Side-impact collisions can cause severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and significant property damage. It is often unclear which damages are covered by insurance.
T-bone accident insurance is not a classification of coverage, so it will be handled through your PIP policy. Below, let’s discuss some key points you may need to be aware of when filing a T-bone crash claim and the damages typically covered in these types of collisions.
What Is a T-Bone Accident?
A “T-bone” is a side-impact collision that occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. This often happens in intersections when drivers fail to yield to traffic signals or drive recklessly.
The side of the motor vehicle is typically the weakest point, leaving you vulnerable to severe injuries if your car is T-boned. Without the crumple zone of the hood or rear protecting you, you face significant injury risks, whether you’re hit on the driver’s or passenger’s side. T-bone accidents can cause life-altering brain injuries, chest trauma, pelvic fractures, crushed bones, soft tissue damage, and more.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. If you’re injured in a crash, you will file a claim with your insurance company, regardless of fault.
All drivers are required to carry a minimum of $5,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as well as $30,000 per accident and $15,000 per person in bodily injury coverage and $5,000 for property damage liability protection. PIP insurance kicks in when you’re injured in an accident, and pays for your lost wages and medical expenses up to your policy limits. The other driver’s insurer may only be responsible for expenses that exceed your policy limits, especially if you have full-tort coverage or meet the serious injury threshold.
Limited vs. Full-Tort Coverage
Pennsylvania insurers offer both limited and full-tort coverage options. Here’s how they differ:
- Limited tort: You’re barred from suing the liable party for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, unless your injuries meet the “serious” threshold. Limited-tort insurance typically comes with lower premiums. To meet the threshold for “serious” injuries, the accident usually must cause a permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of bodily function, or death.
- Full tort: You maintain the right to sue the liable party for pain and suffering, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Your monthly payments may be higher.
While PIP coverage is required in Pennsylvania, you may also purchase add-ons such as collision coverage, which pays for your property damage regardless of accident fault, or uninsured motorist protection, which protects you when the other driver does not have a policy to pay for excess expenses from your claim. These specifics will factor into what your insurance pays for.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Settlement
Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault system, your PIP benefits typically pay for your medical expenses up to your maximum, regardless of accident fault. Sometimes, though, these benefits will not cover the full extent of your damages. If you’ve exhausted your insurance coverage or if you have a full-tort policy, you may pursue a claim against the other driver.
This introduces Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, which determines the amount of compensation a party may seek based on the percentage of fault assigned to them. For example, if you’re found 10% at fault for the collision, you may seek 90% of your remaining damages from the liable party’s insurer.
What Will Your Insurance Cover After Your T-Bone Collision?
Your insurance coverage ultimately depends on your PIP policy maximum, whether you have limited or full-tort coverage, and the specifics of your case. If you need help understanding your rights, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers offers free case evaluations. Call (855) 375-6110 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What type of insurance covers a T-bone accident in Pennsylvania?
A: In Pennsylvania, T-bone accident damages are typically handled through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, regardless of fault, as it is a no-fault state.
Q: Does my insurance pay if I am at fault in a T-bone accident in PA?
A: Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault system, your PIP benefits will generally cover your medical expenses up to your policy maximum, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Q: What is the difference between limited and full tort coverage for T-bone accidents?
A: Limited tort bars you from suing for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) unless injuries are serious, while full tort allows you to sue for pain and suffering regardless of injury severity, often with higher premiums.
