Drivers in Louisiana are being encouraged to review and update their motor vehicle policies in the month of June – insurance agents have dubbed the summer month ‘Insurance Awareness Month.’
The insurance professionals say that far too often lifestyles change and people forget to update their policies to reflect the changes.
The origin of Insurance Awareness month is unknown, but insurance professionals believe that the recognition is specifically tied to the July 4th holiday. According to reports, car crashes and accidents increase by 95 percent the weekend that the holiday is celebrated.
A few examples of common policy changes include:
- Increasing insurance deductible
- Decreasing insurance deductible
- Additional discounts for safe driving or accident free drivers
Fatal crashes in Louisiana
Car crashes and trucking accidents happen every day in Louisiana. In the past two weeks, there have been two horrific crashes that claimed two lives and injured several people. In addition to the insurmountable grief that loss of life brings, vehicles were deemed total losses and financial hardships were created – and these were completely accidental, no illegal drugs or alcohol were involved in either crash.
The second week of June, a three-vehicle crash in Tangipahoa Parish killed Ruby Core. In addition to Ms. Core’s death, three other people were injured. The cars were totaled, and property damage was involved. There was no evidence of drug or alcohol use in this crash.
Another accident occurred in Ascension Parish last week. Jonathan Hyland, 24, turned left from a private street onto Highway 431.
Brian Bergeron was driving a dump truck when Hyland turned in to his path. Bergeron could not stop in time, and crashed in to Hyland, killing him. Authority report that impairment was not a factor in the crash.
Next Steps
Our team of trained professionals has the experience and skill to litigate the most complex personal injury cases – and get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.
Please contact us online or call 318-284-8551 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Independence Day
The National Safety Council predicts that when the 4th of July falls on a weekend, the number of car accidents doubles. The holiday falls on Wednesday this year – but officials at the NSC advise drivers to use extreme caution June 30th and July 1st, as most folks will choose to celebrate on the weekend before.
Safe driving tips for busy holiday traffic:
- Reduce your speed to arrive alive
- Always make sure that children are securely strapped in their car seats
- Buckle up for safety
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs and get behind the wheel
- Never drive distracted – no technology while you are driving
Most importantly, focus and pay attention – recent reports from City Data indicate that in Louisiana, more fatal accidents occur because of simple human error than any other reason.
Louisiana insurance laws
According to the Louisiana Department of Insurance, at least 15 percent of drivers in the state do not have auto insurance. Expert surmise that one reason is the cost of insurance – Louisiana insurance rates exceed the national average by more than 50 percent.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said that rates are high because most drivers opt for “bare-bones” policies.
Louisiana requires mandatory uninsured motorist coverage and liability insurance in the amount of $15,000 and $30,000 per person, per accident. The state also requires $25,000 coverage for property damage.
The Downs Law Firm offer compassionate and caring legal services to individuals facing a range of legal challenges. Whether you’re suffered a personal injury due to another person or company’s negligence or neglect, in Louisiana, Arkansas, or Mississippi, the Downs Law Firm are here to help you.
The Downs Law Firm
517 North Washington Street
Bastrop, LA 71220
