Understanding Oregon’s No Pay No Play Law
We all know that driving without insurance isn’t the best choice, but that doesn’t stop many motorists from driving while uninsured. In 2022, the Insurance Research Council estimated that one in seven drivers (14%) nationwide were uninsured. Driving a car without insurance can be risky, especially in states like Oregon that have adopted a “No Pay No Play” law.
So, what is the No Pay No Play law in Oregon? Under this law, uninsured individuals injured in a car crash may be barred from receiving non-economic compensation after a car crash, regardless of who is at fault. Not only are uninsured motorists restricted from the ability to recover non-economic damages, but they also have more financial risks of being in accidents, among other things.
Let’s explore this law more in our blog post.
Is Oregon a No-Fault State? Exploring the Differences
No, Oregon is not a no-fault state for car accidents; it is a fault-based state. After an accident, the driver at fault is responsible for any injuries or damages that result from the accident. Determining who is at fault is important in processing insurance claims and accident laws, and eventually determines who will pay for damages from an accident.
All drivers in Oregon must carry auto insurance on their vehicles, including liability coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, and personal injury protection. These provide coverage if you’re injured in an accident, no matter who is at fault. If you are an uninsured driver in Oregon, the “No Pay No Play” law prohibits you from recovering potential non-economic damages for any injuries caused by an at-fault driver, thus leaving you without full compensation.
The Impact of the No Pay No Play Law on Hit and Run Cases in Oregon
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Oregon, you may face several specific challenges. Being in an accident as an uninsured motorist can have many consequences, such as medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
If you are uninsured, involved in an accident, and the at-fault driver flees the scene, you have no way of compensating, reimbursing or recovering your losses because insurance is the method for doing so.
Navigating Car Insurance in Oregon: What You Need to Know
In Oregon, under ORS 806.010, all drivers are required to have at least liability, uninsured/underinsured, and personal injury protection coverages. If you’re driving a car, Oregon auto insurance laws stipulate that you need the following minimum insurance:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability
- $25,000 per person;
- $50,000 per crash for bodily injury to others; and
- $20,000 per crash for damage to others’ property.
- Personal injury protection
- $15,000 per person.
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist protection
- $25,000 per person; and
- $50,000 per crash for bodily injury.
Car insurance provides legal and financial protection and helps you avoid legal consequences and financial hardship later. If you have adequate car insurance, you can receive the appropriate damages in the event of a car crash under the No Pay No Play law.
Establishing a No Pay No Play law incentivizes drivers to purchase car insurance. This law aims to limit uninsured drivers’ ability to recover non-economic damages if they are involved in an accident. In other words, if you did not have insurance at the time of the accident, you are barred from getting compensation for your pain, suffering, inconvenience, etc., with some exceptions. However, if you can show fault of the other driver, an uninsured driver still can pursue claims for economic damages such as lost wages and medical expenses.
Trust SLP Injury With Your Oregon Car Accident Case
After an accident, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of Oregon law. Whether you’re an insured or uninsured driver, it’s important to know and understand your options. Hiring experienced Oregon car accident attorneys, like SLP Law, is critical to receiving the compensation you deserve. For many years, our attorneys Brian Lathen and Travis Prestwich have provided dedicated service to the public in Salem and beyond. Contact us for your free evaluation today.