The House approve legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot has several provisions, one would extend the period of time a lawsuit can be filed after a car wreck from one to two years, in an effort to avoid a trial.
“So it is forcing a lot of lawsuits to be filed that normally would not have been filed maybe if they had a month, two months, or even a year later they could work it out.”
Talbot’s bill also lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand dollars to five-thousand dollars, which Talbot says would lead to more cases settled out of court and lower costs for insurance companies. But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines is skeptical Talbot’s legislation will lower premiums.
“You have got no testimony that is going to indicate that it is going to reduce insurance rates by anyone on either side.”
And there’s a concern among opponents that this legislation will restrict a car crash victims’ access to the courts and lower settlements.
Despite those criticisms the bill passed 69-30. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the legislators who voted against it.
“I am listening to the argument but I have not heard anything that would be the best thing for the people that we represent.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.
