Pennsylvania law requires that all drivers purchase some form of auto insurance. At a minimum, PA insurance policies must cover medical costs for the driver and others under the policy, bodily injury to other drivers and passengers and damage to other vehicles or property.
However, if a motorist has only the minimum policy limit, it may not be enough to cover major injuries. Worse, many PA drivers do not carry insurance at all.
No-fault vs. at-fault insurance options
Pennsylvania motorists may choose either limited or full-tort insurance coverage to meet state requirements.
Limited tort plans, also called “no-fault” plans, generally have lower premiums. Under a no-fault plan, an injured motorist can receive medical compensation from their own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. However, they usually cannot file for additional damages, e.g., for pain and suffering.
Full-tort plans have higher premiums, but drivers retain the right to sue an at-fault driver for full damages. However, if the negligent driver has no or limited insurance, he or she may also lack the means to pay appropriate compensation.
If you have been injured in a crash, whether you have full tort or limited tort, you should consult an attorney who can advise you on your options.
Additional coverage options
Drivers can protect themselves against potentially severe auto injuries by purchasing additional coverage on their own policies. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage options help in situations where an at-fault driver has no policy or only a limited one.
Unfortunately, even drivers who have a strong insurance policy with additional under/uninsured coverage may find that their own insurance company is unwilling to pay the full amount needed for recovery. That makes it crucial that injured parties filing a claim present the strongest cast possible.