Auto accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries nationwide, and Pennsylvania is certainly no exception to that trend. If you were recently injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, you may have a few options for seeking repayment for your wreck-related losses. A York car accident lawyer can help you assert your legal rights and pursue the compensation you need while you focus on healing.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our seasoned attorneys know how traumatic a traffic crash can be. We are ready to ensure the negligent party pays you every cent you deserve for your losses. In a local case, Managing Partner Rich Godshall recovered $4.1 million in total settlements for four passengers injured in a one-vehicle crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We know how to win on your behalf.
Understanding “Limited Tort” Laws
In Pennsylvania, you can’t always immediately file suit against someone else for causing you harm through a car accident, even if all the evidence points to them being solely responsible for the crash. Most of the time, you’ll first need to seek recovery through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in your car insurance policy. This should pay for most of your crash-related medical bills, car repairs, and some other financial losses, depending on your policy.
After seeking recovery through PIP, your car insurance policy may restrict your right to file suit and seek compensation for other losses. If you have a “full tort” policy, you can demand money through a private settlement proposal or public lawsuit for every loss not already covered by insurance.
If you have “limited tort” coverage, though, you may not be able to file suit unless you suffered a “serious injury” that’s likely to cause you permanent and debilitating harm. As a York car accident attorney can explain, there are some exceptions to this “limited tort” rule—for example, if the person who caused your wreck was driving a car registered outside of Pennsylvania.
Recovering Compensation for an Auto Collision
Most types of auto insurance in Pennsylvania only cover certain “economic losses”— losses you can assign objective financial values to through receipts or bills—up to policy limits. However, a lawsuit or settlement proposal can include every economic and non-economic loss stemming from the wreck, including:
Physical pain and suffering
Lost work wages or working ability
Emotional and psychological anguish
Disability-related costs for things like mobility equipment, home modification, and around-the-clock care
Loss of life’s pleasures
Importantly, you typically have two years after initially getting hurt to start any lawsuit you will file. Otherwise, the “statute of limitations” for personal injury claims may expire and leave you without any right to demand compensation. Working with our skilled car crash lawyers in York can be vital to building the strongest possible claim within this strictly enforced deadline.
Contact a York Car Accident Attorney for Legal Guidance
Even a minor fender-bender can be a jarring and traumatic experience; higher-speed auto accidents can impact you and your family for the rest of your lives. The unique restrictions on car crash lawsuits under Pennsylvania law can make it challenging to get paid fairly after a wreck, especially while you’re dealing with physical and emotional trauma.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go through your case alone. A York car accident lawyer at our firm will fight tirelessly to support you in your recovery and seek the compensation you deserve. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to discuss your situation with a caring member of our team.
