Although the nation is reeling from the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the executive orders it has inspired, there are a few silver linings. Due to widespread social distancing measures across the United States, we have begun to flatten the curve. Further, car accidents have been reduced by as much as 60% in some places and certain locations have seen traffic fatalities decrease by up to 100%.
A new study from the University of California, Davis (UCD) saw car accidents fall from 1,000 per day to about 500 after stay-at-home orders went into effect. Injuries and fatalities were also cut in half, falling from 400 to 200 per day.
Data from Washington tells a similar story. Compared to last year, fatal accidents have gone down 100% and collisions have declined by 67% statewide. Some counties saw weekday accidents fall by over 70%, as well.
Good News In More Ways Than One
Due to the dramatic decrease in car accidents across the United States, American insurance companies are refunding billions of dollars to policyholders nationwide. Allstate and American Family Insurance led the charge on Monday, April 6, allocating $800 million in partial refunds to customers who paid premiums in April and May.
By the end of the week, Liberty Mutual, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Geico, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and other providers had followed suit.
Insurers will refund 15 to 25% of premiums to their customers in the coming months. American Family Insurance is issuing $50 refunds for all covered vehicles, and Progressive is offering policy credits.
If your insurance company is not offering refunds, you can ask them for a reduction directly or adjust your coverage to account for how much (or how little) you are driving. Should you make any changes to your policy, remember to double-check your coverage before you get back on the road.
We Are Here For You
While car crashes have been reduced and insurance companies are paying it forward, accidents and insurance disputes still happen. If you are injured or bereaved by a car crash, please know that May, Rammell & Wells is here for you and remains committed to justice.
With over 70 years of combined experience, we empower our clients to move forward after life-changing crashes and guide them through the legal system with care and compassion.
We hope you and your loved ones are well and staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
If you need legal help, please call us at (208) 623-8021 or schedule your free consultation online.
**For the most accurate, up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website or consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
