What Is The Difference Between Full Tort and Limited Tort in Pennsylvania?

When choosing new car insurance in Pennsylvania, it is important to fully understand the different types of tort options and which coverage is best for you. Pennsylvania drivers have two options, Full Tort and Limited Tort.

While Full Tort insurance costs more than Limited Tort insurance, it gives you more freedom to sue the at fault driver. Whereas Limited Tort makes it harder to sue and limits the types of damages you can sue for due to the fact that you cannot claim pain and suffering and may have other limitations as well. 

FULL TORT

Full tort insurance allows you to sue the at fault driver for pain and suffering no matter how minor your injury is. You maintain your right to compensation for physical injuries, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, medical bills, loss of income and more. 

LIMITED TORT

Limited tort insurance allows you to file a claim for compensation of medical bills and other out of pocket expenses, but does not allow claims for “pain and suffering” even if the automobile accident was another driver’s fault unless you meet one of the exceptions.

With Limited tort insurance you can sue for your physical injuries and pain and suffering if one of the following conditions are met:

1. Suffer a serious injury or death;
2. Injured while riding a motorcycle or bicycle;
3. Injured as a pedestrian;
4. Injured while an occupant of a commercial vehicle;
5. The at-fault driver is driving a car registered outside of Pennsylvania;
6. The at-fault driver is convicted of DUI or receives Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a DUI offense;
7. The at-fault driver does not have insurance; or
8. The at-fault driver hits you intentionally.

Limited tort insurance is cheaper than Full tort insurance because you receive less resources to sue for your pain and suffering. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to begin an investigation to see if one of the limited tort exceptions apply to your case. If you are full tort, or one of the exceptions applies, you will have the unlimited right to sue for your pain and suffering.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, the Law Office of Gregory J. Pagano, P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 215-636-0160.