Scenario: You are involved in an auto accident when a distracted driver speeds through a red light at an intersection. Your car is totaled; you receive multiple broken bones, cuts, and scrapes from the impact and are rushed to the hospital. Despite your injuries, the doctors are confident that you will make a full recovery.

While your injuries are expected to heal, the pain and suffering you experience both mentally and physically may last well beyond your recovery.

Accidents like this occur more than we may want to believe, which is why it is important to determine appropriate options for your auto policy.

Limited Tort vs. Full Tort

In the state of Pennsylvania, you have the choice of two options:

Limited Tort – This option limits your right to sue. The accident would have to be “serious” as defined by the law in order to sue for pain and suffering.

Pros: This option is less expensive

Cons: Because of its name (limited tort) your ability to collect for non-economic damages (pain and suffering) is significantly reduced

Full Tort – Unlike limited tort, full tort does not restrict your right to sue for specific damages and non-economic damages (pain and suffering), regardless of the seriousness of your injuries.

Pros: You have the right to sue to potentially collect both specific and non-economic damages

Cons: This option is typically more expensive, which may raise the cost of your premium

While it may be easy to choose the option that least affects the cost of your premium, it is important to remember that if you are ever the victim of an auto accident, the benefits you may receive significantly outweigh the difference between limited tort and full tort.

Do you know which option is currently listed on your insurance policy? Were you informed of the difference between limited tort and full tort?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, it may be time to speak with an expert who is here for you. Contact our Expert Mike Moore by calling (412) 281-1842 ext. 233 or emailing [email protected].