Pursue A Claim Or File A Lawsuit?

Often people think that their insurance rates will automatically be raised after a car wreck. The short answer is “no.” A person’s insurance rate is based on a number of factors. Being at fault in a car wreck is just one of them. In Louisiana your rates cannot be increased because you were in a wreck that wasn’t your fault. That does not mean your rate may not increase after a wreck. Insurance companies are always pushing for rate increases. Louisiana natural weather disasters and high car theft rates may increase the cost of your policy. Most recently insurance companies promised a statewide reduction in rates if so called tort reform legislation was passed. They lied… again. The legislature did what the insurance companies asked them to do and our rates still went up. Insurance companies lobbied your legislators to take away consumer rights and all we got in return was higher rates.

If you are ready to file a claim after a car accident, discuss your situation with a Shreveport injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can answer your questions, such as what settlement amount you could expect and what the effect of your accident could be on your insurance rates moving forward.

Auto Insurance Rates Following a Louisiana Crash

If you were an at-fault driver, that will likely have an impact on your car insurance rates after a collision. But the accident itself is only one factor. Insurance companies also assess your age, your driving record, and your history with the company.

Post-Accident Rate Increases

When a person does have a post-at fault rate increase, it can be difficult to get the insurance company to reduce the rate, but keep asking. It will take a couple of years, but your rate will go back down if you stay wreck free.

Rate increases will also tend to stick when there are other areas of concerns, such as moving violations. When a person is considered high risk, it can be more difficult to obtain auto insurance at a reasonable rate. Some moving violations that can affect auto insurance rates include the following.

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Suspended license
• Running a red light
• Illegal turn
• Driving the wrong way

When you connect with a Shreveport injury lawyer, you can ask questions and learn about all of your options. There are often many questions after a crash, including who was the at-fault driver and how expenses will be handled. Let an experienced attorney negotiate with insurance companies for you while you focus on healing.

Do you have questions about filing a claim and your auto insurance coverage? Talk to the personal injury lawyers at Rice & Kendig. We truly care about our clients and devote our knowledge, skills and resources toward securing a great result every time. You do not need to navigate complicated negotiations on your own. Together, we can achieve success. Contact us today at 318-222-2772 to schedule your free consultation.