If you are in a car accident in Pennsylvania, you may find yourself barraged with terms you’ve never heard of concerning your liability, insurance coverage, and more, all the while searching for an auto accident personal injury attorney in Bucks County. One of the most difficult-to-understand (and possibly most important) parts of Pennsylvania’s auto accident laws is the “no fault” insurance rule.

What is “No Fault” Insurance?

Describing “no fault” may be easier if “fault” was defined first. A “fault” state is one where the law says that the driver responsible for the accident is the one who also is at fault for the expenses both (or all) parties incur as a result, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damages
  • Lost wages

“No fault” is the way that the law describes drivers involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania (or eleven other states throughout the US), in which both parties share fault for the accident, meaning that they and their respective insurers are responsible for recovery in regards to the expenses listed above.

However, when it comes to pain and suffering, Pennsylvania offers drivers the option to select “full tort” or “limited tort” coverage.

Breaking Down “Tort”

Full tort allows drivers to implement a law system that functions more like a fault system, allowing drivers who are victims in an accident to file a lawsuit against the insurer as a way to receive compensation from the at-fault driver for pain and suffering no matter how minor the injuries.

Limited tort limits drivers, allowing them ability to seek some compensation for pain and suffering as a result of an accident but, only for serious bodily injuries. The effect of choosing a limited tort option for Pennsylvanians is a lower insurance premium, as opposed to its higher full tort counterpart. However, under Pennsylvania law, the term “serious bodily injury” severely limits an insured ability to recover damages for pain and suffering at all. When in doubt, Pennsylvanians should always choose full tort coverage.

Getting the Representation You Need

If you’ve been in an accident and are searching for an auto accident attorney in Bucks County, Keith J. Williams is the lawyer to call. If you’re injured in an accident, he will bring his knowledge and experience of auto accident laws in Pennsylvania to fight for the compensation you deserve.

To learn more about how Keith J. Williams can help you, or for a free consultation, call 215-340-1134.