Full Tort vs. Limited Tort in Pennsylvania

When purchasing car insurance in Pennsylvania, you’re required to choose between full tort and limited tort coverage. While many people opt for the cheaper, limited tort option without fully understanding the consequences, this decision can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation after a car accident. 

If you’ve been injured in a crash, it’s crucial to understand how your tort selection impacts your legal rights. A seasoned Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can review your policy and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is Full Tort Coverage?

Full tort coverage gives you the unrestricted right to sue for all damages after a car accident, including pain and suffering, regardless of how severe your injuries are. If you choose full tort, you can:

• File a lawsuit for both economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) and
• Non-economic damages (such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress), even for relatively minor injuries

Although full tort policies are typically more expensive, they offer broader legal protection and greater access to full compensation.

What Is Limited Tort Coverage?

Limited tort coverage usually costs less, but it comes with significant restrictions. Under limited tort, you can recover economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages

However, you cannot recover for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses unless your injury qualifies as a “serious injury” under Pennsylvania law.

What Counts as a Serious Injury?

There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of a serious injury, but in general, it refers to:

• Significant impairment of a bodily function
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring
• Serious and long-term medical conditions

Your Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer will need to provide detailed medical evidence and expert testimony to prove your injury meets this threshold. Unfortunately, many limited tort claims are initially denied or underpaid by insurers, even when serious injuries are involved.

Exceptions to Limited Tort Restrictions

Even if you have limited tort coverage, there are exceptions that may allow you to sue for pain and suffering:

• The at-fault driver was driving under the influence
• The at-fault driver was operating a vehicle registered out-of-state
• The injured party was a pedestrian or cyclist at the time of the crash
• The at-fault driver intentionally caused the crash
• You were in a commercial vehicle or on a business-related trip

A knowledgeable Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can identify whether one of these exceptions applies to your case and pursue non-economic damages accordingly.

Why Legal Representation Matters

If you’ve been injured in an accident and carry limited tort insurance, it’s easy to feel discouraged about your options. But don’t assume you have no case. An experienced attorney can:

• Review your policy and identify any applicable exceptions
• Work with medical experts to prove your injury qualifies as “serious.”
• Handle all negotiations with the insurance company
• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your right to compensation

Many people with limited tort policies recover significant compensation with the right legal guidance.

Speak With a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Today

Your insurance choice shouldn’t limit your ability to get the justice and compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, a dedicated Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for your recovery, regardless of your tort selection. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson today at (215) 731-9900 for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward with confidence.