Arkansas House Bill HB1993

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Prevent Motor Vehicle Insurance Fraud.

Impact

If enacted, HB1993 would amend Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 66, Subchapter 5 by adding a new section which outlines specific conditions under which fault can be assigned in a motor vehicle accident. It stipulates that if a driver rear-ends another vehicle, the rear-ending driver is held liable if there is no evidence of a third vehicle being involved. This legal clarification could greatly influence how accident claims are processed, potentially reducing fraudulent claims related to unidentified vehicles causing accidents.

Summary

House Bill 1993 aims to specifically address the issue of motor vehicle insurance fraud in Arkansas. The bill proposes amendments to existing statutes under the Arkansas Code that regulate motor vehicle accidents and their associated liability claims. It clarifies the circumstances under which liability may be assigned in incidents where one party claims that an unidentified third vehicle caused their accident after rear-ending another vehicle. The intent is to mitigate fraudulent claims that may arise from such situations, ultimately protecting both insurers and honest policyholders.

Contention

While the bill is designed to prevent insurance fraud, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about the narrow definition of fault and its implications for drivers who may genuinely be victims of accidents involving unknown vehicles. Proponents argue that the bill strengthens the integrity of accident claims, while opponents may view it as potentially dismissing legitimate grievances regarding fault determination in accidents with unidentifiable third parties. The balance between regulating fraud and allowing fair treatment of accident claims is likely to be a focal point of discussion among legislators.