The national debate over guns and guns laws had reignited in the weeks since the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook, Connecticut this last December. While there has been a lot of unproductive rhetoric to emerge from the various arguments, there is one idea that's come out that, as personal injury lawyers, we think is worth exploring. Indeed, while the proposal is currently being floated in just one state, we think there's a good chance it could gain traction nationwide.
Some members of the Massachusetts legislator are proposing mandated liability insurance for gun owners, much in the way car owners are now required to carry insurance here in California. While, as a personal injury law firm, we're not constitutional lawyers and can't be sure whether or not this kind of law would pass muster with current or future Supreme Courts, it does strikes us as a possibly very productive step.
First of all, it would help the victims of the kinds of tragic gun accidents we often read about -- and perhaps some crime victims as well -- by providing funding for compensation. Moreover, one thing the insurance companies have proven themselves to be quite effective at is attempting to reduce their own costs and maximize profits. This kind of insurance would place insurers in a position where they would be motivated to use their considerable fiscal and corporate wherewithal to reducing gun deaths and injuries nationwide through safety programs and generally helping gun owners to prevent accidents and other tragedies. It would also, of course, mean more business for the insurance companies. We know some will disagree, but this strikes us as the very definition of a "win-win." Whether you're in the insurance business, a personal injury lawyer, a gun owner, or a non-gun owner.
No comments:
Post a Comment