Insurance Premiums Rising due to Distracted Driving

Mar 02,2017

Higher auto insurance premiums could be on the horizon as a result of distracting driving accidents. According to the Wall Street Journal, some auto insurance companies have seen their payouts rise faster than their premiums in recent years. This is resulting in higher auto insurance premiums for drivers.

Distracted driving is a major contributor to this problem. According to a State Farm analysis, more than half of drivers 18-29 admit to using their mobile devices while driving. The result is a steep increase in accidents caused by driver distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving fatalities rose 8.8% last year.

Semi-Autonomous Tech Might Also Increase Insurance Premiums

The Transportation Research Institute of Michigan says semi-autonomous driving systems might also worsen the distracted driving problem. In turn, self-driving systems could also contribute to rising insurance premiums.

Because today’s self-driving systems, like Tesla’s Autopilot, are not fully automated, they can amplify the distracted driving issue. If a driver is relying on his self-driving system to be in control and fails to react quickly when he needs to take over, an accident is imminent. Until vehicles are fully autonomous, insurance premiums are likely to continue to rise with the popularity of self-driving vehicles.

“Distracted driving is detrimental to motorists for many reasons. Now we can add increased insurance premiums to the list,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.