The month of June has been selected by the insurance industry as National Insurance Awareness month. Motorists across the nation are encouraged to review and update their automobile insurance policy to reflect their current needs. Quite often, policies 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.
Requirements for Iowans
In Iowa, drivers are required to have a minimum of $15000 for property damage, and $20,000 bodily injury insurance per person, per accident. They are also required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist accident coverage in the amount of $20000/$40000 per person, per accident.
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.
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
Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and you believe that the other driver has no or inadequate insurance, please call the law offices of Eells & Tronvold immediately.
While at the scene of the accident, 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. Keep a journal and make notes of your injuries.
Iowa insurance laws
Iowa is a not a no-fault state, meaning that in case of an accident, one of the drivers will be deemed responsible. The at-fault driver is responsible for paying for their own damages, as well as the other driver’s damages and any associated property damage.
In other states, it is possible that no one is held responsible, and each driver must take care of their own expenses, like car repairs and medical bills. Other states only require personal coverage that will cover your and your vehicle, no matter who is at fault in the accident.
From fender-benders to fatal crashes
All vehicle crashes create problems – even the most minor fender-bender can cause missed work, medical bills and car repair costs. We understand that the impact of a crash can wreck you finances and your physical health. We will aggressively help you fight for fair compensation and a favorable settlement.
Please call 319-393-1020 to schedule your free consultation today. To learn more about car crash injury claims, please visit Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC
1921 51st Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-393-1020