New legislation limiting the amount of damages that can be recovered after an Oklahoma car accident may soon be signed into law.
The law, commonly referred to as the “no pay, no play” rule, would limit the type of damages an uninsured motorist can receive.
In addition to payment for medical bills, loss of income compensation and property damage costs, an uninsured motorist in Oklahoma can currently sue another driver for pain and suffering. If the new law is passed, all uninsured drivers would be unable to seek pain and suffering costs, limiting the total amount the injured can legally receive.
Kansas recently adopted similar legislation. It proved popular in the legislature, and became law when the governor signed the bill just last week. Montana’s governor vetoed the motion, which, due to a slim margin of approval, barely made it to his desk.
In Oklahoma, the senate passed the bill by a margin of eight votes. Commissioner John Doak spoke in support of the bill, saying it would greatly reduce the number of uninsured motorists in the state.
In 2009, roughly 25% of all drivers in Oklahoma did not have basic insurance to cover an accident.
The bill will move on to the house for discussion and voting, and will proceed to the governor if the majority approves it.