Georgia Car Wreck Attorneys Report On Rising Car Insurance Rates

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that car insurance rates in Georgia, unfortunately, rose more than any other state in the U.S - a whopping 12.2% in 2016. By contrast, car insurance rates increased on average of 5.6% across the United States last year. The rising rates may be attributed to the increasing number of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Georgia, as well as an overall increase in the amount of car crashes in the state.

In 2015, 1,495 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Georgia, and sadly, the number of people who perished in Georgia motor vehicle crashes increased to 1,561 in 2016. This increase in the total fatalities rose proportionately with an increase in the total number of car accidents in Georgia. In 2015, there were 306,342 motor vehicle accidents in Georgia and the number rose sharply in 2016 to 385,221.

Georgia's insurance rate increase in 2016 is not out of the norm. In fact, the state ranked either second or third nationally in insurance rate increases in the last three years. The insurance industry justifies these astronomical rate increases based on the number of vehicles now on the road. Experts say more cars on the road raises the risk of car accidents. More cars on the road can be traced to low fuel costs. State infrastructure has failed to keep up with the pressure more vehicles places on the highway systems across the state. Interestingly, the insurance industry cited an increase in opioid use and distracted driving behaviors, such as texting while driving and people using their phones for other purposes, as the primary reasons justifying the significant car insurance rate increase. 

Advocates for lower car insurance premiums argue that regulatory oversight is badly needed. Conversely, the insurance companies argue that the market demands dictate increasing rates. In support of their argument, the insurance company cited statistics showing that the number of accident claims filed in Georgia increased to 6.9%. The national average is 5.1%. Furthermore, increasing property damage repair and medical costs require the insurance companies to raise their rates, according to statements made by those in the insurance industry. As a prime example of the dramatic increase in repair costs justifying rate hikes, insurance companies cite the cost of a bumper, which used to cost on average $25 to replace. Now, bumpers cost as much as $3,000 or more.

Higher car insurance premiums may have a direct effect on people injured in car accidents, as they may not be affordable for many people in Georgia. As a result, more people might purchase the minimum coverage required by law and no more. Most importantly, there is no guarantee that the minimum coverage will sufficiently protect you and your family if you suffered severe injuries in a Georgia car crash.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!

If you have been injured in any type of accident involving someone else's negligence, call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law for your free consultation today to learn about your legal rights as well as what steps can be taken to protect those rights. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Our car wreck attorneys have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over 39 years.

No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Source:
http://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/auto-insurance-bills-skyrocket-georgia-but-regulator-powerless/UdGIleregt8QeTqj0foqwI/

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