Automobile Insurance in Pennsylvania - Important Reminders regarding Tort Election!

Automobile Law in Pennsylvania – What you should know to protect yourself.

When purchasing auto insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania you have two choices when selecting your policy.  You can either chose (1) the limited tort option or (2) the full tort option.  If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may pursue a claim against the driver at fault for damages that you sustain.  The type of damages that you can pursue depends in part upon your own motor vehicle insurance policy. 

In Pennsylvania, when you choose the “full tort” option, you pay a slightly higher premium for that policy.  However, you can seek recovery against the wrongdoer for both economic damages (wage loss, out-of-pocket expenses, outstanding medical bills, property damage), and non-economic damages (pain and suffering), no matter what type of psychological or physical injury you sustain. 

On the other hand, when you choose the “limited tort” option, you pay a slightly lower premium.  However, you cannot seek recovery for non-economic damages unless your injuries constitute a “serious injury” which is defined under the law as a “personal injury resulting in death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.”  Most sprains and strains, or injuries that have healed and no longer cause pain or limitations in performing activities of daily living, will not meet the requirements to overcome the limited tort threshold. 

Given these choices, it is better for you to chose the full tort option when purchasing automobile insurance so that you are more protected in the event of injury sustained in an auto accident.  

For more information on this, or if you are involved in an automobile accident please call or email me for a free consultation.    I would also be happy to review your automobile insurance policy for free to make sure you have appropriate coverage.  I can also review to see if I can save you any money on your premiums.  

THE SATER LAW FIRM, LLC 

5248 Township Line Road

Drexel Hill, PA 19026

610-789-1100  Office 

610-789-1130 fax 

dorysater@saterfirm.com