Impact of Car Accidents on Your Driving Record and Insurance Rates
If you were involved in an auto accident, it could affect your driving privileges. In Florida, the accident will become part of your driving history and could result in points added to your license or insurance rate increases going forward. If you are the victim of an accident that wasn’t your fault, it can feel unfair to have the other driver’s action affect you negatively.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who represents injury victims can help you understand the impact of car accidents on your driving record and insurance rates. They can also help you identify possible ways to limit the potential damage of an accident that was not your fault. Most personal injury law firms offer a free consultation so you can learn more about your rights and responsibilities in the aftermath of an accident.
How a Car Accident Can Affect Your Driver’s License
When police respond to a car accident scene, they thoroughly investigate the collision. In some cases, their investigation could mean one or both drivers receive tickets after the collision.
If you receive a ticket, you could also receive points on your driver’s license. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- Points remain on your license for a minimum of five years
- Accumulating too many points could lead to a suspension of your license
Having points added to your license can be frustrating. If you were an accident victim (not the at-fault driver), you might have options that can help limit the impact of the citation you received on your driver’s license.
You Might Be Able to Avoid Accumulating Points After a Florida Car Accident
Having points added to your license for an accident or any other reason could also result in an insurance premium increase. You may be able to mitigate the impact of these points by attending a driver training course. Enrollment usually means paying a small fee and taking an online course.
Completion of a driving course could keep points off your license. It could also reduce any associated fees and fines and help you avoid a potentially costly hike in your insurance rates.
You can also avoid points by going to court and fighting your ticket. If you believe you were ticketed in error, your argument could result in a dismissal and no points. If you were ticketed for not having insurance, but simply did not have your insurance card with you, you could provide evidence of insurance to the court.
How an At-Fault Accident Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates in Florida
Like most people, you probably shopped around for an auto insurance policy that offered the broadest insurance coverage at the best rate. A car accident insurance increase to your annual premium can be frustrating and stressful.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), your car insurance premium is based on the following factors:
- Your driving history
- Risky driving behavior
- The number of at-fault accidents on your record
- Prior traffic violations or citations
- Your accident insurance claims history
Some violations have higher consequences than others. For example, your auto insurance company could refuse to renew your current policy if you are convicted of driving under the influence. Your policy could also be at risk for excessive speeding, reckless driving, or failing to report an accident.
Additional Factors That Affect Your Auto Insurance Premium
Accidents are not the only factor insurance providers consider when setting your insurance rates. They also look at the following factors:
- How much do you use your car and why? Infrequent drivers, for example, typically pay lower monthly premiums than daily or rideshare drivers.
- Where you live and where regularly park your car. Urban drivers typically pay higher insurance rates than rural drivers.
- Your age and gender also impact your insurance rates, with female drivers and experienced drivers often paying lower rates.
Many other factors could increase your car insurance after an accident in Florida. For example, your credit score could impact your insurance premium, as can the type of car you drive and the size of your deductible.
Some auto insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs for those who maintain clean driving records for a certain period. These programs prevent insurance rate hikes after an accident. Review your policy or speak to your insurance agent to find out whether you may qualify for an accident forgiveness policy to mitigate the consequences of future accidents.
You Could Face License Suspension—Even if the Accident Was Not Your Fault
You could face having your driver’s license suspended after an accident that was caused by another driver. This can be an aggravating and potentially costly circumstance.
Some commonly reported reasons this happens include:
- You were driving without insurance
- You were driving under the influence
- You did not report the accident
- You were driving recklessly
Some of these factors could also trigger Florida’s comparative negligence law, which could potentially decrease or eliminate your financial recovery. Like many people, you depend on your driver’s license for daily travel. Losing your license could mean costly or inconvenient alternatives, including depending on public transportation or a rideshare service.
A Lawyer Can Help You Can Fight Back Against an Unfair Driver’s License Suspension
If your driver’s license was suspended because of an accident that was not your fault, you can fight back. If a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale represents you, give them copies of any correspondence you received related to the accident and your license suspension.
You do not have to accept a license suspension without a fight. If you believe the suspension is unwarranted, you can challenge it in court. You do not have to tackle the process alone. Your car accident attorney can help you refute the reason your license was suspended and identify additional ways to remedy the circumstances and regain your license.
Get Help Understanding the Impact of a Car Accident on Your Driving Record and Insurance Rates
If you were involved in a car accident, it can impact your license, whether you are the at-fault driver or an innocent victim. However, it might be possible to mitigate the effects of the accident, and an experienced attorney from our team can help.
Learn more about the impact of car accidents on your driving record and insurance rates. Contact one of our team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato by calling (954) 633-8270 today.
