Citation

Rolph JE, Hammitt JK, Houchens RL. J. Risk Insur. 1985; 52(4): 667-685.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, American Risk and Insurance Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.2307/252312

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Statistical methods are applied to national closed claims data and national survey data about automobile accident compensation. The empirical analysis confirms some conventional wisdom and reveals some surprises. As intended, no-fault schemes appear to increase the proportion of victims being compensated. Moreover, because fewer victims are paid general damages, payments to similarly situated victims vary less in no-fault states than in tort states. Even modest tort thresholds work surprisingly well in reducing the number of bodily injury insurance claims. Finally, the empirical evidence on the effects of shifting from contributory negligence to comparative negligence is weak.