Historical Review

In developing this historical review of alternatives to our present system of determining compensation for the accident victim, I have wanted to avoid too much involvement with the details of proposed plans. While I will point out the highlights of some of the proposals, this will be done to show the evolution which has taken place from the original ideas to the current approaches. Since this review is concerned only with alternatives to the present system based on negligence at common law, it does not include a review of the various proposals, some of which have been adopted, intended more fully to provide the accident victim with security against loss under the liability system; here I am referring to compulsory liability insurance, financial responsibility laws, uninsured motorist coverage, etc. -these will not be taken up.