How does a car accident affect your car insurance?

Getting into a car accident usually increases your insurance premium. Once a car wreck is on your driving record, your insurance provider will view you as higher risk to insure. If the provider is taking on more risk, they generally want more money.

Can a person be charged with negligence in a car accident?

Intoxicated drivers – Driving under the influence is one of the most common ways to prove negligence in car accidents. Even if the driver was below the legal limit for blood alcohol level, they can still be prosecuted. Intoxication applies not only to alcohol, but to other drugs and, sometimes, even prescription drugs.

How much does a car accident surcharge add up to?

Remember, most accident surcharges land from 10% to 40% of your premium, so having multiples will add up quickly. In addition, some companies will apply a surcharge even if you were not at-fault.

How does an insurance company decide on a surcharge?

All companies will consider whether the accident was minor or major (this is dictated by how much the accident cost the insurance company to cover) and if the accident was the first one for the customer or one of many accidents. The cost of the accident is a huge factor in insurance companies deciding surcharge amounts.

Can a car accident lead to a criminal charge?

In fact, most collisions don’t lead to criminal charges. Generally, car accidents involve criminal consequences only when the motorist who caused the accident was driving recklessly or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). Even if an auto accident was your fault, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve committed a crime.

What are the consequences of a car accident?

Generally, car accidents involve criminal consequences only when the motorist who caused the accident was driving recklessly or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). Even if an auto accident was your fault, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve committed a crime.

How can car collisions lead to insurance premium increases, lawsuits, criminal charges?

How car collisions can lead to insurance premium increases, lawsuits, and criminal charges. Most drivers will at some point be involved in a collision. Car accidents can involve all sorts of consequences: The at-fault motorist may face an insurance rate spike, lawsuits, and even criminal charges. This article covers some of the basics.

Can a drunk driver be blamed for an accident?

There are cases where fault cannot be proven for accidents and drivers receiving a DUI at the scene of the accident are often blamed in these collisions. If the accident is proven to be caused by the drunk driver, there may be felony charges and a lengthy prison sentence.