Important Automobile Insurance Choices for You and Your Family: Full Tort or Limited Tort?

In Pennsylvania, all owners of automobiles must buy liability insurance to protect against claims for damages to property and injuries caused by a car accident. Many choices must be made when purchasing car insurance. First, when buying car insurance, you must make a written choice between the "limited tort" or "full tort" auto insurance options. What does this mean to you, your family and members of your household?

The "full tort" option provides the fullest protection for you and your family members. The "full tort" option allows you to pursue claims against negligent drivers for injuries regardless of the severity of the injury. When you choose the "full tort" option, there are no limitations placed on you or your family members' rights to sue and recover money damages for pain, suffering and inconvenience from irresponsible drivers.

The "limited tort" option limits your right to recover money for pain and suffering from injuries due to a car accident. By choosing the "limited tort" option, you give up your right and your family members’ rights to sue a negligent driver for injuries unless you or your family members’ injuries is found to be "serious". Under Pennsylvania law, a "serious injury" is one resulting in death, serious impairment of a bodily function or permanent serious impairment. Some exceptions to the "limited tort" restrictions apply under the law, including if the negligent driver is convicted of DUI or is driving a car registered out of state, among other exceptions. If you want to protect you and your family to the fullest extent of the law, choose "full tort" when making your choice when buying car insurance in Pennsylvania.  If you are purchasing car insurance or considering changing your existing policy contact an attorney from Soloff & Zervanos for a free consultation about your choice.