The month of June has been selected by the insurance industry as National Insurance Awareness month. Motorists in Mississippi and across the nation are encouraged to review and update their automobile insurance policy to reflect their current needs.
Insurance policies, they advise, can become stagnant and no longer reflect drivers’ current lifestyle situations.
The origin of the holiday is unknown, but many insurance sales professionals believe that the recognition was in advance of the July 4th holiday, when traffic accidents and injuries traditionally spike by more than 95 percent.
Steep fines
In the state of Mississippi, drivers are required to maintain liability insurance that provides coverage for their car and, in case they are found to be at fault in a crash, the other person’s car in the amount of $25,000 per person, per accident for bodily injury.
Also, if caught driving without insurance, drivers face a $1000 fine and mandatory suspension of their driver’s license and registration for one year.
Insurance coverage
Insurers suggest that reviewing insurance policies at least once every year can keep you and your loved ones safe and sound – and have peace of mind that, should you become involved in a car crash, you will have the coverage and protection that you need. Some common changes include:
- Increase or decrease deductible for cars and trucks
- Adding or deleting drivers
- Increasing coverage for non-insured motorist coverage
- Change of address that might lower insurance premium
- Additional discounts for safe driving, accident free, good grades
Summer means far more crashes
In fact, according to the Los Angeles Times, July 4th is the most dangerous holiday of the year. The report includes data on car crashes, injuries from swimming and fireworks accidents, but the primary cause of catastrophic injury and death is vehicle accidents.
The National Safety Council predicts that when the fourth falls on a weekend, the number of car accidents doubles – this year Independence Day falls on a Wednesday. NSC officials warn that when the holiday falls in the middle of the week, the celebration is usually held the weekend prior.
Next Steps
If you are involved in a crash, please pay close attention to how you feel, both at the scene of the accident and hours after. While at the scene of the crash, gather all of the information that you can regarding the other driver. Document everything with pictures, collect the other driver’s information and go immediately to the doctor for a full medical evaluation.
If you believe that it is possible that the driver that hit you has no insurance or is under-insured, call the Heilman Law Group immediately. We have the experience and to achieve success in the most complex personal injury cases – and get you the justice that you deserve.
Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a free consultation.
Safe driving
Safe driving tips for holiday travel:
- Reduce speed to accommodate road congestion, weather and traffic pattern conditions
- Employ seat belt and child car seat use at all times
- Avoid alcohol use when you know you will have to drive
- Do not be distracted by cell phone and other devices while driving
Mississippi insurance
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Mississippi Commission of Insurance, more than 5 million wrecks occur every year in our great state.
Even with the strict laws regarding insurance – $1000 fine and revocation of driver’s license, nearly 25 percent of Mississippians surveyed say that they do not have car insurance. Mississippi has the third highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the nation.
The Heilman Law Group is dedicated to listening to your specific needs and finding a resolution that provides the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Heilman Law Group, PA
4266 I-55 North
Suite 106
Jackson MS 39211
601-914-1025
