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No Insurance, Don’t Blame Me
“No Pay, No Play” was signed into law by Governor Sam Brownback in 2011. Because of this law, uninsured drivers can’t make a claim for pain and suffering. Drivers who do not have a basic, state-required personal injury protection (PIP) policy at the time of an accident will not have the FULL ability to sue for losses. These drivers can only collect on damages for property, medical bills, and lost wages. No pay, no play prohibits people from collecting non-economic damages like “pain and suffering” and “loss of companionship.” The law contains an exception which states if the uninsured driver was uninsured for 45 days or less at the time of the accident and had been insured for the year prior to that period, he or she would still be able to collect for non-economic damages.
On the surface this law looks fair. But in real life, the truth is much different. Who gains from this change? The insurance companies gain by not having to pay the full value of claims. Again, the taxpayer loses and has to pay for the injuries not paid by the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. At times, injured people will need to use the public welfare system and other agencies to help them with expenses which insurance companies previously paid.
If you have questions on this law or insurance coverage issues, Patterson Legal Group, LC would like to talk with you. We have been able to help several clients with issues like this. Call us for a no-cost consultation.
