When it comes to car insurance in Pennsylvania, the type of tort coverage you select can have a lasting impact on your rights following an accident. Whether you opt for full or limited tort can impact your ability to recover compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and even pain and suffering.
Here’s what you need to know about your options for insurance coverage and how it can affect your claim.
What is Tort Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania?
Tort insurance refers to the aspect of car insurance policies that dictates whether or not you can file a lawsuit for damages beyond basic medical expenses after an accident. Under Pennsylvania Law, a tort is a civil wrong or injury caused by another person’s negligence. This type of insurance helps determine your legal rights after an accident and whether you can recover damages from the responsible party, such as compensation for pain and suffering.
The tort system is designed to hold negligent drivers accountable, and the coverage option you choose plays a pivotal role in how that accountability plays out if you’re in a crash.
Understanding Full Tort Insurance
Full tort insurance offers you complete legal rights if you’re injured in a car accident. By selecting full tort, you retain the unrestricted ability to sue for both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. It essentially gives you the maximum freedom to seek compensation after a crash, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
While full tort coverage comes at a higher cost, many drivers opt for it because of the extensive protection it provides. If you’re seriously injured in an accident, having full tort can significantly affect the compensation you receive.
Understanding Limited Tort Insurance
Limited tort insurance, on the other hand, restricts your right to sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injuries are classified as “serious” under Pennsylvania law. Generally, serious injuries include disfigurement, permanent disability, or death. This means that, if you have limited tort coverage and sustain a minor injury, you may not be able to seek compensation for the emotional and physical toll it takes on you.
Though limited tort policies offer lower premiums, they also come with these critical limitations. For drivers looking to save on their insurance, limited tort might seem like a good option upfront. However, the long-term consequences in the event of an accident can be financially and emotionally draining.
Key Differences Between Full Tort and Limited Tort Coverage in PA
One of the most important distinctions between full tort and limited tort coverage is your ability to sue for pain and suffering. Full tort insurance allows you to pursue compensation for these non-economic damages, while limited tort severely restricts this right, except in cases of serious injury.
Another key difference is cost. Full tort coverage is generally more expensive because it offers more extensive legal protections, while limited tort is cheaper but limits your legal options. Drivers need to weigh the costs of each option against the potential risks they face on the road.
Impact on Personal Injury Claims
With full tort insurance, if you’re injured in a car accident, you can pursue compensation for all types of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. This can result in a more substantial settlement or court award, especially if you suffer from long-term pain or emotional trauma after the accident.
Conversely, limited tort insurance restricts your ability to recover these types of damages. Unless your injury meets the state’s serious injury threshold, you may only be able to recover medical costs and lost wages.
When Limited Tort May Not Apply
There are some important exceptions to the limited tort rule in Pennsylvania. For example, if the at-fault driver is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the accident, limited tort may not apply, and you could still sue for pain and suffering. Additionally, if you are injured as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcycle rider, limited tort does not limit your right to compensation.
These exceptions provide critical legal pathways for individuals with limited tort coverage to recover compensation when the circumstances of their accident go beyond a typical fender bender.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Deciding between full tort and limited tort coverage requires careful consideration. While limited tort offers a lower monthly premium, it may not be worth the potential financial loss if you are injured in an accident. Full tort coverage provides more robust protection, allowing you to pursue full compensation for all damages.
When choosing your insurance, consider the long-term financial implications of being involved in an accident. Paying a little more for full tort coverage now can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the event of a crash. It’s also important to evaluate how often you drive and the level of risk you face on the road. While the upfront savings of limited tort may be appealing, the limitations on your legal rights can be costly in the long run.
Injured in a Car Accident in Pennsylvania? Call Atlee Hall Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are unsure how your tort coverage impacts your rights, we’re here to help. At Atlee Hall, our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call (717) 393-9596 today or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
