FULL TORT OR LIMITED TORT COVERAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Freeburn Law want YOU to KNOW the TRUTH about Pennsylvania automobile insurance! Full Tort is NOT Full Coverage!
When purchasing your auto insurance, you must consider not only the price of the coverage, but also protecting your rights and the rights of members of your family if injured in an auto accident. In Pennsylvania you are given the opportunity to chose between “Limited or Full Tort”. But what does that mean? How will your decision affect you and your family, if you are in an auto accident?
“Full Tort” is a special automobile insurance term, which relates to coverage on the person. It is often confused with “full coverage” which relates to coverage on the car.
“Tort” relates to your right and ability to recover damages due to someone else’s negligence. If you choose “Full Tort” you keep all of your rights. You have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, permanent injuries, scarring and other damages.
If you choose Limited Tort, all insureds under the policy – whether named or not – give up their right to make a claim for pain and suffering, even if the accident was the other driver’s fault.
Under Limited Tort, you and others in your household may claim compensation for medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses. But you can not seek compensation for pain and suffering due to injuries caused by the accident, except under the following exceptions:
- A person with Limited Tort can recover if they suffer a “serious injury or death.” However, for an injury to be considered “serious” it has to be really serious.
- The other driver is convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
- The other driver, through his actions, intentionally caused your injuries.
- The other driver was operating a vehicle registered out of state.
- The other driver had no insurance.
For example, consider the case where the court found that a person who had to undergo major surgery on his shoulder and clavicle did not suffer a serious injury. In another case where a person had to have her gallbladder removed, was on crutches for nine months, and was forced to leave her job, the insurance carrier for the person who caused the accident argued that the victim had not suffered a serious injury. In another case involving a person who suffered a broken back, the insurance carrier argued that the victim had not suffered a serious injury.
AVOID THE ARGUMENT – CHOOSE FULL TORT
By choosing Limited Tort you also lose the means to pay for a lawyer. Why? Because lawyers who represent injury victims are paid a percentage of what they recover for your pain and suffering. If no recovery can be obtained for pain and suffering, there is no fund from which to pay a lawyer.
Limited Tort costs you less money, but is it worth it? Think of it this way – what is more valuable, you or your car? YOU, obviously. If you bought an expensive car, would you even consider going without comprehensive and collision coverage to save a few bucks? OF COURSE NOT. Therefore, does it make sense to choose Limited Tort to save a few dollars? OF COURSE NOT.
Choosing Limited Tort and buying comprehensive and collision coverage is like that cartoon where the ambulance comes to the scene of an accident, puts the car on the stretcher, and leaves the driver lying on the road. You are too valuable to put yourself in that position. Call your insurance agent today and make sure you have “Full Tort.”
If you are unsure as to which coverage is best for you, call Freeburn Law, at (717) 777-7777. Our attorneys will answer your questions, at NO CHARGE. Our attorneys are committed to protecting you and your family, now and in the future.
Injury lawyers, Freeburn Law have represented many, many victims of auto accidents in Pennsylvania. They have see the devastation and trauma that an auto accident can cause individuals and families. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, contact Freeburn & Law at (717) 777-7777 today.
Our attorneys are available 24/7. We have conveniently located offices throughout Central Pennsylvania. You can find a Freeburn Law office in Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Lebanon, Mifflintown, Huntingdon, Lewistown, Carlisle, Gettysburg, and more. If you are unable to come to us, don’t worry, we will come to you. Our attorneys are committed to helping accident victims get the most money that they are entitled to.
Freeburn Law Your Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Law Firm 2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 300 Harrisburg, PA 17101 Telephone Number: (717) 777-7777 Toll Free Number: 1-800-303-8005