Most drivers assume that when they are rear-ended by another driver, the person who hit their vehicle is automatically at fault for causing the accident. While this is true in most cases, there are instances where a driver who was positioned in the front of a rear-end crash could be held partially liable for the wreck. Essentially, what this means is that your insurance may or may not go up if someone rear-ends you as it all depends on the factors that contributed to the crash occurring.
Reasons Why Your Insurance Would Go Up if You Were Rear-Ended
If at the time of the rear-end accident, you were violating one or more traffic laws that contributed to the collision occurring, then it is likely that the officer who wrote up the report placed some or all of the blame on you. For example, let’s say you merged into another driver’s lane without looking first which caused the driver in that lane to hit the back of your vehicle. In this case, you could be cited for making an unsafe lane change. Because your actions led to the rear-end crash occurring, which is something that will be noted in the accident report, your insurer could use this as a reason for increasing your rates.
Now, your insurance rates might also increase after a rear-end accident even if you weren’t at fault for causing it. Why? If you were cited for a traffic violation (i.e. speeding, driving recklessly, making an illegal turn, etc.), your insurer may or may not increase your rates come renewal time. Allstate, which is a top auto insurance provider in the U.S., says that if you are issued a ticket for speeding, this could increase the amount you pay for your auto insurance coverage.
When your insurance is up for renewal, the company is going to look at several different things, including your driving record. And because speeding tickets are considered part of your driving record, your insurer might “use the information to help determine your risk of having an accident or making an insurance claim.” When an insurer believes you could be a potential liability (i.e. you are at a higher risk of engaging in an accident), it will typically increase your rates.
Important: If you were involved in a rear-end accident, whether you were to blame for it or not, and your rates increased, you shouldn’t see the increase until it comes time to renew your policy.
Hiring a Local Accident Lawyer After a Rear-End Accident
If a driver rear-ended you and you are having difficulty getting your claim paid, it’s time you contact an accident attorney nearby to you who can help resolve the issue.
Establishing fault in a rear-end accident can sometimes be difficult to do. While you might be thinking the other driver caused the collision, they may be trying to convince their insurer that you are to blame for it. Therefore, if you were involved in a rear-end accident and aren’t able to recover the compensation you are due, whether it’s for property damage and/or medical expenses, it is time you connect with an accident lawyer in your city. Finding an accident attorney in your area during this stressful time isn’t always easy to do which is why USAttorneys.com is here to assist with this.
