I have Limited Tort car insurance. What does that mean?

In Pennsylvania, we have a choice to select Limited Tort or Full Tort coverage when setting up our car insurance. A lot of our clients are unsure as to what Limited Tort versus Full Tort really means.

In Pennsylvania, you should always select full tort coverage for your car insurance and here is why.

Full Tort allows you to sue for pain and suffering if you are hurt in a car accident.

Limited Tort forfeits your right to compensation for pain and suffering. Limited Tort restricts the compensation a person can get from an insurance claim or personal injury case and Full Tort puts no restrictions on the compensation.

Typically, Limited Tort offers you a small discount on your monthly premium, so it can be more attractive to select. However, a lot of people do not know that the small discount can come with a big price if you are hurt in an accident.

There are a few exceptions if you have Limited Tort insurance coverage and are hurt in a collision. If your situation falls within an exception, you will still be able to recover the pain and suffering award you deserve for what you have been through.

Common exceptions to recovering pain and suffering when dealing with limited tort coverage:

1. Serious Injury – You have suffered a serious injury in the collision. The definition of serious injury can be tough to decipher, so please call our office to discuss if your injury qualifies as serious under the law and case law;
2. Out-of-State Vehicle – If the vehicle that hits you is registered in a different state, your limited tort changes to full tort coverage.
3. Drunk Driver – If the driver who hit the vehicle you were driving or you were in as a passenger is convicted of a DUI or accepts Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), your limited tort becomes full tort coverage.
4. Commercial Vehicles – This includes driving company cars or trucks, as well as riding on buses and other public transportation.

No matter which coverage you have, if you have been hurt in a collision, call our experienced team at Motheral Jones Law at 412-404-2510 to discuss what you have been through and how we can best help you to obtain the settlement you deserve.