If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Pennsylvania, understanding the law related to your claim and how to approach the claims process will be very valuable.
Here’s an overview of some of the laws pertaining to car insurance, car accident reporting, and the claims process in our state.
Please reach out to our lawyers at the office of PhillyLaw LLC directly for more information about Pennsylvania car accident laws and what to do after a car accident.
Reporting a Car Accident in Pennsylvania
If you are involved in a car accident in our state, you have a duty to report the accident to the proper authorities. Not only is reporting the accident required under law, but doing so can also help to preserve your right to damages, as having a police report is a valuable type of evidence.
Filing a Claim: PA Auto Accident Laws
If you have been injured in a car accident, then you surely want to recover financial compensation for your harm. As such, you may be wondering against whom to file a claim and whether or not the fault of the other driver will be a factor in your recovery process.
Because Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry medical benefits coverage in a minimum amount of $5,000, you can file a claim against your own insurance company for benefits.
Medical benefits coverage is paid regardless of fault in PA. If the other party was at fault for the accident, you may file a claim against their bodily injury liability or property damage liability coverage, both of which are also required in the state.
Whether or not you will be able to pursue compensation for pain and suffering damages via a lawsuit will depend on whether you have selected full tort or limited tort coverage.
While limited tort coverage will save you money on your premiums and still allow you to recover all medical and other out-of-pocket expenses, limited coverage limits your ability to pursue compensation for certain damages. Full tort coverage, on the other hand, provides you with the right to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party for the full extent of your damages.
The Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
In all cases, it’s also a good idea to start working on your car accident case as soon as possible – waiting too long often means that important evidence is destroyed or lost. If you do think that you are going to file a lawsuit, though, acting quickly is of the utmost importance.
In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations imposed on all personal injury claims, including car accidents. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of your accident in order to maintain your right to recovery.
Call Our Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorneys Today
To learn more about the car accident claims process, PA auto accident laws, and how working with our experienced lawyers can help, please contact online, or call us at (215) 883-8281. We offer free consultations and are ready to start working on your case immediately.