Being involved in a car accident is a jarring, and, often, costly experience. Unfortunately, one of the things many people don’t consider after a car accident, especially one caused by another’s negligence, is how it may affect their insurance premiums. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned New York City personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about how a car accident may affect your insurance rates and how our legal team can help if you’ve been hurt due to no fault of your own.
What Happens to Your Insurance Rates After a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident in New York City can significantly affect your auto insurance rates. In the aftermath, insurance companies reassess your risk profile. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the accident, this reassessment can lead to increased premiums. It’s essential to understand the specific factors influencing these changes.
How Do Different Types of Accidents Influence Insurance Rates?
Minor accidents often result in smaller rate increases than major ones. Insurance companies consider factors like fault, damages, and any incurred injuries. If you’re deemed at fault, expect a more substantial hike in your premiums. Conversely, if you’re not at fault, the impact might be less severe. However, repeated accidents, regardless of fault, can indicate to insurers a pattern of risky driving behavior.
Are There Ways to Mitigate the Impact on Your Insurance Rates?
After an accident, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your insurance provider. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness policies, which can prevent your first accident from affecting your rates. Additionally, improving your driving habits and attending defensive driving courses can positively influence your risk profile. Regularly reviewing and comparing insurance policies can also ensure you’re receiving the best rate possible.
You should also understand that if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation via a personal injury claim. Though this may not necessarily directly influence your insurance rates, it should provide you with the financial means to recover physically and financially from your accident. However, to win a personal injury claim, you must satisfy the burden of proof. This means you must prove that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence. You can do so with the help of a competent personal injury lawyer who can help you gather and present evidence that corroborates your claim. This evidence can include pictures of the accident and its aftermath, surveillance footage of your crash, witness statements, medical documentation, a copy of the police report filed at the scene, and more.
For further questions, simply contact our firm today. We are here to fight for you, every step of the way.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
