Oklahoma Measure Targets Drivers without Liability Coverage on Their Vehicles

For drivers in Oklahoma, a recent measure passed by the State Senate would prohibit those individuals who do not have liability insurance for their vehicles from claiming pain and suffering damages in lawsuits.

Senate Bill 189 (Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City) was set to head to the House (March 2011). ,

According to Aldridge, the measure would still permit for compensation for medical bills, property damage and lost wages.

Even though it passed in the Senate, the measure does come with a number of exceptions.

One such exception would be in the event an individual is struck by a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was convicted or pleaded guilty or no contest to the offense.

In instances where drivers do not possess the necessary liability insurance for their vehicles, the expenses get passed on to those who do have it in the form of larger premiums.

One Senator, Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee), questioned whether Aldridge truly thinks that individuals who have trouble paying their bills and don’t carry liability insurance will begin purchasing it due to this bill. Aldridge responded to the question with a “No, sir.” ,

According to Sen. Sean Burrage (D-Claremore), one in four drivers in the state does not possess the insurance mandated by law. ,

As Burrage points out, a vote in favor of the bill relays the message that individuals with valid driver’s licenses who missed an insurance payment and were involved in an accident at no fault of their own will suffer in the event they are hit by a texting truck driver.

According to Laster, the measure will lead to hospitals and physicians having to foot the medical bills.

“Who does this bill help – insurance companies or citizens?” he pondered. As Laster sees it, the measure assists insurers and penalizes innocent victims of negligence. ,

Sen. Gary Stanislawski (R-Tulsa) claims the bill relays a message that individuals must take personal responsibility for their actions.

Aldridge went on to point out that the measure does not offer protection to insurers, however if residents do not abide by the law, they can’t obtain damages for pain and suffering.

When all was said and done, the measure was successful by a 29-14 vote.

For consumers who are in need of the proper auto insurance, a drive in to 2insure4less.com is a great place to start.