Not everyone realizes that a bad driving record might hurt their chances of being compensated for a car accident. Some auto insurance companies try to find any excuse to delay or deny car accident compensation. Driving records may also be used as excuses to offer you less compensation than you need. If you have any concerns, talk to a Jackson auto accident attorney about your car accident.
What Can Hurt a Driving Record?
Knowing what can hurt a driving record can be helpful. This might give you an idea of where you stand with the insurance company and your accident claim. Driving
records are built off of DMV points. Traffic violations and car accidents can increase the amount of DMV points on a driving record.
Not only can higher points lead to being considered a high-risk driver, but they can also lead to driver’s license suspension. This could prevent someone from driving at all until their license is reinstated. Auto insurance companies do this to save money because high-risk drivers pose a greater risk for car accidents.
Every time someone files a car accident claim, the insurance company loses money. This is why insurance companies take driving records so seriously. Knowing what can hurt your driving record becomes important when you want to file a car accident claim. Common examples of what can add DMV points to a driving record include:
- Speeding tickets
- Charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
- Breaking traffic laws
- Car accidents
- Causing pedestrian accidents
The more severe the traffic violation or car accident, the more a driving record is likely to be damaged. In some cases, driving records can be cleared or improved. Try contacting a Jackson car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
How Driving Records Affect Accident Claims
There are several auto insurance bad faith tactics that are used to deny or delay accident claims. A damaged driving record with a lot of DMV points might affect how much compensation you are offered. Auto insurance companies might not be able to refuse compensation on the basis of a driving record, but they may try to use your driving record as an excuse.
However, when an insurance company uses bad faith insurance tactics, you could have the option to sue. You might know you are dealing with bad faith insurance tactics if your claims adjuster:
- Purposefully uses confusing terminology to trick you into an unfair deal
- Denies your accident claim despite sufficient evidence
- Delays your accident claim with unreasonable excuses
- Refuses to answer questions or negotiate
- Ceases communication for unknown reasons
- Fails to provide reasons for denials or delays
Auto Accident Lawyer in Jackson
Going up against an auto insurance company with a bad driving record can feel intimidating. Feel free to call the Germany Law Firm, PLLC today at (607) 487-0555 to speak with a Mississippi multi-vehicle accident attorney for a consultation. Our team of lawyers can help increase your chances of compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. We can be found throughout Jackson, Madison, Gulfport, Oxford, and other cities in Mississippi.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.