Several drivers in Pennsylvania are in the dark when it comes to knowing the difference between the full tort insurance options versus the limited tort insurance options. However, the difference between the two can have a significant impact on you and/or your loved ones in the unfortunate event that any of you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Limited tort is an option that comes with lower premiums, however it also comes with fewer benefits. Limited tort allows an insured to recover economic damages only. Economic damages include any out-of-pocket expenses that are associated with the accident. Most often, these expenses are wage loss expenses incurred by an injured party who is unable to attend work; and can also include any out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical treatment for the injuries sustained in the car accident.

There are exceptions to the limit tort rule. These exceptions include the following: an injured pedestrian, a motorcycle accident, commercial vehicle accident, an accident with a drunk driver, an accident with a vehicle registered outside of Pennsylvania, or an accident that causes a serious impairment to the body.

In the event that one of the exceptions apply, then the injured party is deemed a full tort insured.

Full tort insurance offers recovery for both economic losses as discussed above, and also offers recovery for non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are often commonly referred to as “pain and suffering”. Therefore, the difference in potential recovery in limited versus full tort can be thousands of dollars per settlement.

In essence, we encourage drivers to maintain a full tort policy at all times. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents can cause injuries that leave devastating effects not only on the person involved in the accident, but also on the family of the person involved. If that person has limited tort, their recovery options are limited. If the person has full tort, they potentially could recover thousands more in settlement amounts.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call Falvello Law Firm. We handle personal injury claims every day, and have four generations of experience in handling these types of claims. Our office will be happy to assist you in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is involved in a car accident.