Will Low Gas Prices Lead to More Auto Accidents in Georgia?

          Lower gas prices have been blamed for putting more motorists on the road. With more cars out on highways, more people have been getting into auto accidents. According to CBS News, crashes rose by 8 percent in 2015. The consequences of these auto accident increases are far-reaching. For instance, auto insurers are raising the cost of their policies. In Georgia, Fox News reported that some insurers were raising policies by as much as 58 percent. Auto insurance companies in Georgia have blamed low gas prices (in some areas gas prices are down by a whole dollar from previous years) and a good economy on their policy hikes. The increase will depend on the kind of policy you hold, but consumers report anywhere from a 10 to 58 percent increase in insurance costs in Georgia, with the average rate increase being 25 percent.

            Yet, what can consumers do to protect themselves, both from auto accidents and from policy increases?

            When it comes to protecting your wallet, you can adjust the amount of coverage you have. This means that you might be less protected in the event of an auto accident. However, in the event you are injured in a personal injury accident through no fault of your own, it may be possible to seek compensation for your injuries and lost wages through either the negligent party’s insurer or by seeking damages directly from the driver responsible. A personal injury law firm in Georgia, like the Gumprecht Law Firm, may be able to assist you in making a claim.

            According to the National Safety Council, 2014 was the deadliest driving year on record since 2008. Insurers claim that as accidents become more common, the average claim also grows. Insurance companies have reported lower profits. In order to counterbalance this, they have been increasing their rates.

            But why all the accidents? Some believe that cheaper gas puts younger drivers on the road who may not have been able to otherwise afford higher gas prices. This, in conjunction with the increased use of phones, has led to more accidents.

            So, what can you do to protect yourself? Drivers who are adjusting their coverage should be aware that they may be responsible for paying for damages out of pocket if they are at fault in an accident. The best way to prevent this scenario is to drive safely. Avoid using cell phones while driving and don’t text while driving. Don’t drive while you are tired. Finally, follow the speed laws and rules of the road. By driving defensively, you’ll decrease the chance that you’ll be responsible for an accident.

            However, many accidents occur due to another driver’s careless actions. If you have been a victim of another driver’s negligence or neglect, you may be entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. The Gumprecht Law Firm is a car accident lawyer in Georgia, committed to protecting the rights of injured drivers. If you’ve been hurt behind the wheel contact a lawyer today at www.bartow.law.