Auto insurance in Pennsylvania differs from most other states.
Pennsylvania follows a no fault system for injuries caused by a car accident. Therefore, your own insurance pays for medical treatment and other out of pocket expenses (but not property damage), up to a certain coverage limit in your policy, regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
Pennsylvania is also one of few states, which uses a “choice no fault” system. Therefore, when applying for car insurance, one will need to choose full tort or limited tort. Understanding your rights and obligations under each policy type is important, particularly if you have been injured in a car accident.
Limited Tort
The limited tort option limits your right to seek compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. Those who have opted for limited tort coverage will be allowed to recover medical and other out of pocket expenses but will waive their right to recover other damages such as pain and suffering. That is unless one falls into a narrow exception for “serious injury” or other provision according to 75 Pa.C.S. § 1705. The limited tort option is usually paired with a lower premium than full tort.
Full Tort
Full tort coverage provides an unrestrained right to seek compensation from injuries caused by other drivers. While full tort coverage is likely more money than limited tort, the driver who elects full tort coverage is able to recover from medical bills, other out of pocket expenses, along with pain and suffering and other non-monetary losses from the car accident.
At the Levensten Law Firm, we fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact the Philadelphia Accident Lawyers at the Levensten Law Firm at www.levenstenlawfirm.com, www.accidentphiladelphia.com or 215-545-5600 for a free consultation.