Pennsylvania has some of the most unique laws in the United States regarding car insurance. It’s one of only a dozen or so states that have no-fault car insurance laws, which essentially means that each party involved in a collision is responsible for their own injuries and/or property damage. There are some exceptions and issues to consider, however, particularly when it comes to catastrophic accidents and injuries.
After a car accident, understanding how these laws work can help a person obtain the compensation that they need after suffering damages from an accident they didn’t cause.
What Does Car Insurance Cover in PA?
Pennsylvania requires every driver to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) with their auto insurance. All drivers in Pennsylvania must have at least $5,000 in PIP coverage. If they sustain injuries during a car accident, funding for their medical care comes from this amount. If a person needs more than $5,000 in medical care, their own health insurance kicks in to cover additional costs.
Pennsylvania also requires injury liability for each person injured in a car accident. The minimum requirement is $15,000 dollars per person and $30,000 of total coverage. It also requires $5,000 in coverage for property damage. No-fault insurance means that a person can’t pursue the losses an at-fault party caused. However, Pennsylvania does allow a person to opt out of this law with the purchase of a fault insurance policy. However, these are more expensive and are not always practical for all drivers as a result.
Car accidents can cause a lot more than $15,000 in medical bills and $5,000 in property damage. Serious injuries can cause medical bills to soar, and time lost at work can make injuries even more difficult to recover from. So, what happens when insurance doesn’t cover the damages caused by an accident?
What Happens When No-Fault Insurance Coverage Runs Out?
While no-fault insurance is the most affordable option for drivers in the state, it might leave them needing more compensation after a serious accident. First, it’s important for claimants to understand that their insurance company might not be providing the payment that they need. Insurance companies are businesses that may seek to protect their profits by delaying or denying claims. Sometimes, their goal is to get a person to settle for nothing or for a fraction of what they could have received.
While this practice might seem inconsequential to insurers, it places an immense amount of pressure on those who've been in an accident. Not having the coverage you need could mean thousands of dollars in medical bills. No one deserves to have their recovery slowed because an insurer didn't hold up their end of the deal. You’ve paid your premiums; your insurance company should pay the full value of your claim.
If you’ve received the maximum amount of coverage from your insurance policy and the other driver’s policy (if applicable), you might still have the option to recover additional financial losses associated, especially if you’ve opted out of the state’s no-fault insurance policy. However, if you've exhausted the coverage of your no-fault policy, it can be difficult to secure the compensation you need. In some instances, it's possible to pursue an at-fault party for compensation without opting out of Pennsylvania's no-fault insurance system.
Whether you're struggling with policy limits or think you might be able to hold the other party accountable for causing your accident, it's crucial to speak with a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer about your options. It can be tough to know whether a settlement offer is fair or the check you’ve received in the mail will cover all of your expenses. An attorney can review the offer, analyze the injuries and property damage caused by the accident, and determine whether you should accept or fight for a better outcome.
What If Insurance Won't Cover My Accident?
At times, insurance adjusters may unfairly evaluate claims and offer exceedingly low settlements. Some insurance companies deny claims outright. To prevent insurers from behaving this way, it’s important to speak with a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer from Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC. We can examine your case and help you decide if you’re receiving fair treatment. In some instances, a person can pursue damages outside of an insurance claim, even if a person hasn’t opted out of the state’s no-fault insurance laws. Our team has faced insurance companies countless times in the state, and we’ve helped recover millions of dollars on behalf of car accident survivors who need and deserve compensation.
If insurance won’t cover an accident, you are not out of options. An attorney can help. Contact us today!