West Virginia Bill Could Empower Juries With More Relevant Evidence

Today, the West Virginia House of Representatives concurred with a Senate amendment to S.B. 439, and the next step is Governor Jim Justice’s desk. The bill would allow juries to hear evidence about seat belt use in civil cases. 

Wearing a seat belt is required by law in West Virginia. Whether an individual does or does not wear their seatbelt often impacts injuries sustained in the unfortunate case of a motor vehicle accident. If the bill is signed into law, juries will be fully informed when deciding important cases involving motor vehicle accidents. 

The legislation is sponsored by Senators Chandler Swope, Rollan Roberts and Patricia Rucker. ATRA also recognizes the leadership by Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Trump and House Judiciary Chairman Moore Capito in helping this important piece of legislation make it to the Governor’s desk.

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The American Tort Reform Association is the nation’s first organization dedicated exclusively to reforming the civil justice system through education and legislative enactment.

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