Five Auto Insurance Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Come armed with knowledge, and you will get the best auto insurance deal for you and your vehicle. However, go into it with only the slightest grasp of what you should be looking for, and it could cost you. Therefore, you need to know what to look out for.

Avoid Making These Five Common Auto Insurance Mistakes

Some of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to auto insurance include:

• Not understanding the coverage you need or have already purchased.

As a vehicle owner, you should know what coverage you need and what you already have. You should feel free to shop around for auto insurance. Just be cautious. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Remember, these companies are first and foremost concerned with making money.

• Mistakenly believing that you are covered for everything.

Not all auto insurance policies are the same. Despite what you might be paying in deductibles and premiums, different policies will cover different things. Make sure you know what is in your policy. For instance, do you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP)? Although it is required in Texas, you can be tricked into signing out of this common protection policy. The same is true of coverage for underinsured or uninsured motorists (UM/UIM coverage).

• You take the minimum coverage required by your state.

The minimum coverage will not cover all potential hazards on roadways. A decent policy can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and other expenses associated with a motor vehicle accident. For this reason, you must avoid taking a policy with minimum coverage.

• You choose Med Pay instead of PIP.

You should ensure your policy includes PIP coverage. PIP coverage can help pay for many expenses that occur after a motor vehicle accident involving injuries. On the other hand, Med Pay covers hospital bills, but not lost income. Med Pay is also subject to subrogation. This means you will have to repay Med Pay benefits if you obtain a settlement. PIP coverage is not subject to subrogation in Texas.

• You focus only on price.

Do not just go for the lowest deductible. Find the policy that best suits you, even if you have to pay a little more. It will be worth it in the end if something happens. The Texas auto accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC are dedicated to the community. If you have questions about your insurance policy, we may be able to help you find answers. You may also contact us for a free consultation if you or a loved one was harmed in a car accident.

Are Red Light Cameras Really Decreasing Car Crash Numbers?

Over 438 U.S. municipalities, in 36 of the most populous states, have used red light cameras in the past year. These electronic monitoring programs are designed to stop drivers from speeding, running red lights, and preventing cross-street collisions and other traffic accidents. Red light cameras have been effective at getting drivers to stop at red lights more often.

A study in Virginia found that red lights reduced drivers running red lights by 67 percent. However, in 2014, 36,675 people died in traffic accidents. The preceding year saw 2.3 million people injured in traffic accidents. Clearly, red light cameras have little effect on traffic safety. Are Red Light Cameras Worthless? While red light cameras are likely to stop more drivers from running red (or even yellow) lights, they have not been shown to have much impact on stopping traffic accidents at red lights and intersections. A study in Houston found that when red light cameras were removed, angle accidents (such as lane departure crashes) increased by 26 percent. All other types of accidents decreased by 18 percent, however. Given that a third of Houston’s traffic accidents are angle crashes, it seems that the red light camera program’s drawbacks outweigh its benefits.

Furthermore, the study concluded that there was no evidence that red light cameras reduced traffic accidents. This would seem to indicate that they are not an effective way to make the country’s roadways safer. Different traffic safety measures are called for, such as improving driver education, stiffer penalties for traffic violations, and more awareness of potential traffic hazards and what is likely to cause an accident. Questions about your rights after a car accident? Contact the Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Texas Distracted Driving Accidents

“Supernatural” TV star and Austin native Jensen Ackles recently spoke about the dangers of distracted driving in a PSA for the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT. The ad is part of a new “Heads up, Texas” campaign launched by TxDOT in response to recent distracted-driving accidents in Texas involving mobile phone use. Ackles raised awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and how your phone can cause serious accidents. It’s also now against the law in Texas.

Why Distracted Driving Is Dangerous

A texting-while-driving ban passed the Texas Senate last year. House Bill 62 was passed as a statewide ban on reading and sending electronic messages from a cell phone while operating a vehicle. This ban is in response to alarming statistics relating to distracted driving in Texas. Roughly 100,000 of the reported car accidents in Texas last year, or 19 percent, involved some distracted driving. These distracted driving accidents resulted in 452 deaths statewide. Keep in mind that some Texas cities have different restrictions on phone use while driving. For example, Austin has a stricter ordinance that completely prohibits cell phone use while driving in city limits. If you have been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s distracted driving, you could potentially seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Mike Love & Associates, LLC for a free consultation with a car accident attorney about your situation.

How Does Texas PIP Coverage Protect Me After a Car Accident?

Under Texas law, insurance companies are required to give drivers and passengers Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage, also known as PIP. This type of auto coverage pays for certain damages that result from a car accident. Texas PIP coverage is mandatory and provides benefits to any policyholder or household member who was involved in the accident. However, the coverage can be rejected by the policyholder.

Do I Need PIP Auto Coverage as a Texas Resident?

PIP can help pay for medical expenses you or your passengers may incur after a serious car accident. This includes medical and surgical treatment, ambulance services, medications resulting from accident injuries, and medical supplies. PIP coverage will also pay up to 80% of your lost wages if you miss work due to injuries received in a car accident. Check with your auto insurance provider and personal injury attorney to determine the specific coverage limits of your PIP coverage.

How Do I File a PIP Claim in Texas?

Call your insurance company after the car accident to report the incident. Make sure to ask for a PIP claim form. PIP claims have to be submitted within a specific time frame. PIP coverage also has maximum limits that can be paid, but fortunately, they don’t have deductible amounts that you need to pay. If you have been involved in a car accident in Texas, you should speak with Mike Love & Associates, LLC for passionate, experienced representation. We offer free auto insurance policy reviews so you can understand what coverage is available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Work Accident In Texas

Workers' compensation is a state-regulated system that provides certain benefits after a workplace accident. The benefits received may include medical, disability, or death benefits. Employers who are not subscribed to workers’ compensation insurance lose certain protections, such as immunity from liability in lawsuits. If you’re living in Texas, then you may be surprised to know that Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, employers in Texas are required by law to tell you that they do not provide workers’ compensation. This may leave you in a difficult situation, especially if you’re hurt on the job. A workplace accident may require you to file a lawsuit against your employer to be compensated for any medical care and lost income due to the injury.

Important Steps to Take if You’re Hurt on the Job

These are some essential steps to take if you sustain an injury in your workplace.

• Medical attention. If you’re hurt on the job, seek medical attention first. Keep all documentation from your visit. It’s essential to get the doctor’s opinion on physical activity and how long it should take to recover properly.

• Per Texas law, you have 30 days to report any injuries to your employer. Then your employer must submit a report within eight days of the injury. These regulations are required under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act.

• You may be able to receive medical and income benefits regardless of fault.

• Going back to work. Make sure to inform your employer of your physical limitations if the doctor approves your return to work.

Questions About a Work-Related Accident?

The Texas work accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC want to protect your rights. If you have questions about your insurance policy or what to do after an accident, then we are here to help. Call (936) 632-2000 for your free consultation.