Tort reform is a term that has been thrown around in the legal world for many years. The concept of tort reform is to limit the amount of money that plaintiffs can recover in lawsuits, particularly in personal injury cases. This is often done by placing caps on damages, making it harder for people to file lawsuits, or limiting the amount of time that people have to file a claim.
While some may argue that tort reform is necessary to prevent frivolous lawsuits and reduce insurance costs, the truth is that it often ends up hurting the very people it is supposed to protect.
Take, for example, Georgia House Bill 529, a bill that will leave rideshare passengers and drivers with less protection on Georgia roads. If passed, this bill would drastically lower or eliminate insurance coverage for rideshare drivers and their passengers when the rideshare driver is not at fault. This means that passengers could be left without adequate insurance protection, particularly if they do not have their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to cover their damages. Prior to this proposed change, rideshare passengers would have up to one million dollars of coverage protecting their ride to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering damages if they were injured by an uninsured or underinsured negligent driver. If passed by both houses and signed into law, House Bill 529 could limit this coverage to just $100,000.00, and in some cases would give the rideshare companies a choice to reject this coverage altogether.
This is just one example of how tort reform can harm those who need protection the most. By limiting the amount of money that victims can recover and making it harder for them to file a claim, tort reform often puts the interests of insurance companies and big businesses over those of the general public.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to have an attorney on your side who is keeping up with the rapid assaults on protections for the public on the road. An attorney who is well-versed in personal injury law can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights. They can also stay up-to-date on changes to the law and make sure that you are fully informed of your options. If you are involved in a rideshare accident, call Burrow & Associates today for a free consultation.