Tort State
A tort state (or fault-based state) is one where the driver who causes the accident is responsible for injuries and property damage.
Key characteristics:
- Injured parties typically pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
- No requirement that each driver’s own insurer pay for injuries regardless of fault (unlike no-fault systems).
- Lawsuits are handled under traditional liability rules.
Tort States in Context
Many large states, including:
operate as tort states and require:
- Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
- Property Damage Liability (PD)
Example pages: