Injured Oregonians Get Legislative Relief
An Oregon Live blogger recently discussed the pro-consumer gains made in the Oregon Legislature this year. Changes to existing laws include health care reform, expansion of the lemon law statute, and increased coverage for Oregonians who were injured and suffered property damage in auto accidents. Some legislators voted against the measures, arguing that in tough times, more regulation kills jobs. However, when you look at a few of the bills, it's really amendments to existing regulations, and one could even argue it helps the economy.
For example, minimum property damage coverage has increased. Instead of driving around in a dented up car, a motorist can now take their car to the shop for repairs because the insurance will cover the bill. The local body shop gets paid, it's employees get paid, and there is more money in the local economy. Do rates go up? Maybe, but probably not all that much.
Under Oregon's mandatory Personal Injury Protection coverage, the maximum amount of disability benefits is increased. Now an Oregon driver injured in an auto wreck has a better chance to pay the bills, and keep their head above water if they are disabled in a wreck. If anything, this helps the local economy.
