According to WBRZ2, Louisiana residents can expect an increase in their auto insurance premiums for the fourth year in a row. Some motorists may even experience a double-digit hike in rates.
Female Driver Making Phone Call After Traffic Accident, looking at the accident
The State Property Casualty Commission and the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana determined that these increases are due to a variety of factors. The most notable one is the fact that the auto insurance industry is simply not profitable right now
In fact, these agencies claim the market is in crisis. They also believe they know what kinds of policies would fix it; however, they need to obtain the legislature in order to enact them.
Because of these premium hikes, Louisiana is now the second most expensive state in which to insure a vehicle, just behind Michigan. Despite the fact that our state has mandatory coverage requirements, the new rates could make it considerably harder for everyone to afford a policy. As a result, there may be more uninsured motorists on the roads in the coming months.
If you were hurt in a collision with an uninsured driver, you may still be able to recover compensation for your damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to The Downs Law Firm.
Ross Downs has been practicing law for more than 20 years. Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free case evaluation with a car wreck lawyer in Shreveport.
Experts Argue Louisiana Needs to Crack down on Distracted Driving
Considering all the innovative safety features and accident avoidance systems that newer motor vehicles come equipped with, rates should be decreasing, not increasing; however, industry experts think technology could actually be to blame for the hike in premiums. The main problem, they argue, is smartphones.
Distracted driving resulted in more than 3,000 traffic fatalities last year, and some parties think tort reform in Louisiana could help combat the problem. Insurance professionals are proposing a bill that would essentially make it illegal to hold a phone while behind the wheel. They believe this would force motorists to rely on hands-free technology more, which would prevent them from taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel.
In the meantime, Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon must approve all rate increases. He claims that before he does so, a team of actuaries assesses data submitted by the insurance provider. Fortunately, consumers can take comfort in the fact that he rarely approves the hikes insurance companies request.
This has led to other problems, though, which have more long-term negative effects. For example, five companies have stopped providing coverage throughout the state of Louisiana in the past two years because the industry is simply unprofitable. At the end of the day, when more companies are writing policies, consumers benefit from competing quotes.
Commissioner Donelon claims Louisiana is considered a working poor state. Roughly 50 percent of motorists on the road have just the basic liability insurance required to drive, which includes $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for total bodily injuries in an accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
If you sustained injuries in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, a strategic car wreck attorney in Shreveport may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact The Downs Law Firm today to determine if you have a valid case.
Call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free consultation. You can learn more about collision claims in Louisiana by visiting the USAttorneys website.
