Dangerous Driving: Colorado Ranks 9th for Most Uninsured Drivers

A new report produced by the Insurance Research Council indicates that Colorado has once again cracked the top 10 in terms of states with the most uninsured drivers.

The rate of uninsured drivers has been steadily increasing since 2006, three years after Colorado switched from a no-fault insurance system to a traditional tort liability system, which insurance companies argued at the time would lower premiums and decrease the overall number of uninsured drivers.

While premiums and uninsured drivers both decreased initially, the report indicates that the number of uninsured drivers is now steadily on the rise. With approximately 16% of drivers in Colorado illegally using their vehicles without insurance, Colorado ranks 9th highest out of the 50 states. This translates to an estimated 594,000 uninsured drivers in the state.

Adding to this confusing trend is the fact that Colorado's insurance premiums are lower than the national average, with costs of gasoline and vehicle repairs also being similarly low when compared to the rest of the country.

Lurking behind these statistics and figures appears to be a strong correlation between the rise in uninsured drivers and the rise in hit and run accidents in the Denver metro area. The sharp increase in hit and runs has been a primary concern of law enforcement and safety officials in the past few years.

These trends are concerning, because they indicate that Coloradans are choosing to be uninsured despite relatively low costs and extremely high risks.

One way to protect yourself from being stuck with high medical bills and costs from an accident with an uninsured motorist is to purchase UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage with your insurance company, which is generally available for a minimal cost addition each month.

If you are injured by no fault of your own in a hit and run accident, or by an uninsured motorist, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today at (303) 279-0221  for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: Premiums Fall, Yet Motorists Still Choose to be Uninsured

States Debate Uninsured Driver Laws

An estimated 14% of drivers nationally are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council.  It is a chronic problem that states have been unable to solve.  Most states have mandated at least liability coverage to pay for damage and injuries that the driver causes, but problems persist in compliance.  It appears that even the threat of fines does not persuade drivers to obtain coverage.

Some states are contemplating using databases to identify and remove the licenses of those who don't have insurance.  In November, Oklahoma became the third state to enact a law that lets police pull license plates from vehicles that don't have coverage.  The driver can reclaim the plate after obtaining car insurance.

Oklahoma's insurance commissioner, John Doak, says he has "yet to be in a room (for a speech) where there wasn't someone there who was hit or had a family member who was hit" by an uninsured driver.  Those who are hit by uninsured motorists may face large medical bills due to deductibles and out-of pocket costs to receive treatment.

California has had some success with a reduced cost policy for good drivers with low incomes, but only about 11,000 motorists are participating in the program. California estimates there are are three million uninsured motorists in the state.

In approximately eight states, police and other officials can get real time data to verify the existence of coverage.  Another tactic has been to adopt a "no pay, no play" law, under which uninsured drivers who are in accidents caused by insured drivers can't sue for pain and suffering.  However, critics suggest this takes away people's right to sue.  The issue continues to confound state officials, and victims of accidents caused by uninsured motorists continue to pay the price.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney today.  Call The Law Office of Robert Paysinger at 303-279-0221 or visit our website at: www.paysingerlaw.com

Source:  The Wall Street Journal