Auto accidents are the most common cause of serious personal injuries in Pennsylvania. They are also some of the most complex types of civil claims. Because of unique state laws, there may be some limits on the type of compensation you may receive based on the kind of insurance you carry.
Your lawyer must dig hard and rely on experience to look at all possible ways to overcome obstacles to you being fully compensated for all of your harm and losses.
If you have any questions about your legal rights after a vehicle collision, seeking legal counsel is a key first step. With guidance from a Lehigh Valley car accident lawyer, you can efficiently navigate the legal system and maximize your available compensation.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have spent over 30 years winning compensation for those injured in car accidents. In one previous case, Managing Partner Rich Godshall recovered $6 million on behalf of seven clients who were severely harmed in a collision on a rural highway. Consider speaking with one of our seasoned personal injury attorneys about your case.
Recovering Compensation Through Auto Insurance Coverage
Pennsylvania follows a “no-fault” system for car accident claims. Regardless of fault, any PA resident involved in a Lehigh Valley motor vehicle collision must go through their own personal injury protection (“PIP”) insurance for their accident-related medical bills. PIP insurance benefits cover medical bills, car repair or replacement costs, and other out-of-pocket financial losses, up to the policy limits, regardless of who is at fault for the accident in question.
If your insurance coverage does not provide enough compensation to address all your out-of-pocket expenses, you may include a claim for these residual losses in your lawsuit against the at-fault party. A respected Lehigh Valley accident attorney will pursue recovery against the at-fault party for all of the losses you incurred.
When Is Litigation Possible After a Lehigh Valley Car Crash?
Your right to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for non-economic harm like pain and suffering varies, depending on the type of insurance coverage you have. People with “full tort” coverage have no limitations on their ability to obtain a financial recovery through a pre-litigation settlement demand or lawsuit after a car crash.
Conversely, PA residents with “limited tort” insurance coverage can only recover non-economic damages under specific circumstances. With limited tort, you may be required to have sustained a “serious injury” in the wreck, if other automatic exceptions to limited tort don’t apply to you. The specific definition of “serious injury” requires you to have sustained an injury that causes a significant impairment and/or disfigurement. Our vehicle collision lawyers have fought for over 25 years to prove that a limited tort exception applies to our clients. A Lehigh Valley lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will be very familiar with all the limited tort exceptions and can explain your recovery options.
Get in Touch with a Lehigh Valley Car Accident Attorney Today
If you believe someone else is responsible for your auto accident, you may want to think about pursuing a legal claim. The legal professionals at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers are familiar with how these cases work and can fight for the compensation you need. Call our firm today to speak with a Lehigh Valley car accident lawyer about your unique situation in a free consultation.