PENNSYLVANIA’S NO-FAULT AUTO ACCIDENT LIABILITY AND HOW IT WORKS

With more than 100,000 motor vehicle traffic crashes reported each year, it is imperative to understand Pennsylvania’s no-fault auto accident liability and how it works. In this article, Francis Law’s top-rated car accident lawyers explain how this intricate no-fault law may affect your personal injury claim.

No-Fault Car Insurance Coverage in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault car insurance system, injured motorists’ own car insurance coverage like personal injury protection or medical benefits coverage pays for medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses incurred regardless of who caused the accident.

If you were harmed as a passenger, you would seek compensation from the driver’s no-fault insurance. If the injured victim wants to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver outside of the no-fault system, his injuries must meet “serious injury” thresholds set by state law.

To legally drive in Pennsylvania, drivers must buy and retain auto insurance. Under Pennsylvania law, this means maintaining “financial responsibility” on your vehicles. The minimum liability insurance coverage requirements for a PA driver are:

• • • Medical Benefits Coverage – Covers medical expenses for you and others covered under your policy, regardless of fault. The minimum limit is $5,000.

• • • Bodily Injury Liability – This coverage compensates for medical bills and damages you cause to someone in a car crash. The minimum limit is $15,000 for injury to one person and $30,000 per accident.

• • • Property Damage Liability – It pays for someone else’s property damage in an accident if you are at fault. The minimum limit is $5,000

It’s vital to note that Pennsylvania’s no-fault auto accident liability system only covers injuries from car accidents, not vehicle damage. There are no restrictions on filing a claim against the at-fault motorist for vehicle damage (or total loss).

• • • Limited or Full Tort Coverage – Pennsylvania drivers can choose limited or full tort insurance coverage. The driver’s decision on the policy determines how the insurance company will compensate for the accident.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort Coverage in PA

Under limited tort coverage, claimants may seek compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. They can seek recovery for all medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses, but not for non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, unless the car accident injuries qualify for “serious injury” criteria.

However, the full tort coverage gives claimants unrestricted right to seek financial compensation for injuries caused by other drivers. They can seek recovery for all monetary and non-monetary damages regardless of the severity of their injuries in the accident.

FRANCIS LAW – PENNSYLVANIA INJURY LAW FIRM 

It is always important to make sure you retain a legal expert when you are involved in an auto accident.  Determining the type of coverage in your insurance policy is important but finding the right injury lawyer will increase your chances of getting the most compensation for your case.  

Francis Law has years of experience and a team of highly qualified experts at your disposal. Simply give us a call or fill out an intake form to set up an appointment and get a quick, confidential case evaluation.

Worried about how expensive the process will be?  Don’t worry.  We typically handle all of our civil cases on a contingency fee basis which means no up-front charges and we do not accept a fee unless we get you a recovery through either a settlement or verdict at trial.  In the case that we are unable to recover financial compensation, we do not you any charge fees. This ensures that we are able to provide legal assistance to as much of our community as possible and no one is turned away because they are not able to afford paying attorney fees to fight their case.

In addition to auto accidents, Francis Law also handles cases involving construction accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, as well as a variety of other personal injury cases.

Lastly, time is of the essence, so contact Francis Law as soon as possible so that you do not lose any of your rights.