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HB 2492

Motor vehicle accidents; actions brought by uninsured motorists, limited damages.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Zehr

Bill restricts uninsured motorists' accident victims to economic damages only, eliminating pain-and-suffering claims recovery in Virginia civil lawsuits.

Stricken from docket by Courts of Justice (22-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 2492

Legislative bill overview

HB 2492 would restrict the damages that uninsured motorists can recover in civil lawsuits arising from motor vehicle accidents. The bill limits recovery to economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) while prohibiting recovery of non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). This represents a significant shift in tort law by penalizing drivers involved in accidents who lack insurance.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects accident victims' ability to be fully compensated for injuries. Uninsured drivers are statistically more common among lower-income populations, meaning this policy would disproportionately limit compensation recovery for vulnerable groups. The restriction could incentivize insurance compliance but also creates a two-tiered compensation system depending on whether the at-fault driver was insured.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Uninsured motorists would face permanent damage caps even for severe, life-altering injuries, raising questions about whether the punishment fits the offense
  • Economic impact on victims: Limiting recovery to economic damages alone may leave injured parties significantly undercompensated, particularly for permanent disabilities or chronic pain
  • Insurance equity: The policy creates disparate outcomes where insured drivers' victims receive full compensation while uninsured drivers' victims do not, potentially based on socioeconomic status rather than accident severity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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