Compensation for injury

The Times reported that a local motorist was awarded Lm9,000 after he was hit head-on and injured seriously by another motorist.

The reporter failed to mention anything about insurance. Surely that is why motorists buy insurance... and if the insurance does not cover injuries then why buy insurance in the first place?

As someone living abroad I have to admit that I am shocked by how low the compensation was for a serious injury. In the US, if you look at someone the wrong way you might be sued and possibly collect more than that.

A famous case that comes to mind is the McDonald's case in which someone collected over a million dollars after being served a cup of coffee that was too hot and suffering minor burns after a spillage.

It seems to me that tort reform is way overdue in Malta and certainly no-fault insurance should be considered. With no-fault, one's insurance would cover medical costs for personal injuries up to a certain amount. This would guarantee the injured motorist would at least have some insurance in case he is injured by an uninsured or a destitute motorist.

Of course insurance premiums would have to go up but it will be a small price to pay if it guarantees restitution.