A major trucking association is commending recently approved laws in two states.
The American Trucking Associations expressed appreciation to the Indiana General Assembly for passing legislation related to seatbelt usage and to the Wisconsin legislature for approving a measure to limit non-economic damages.
In Indiana, the General Assembly enacted a law aimed at reforming civil justice, specifically amending statutes regarding the admissibility of seatbelt usage in automobile accident cases. The bipartisan-supported bill, now awaiting Governor Eric Holcomb’s approval, would allow evidence of a person’s failure to wear a seatbelt to be presented in court in most situations.
The ATA emphasized the importance of such reforms in maintaining fairness and equilibrium in the civil justice system, asserting that they discourage the misuse of biased regulations that encourage exploitative and frivolous lawsuits driven by profit rather than justice.
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the State Legislature passed a bill to cap non-economic damages at $1 million. According to the ATA, this step is crucial for restoring fairness and balance in civil litigation, as it aims to deter unwarranted and abusive lawsuits that have turned the legal system into a lucrative venture for plaintiffs’ lawyers.
The legislation in Wisconsin garnered support in the State Assembly through a voice vote and passed the State Senate with a 21-11 majority. It now awaits Governor Tony Evers’ signature to become law.
