There Are Exceptions to Limited Tort, but Don't Rely on These Alone for Protection

5. Along with serious injury, there are other exceptions to limited tort but relying on these exceptions alone to be compensated for your pain and suffering, in most cases, will not help you.

Sometimes even if you have limited tort you can still be considered full tort under the following scenarios:

1. If you have a serious injury.
2. If you were driving or were a passenger in a commercial vehicle.
3. If the person who caused the accident is accepted into the A.R.D. program or convicted of a D.U.I.
4. The person who caused the collision has a license plate from out of state.
5. You were a pedestrian when struck.

The best way to protect yourself in the event of an accident is to have the right amount of insurance coverage. Having an experienced attorney to help you through your claim will also protect you and your loved ones' interests.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm are experienced in handling all accident cases including the above mentioned. Please, call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence for a free consultation so we can help you.

Exceptions are not Guarantees

4. Insurance companies follow strict legal definitions of what serious injury really is, and even though there is a serious injury exception for limited tort, you still may not get compensation for your pain and suffering.

There are a few instances in which you could still make a claim for pain and suffering if you have limited tort on your policy. One of these exceptions is serious injury. There is a strict legal definition of what serious injury is and even though yours or a loved one's injury is severe, it may not qualify for the exception.

Relying on exceptions such as these is never a good idea as it's impossible to know what may happen if you or a loved one are ever in a severe accident. It's best to know that you are protected regardless of the circumstances and having full coverage, including full tort, can give you that peace of mind.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

The Tort Coverage You Choose Could Affect Your Family, Too

3. Whatever option you choose, full tort or limited tort, it could affect your family, too.

If other family members live in your household and do not have an automobile insurance policy, they are considered to have the tort option the person with insurance has elected. For instance, if you have children and they are involved in an automobile accident, they are considered to the have the same tort option that you have.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

Is Limited Tort Really Less Expensive?

2. People choose limited tort on their policy because it saves them a little money right now, but if you get in a bad accident it won’t save you anything; in fact you could cost you thousands.

Limited tort is often pushed by the insurance companies as being more attractive than full tort because it is less expensive; however, what the insurance company doesn’t tell you is that the savings is minimal and if you or a loved one is injured because of someone else’s negligence you have given up your right to make a claim for pain and suffering except under the few exceptions of limited tort.

What a lot of people don’t realize or think of when setting up their policy is an injury could last for quite some time causing many doctor’s visits, procedures, medications, and possibly even cost you your job if the injury prevents you from performing your duties. These expenses add up quickly and are only covered up to the amount you have selected for your wage loss and/or medical expenses. After those coverage expenses are exhausted any remaining bills or wage loss is no longer the responsibility of your insurance company.

In some cases you can make a claim for pain and suffering to cover these unexpected expenses, but in most cases you can only do this if you have full tort on your policy. This is why it is not only a good idea to have full tort on your policy, but also the reason not having full tort can cost you thousands.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence.

Do You Know the Difference?

1. It’s common for us to ask if you have full tort on your insurance policy and many times people will respond with, “I have full coverage.” Full coverage and full tort are not one in the same.

Normally, full coverage means you have all the state required liability options, as well as collision and comprehensive on your policy. While you do have to pick a tort coverage, full or limited, full tort is not required in Pennsylvania. This means if you have all the required liability options, collision, and comprehensive, but selected limited tort, you can not get compensation for pain and suffering.

What does compensation for pain and suffering mean exactly? Sometimes an injury is severe and will last for many months or even years causing you medical treatment for months or years to come. By choosing full tort you can protect yourself in the event of a long lasting injury that is caused by the negligence of another.

As we've mentioned before it's smart to think of 'what if' scenarios when setting up your insurance policy.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence. For more information on Auto Insurance and to ensure you and your family truly are, "fully covered," visit our website.

The Truths about Tort Coverage (full and limited)

Here at The Pisanchyn Law Firm we think it's important to educate our friends, families, and clients on our different areas of practice. Each week we compile a list of important facts that most people don't know, and as a result, could harm them or their claim. As the week goes on we share more information on each fact.

1. It’s common for us to ask if you have full tort on your insurance policy and many times people will respond with, “I have full coverage.” Full coverage and full tort are not one in the same.
2. People choose limited tort on their policy because it saves them a little money right now, but if you get in a bad accident it won’t save you anything; in fact you could cost you thousands.
3. Whatever option you choose, full tort or limited tort, could affect your family, too.
4. Insurance companies have strict definitions of what serious injury really is, and even though there is a serious injury exception for limited tort, you still may not get compensation for your pain and suffering.
5. Along with serious injury, there are other exceptions to limited tort but relying on these exceptions alone to be compensated for your pain and suffering, in most cases, will not help you.

Is there a particular practice area you'd like to know more about? Let us know! We are always looking for ways to help our clients, friends, families, and acquaintances and with your feedback we can get you the information you need. Comment on this post, send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, or email us at newsletter@pisanchyn.com with any suggestions or topics you'd like to know more about.

Do You Know When Your Insurance Premium Can be Increased?

5. If you're worried your insurance premium will be increased after you report a claim, don't be. The insurance company can only increase your premium for one reason.

An insurance company can only increase your insurance premium based on "risk." If an accident is more than 50% your fault then you are more at "risk" and only then can the insurance company raise your premium. If you are the victim of another driver's negligence your premium can not be increased.

The accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm want to be there for you through every step of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call us as soon as you are the victim of another driver's negligence. For more information on Auto Insurance and to ensure you and your family truly are, "fully covered," visit our website.

Is Your Monthly Income Protected?

4. If an accident puts you out of work you could lose your monthly income unless you have this optional coverage on your policy.

Wage loss coverage is an option you can put on your insurance policy that will protect you in the event an accident injury prevents you from working. If added onto your policy then your insurance company is required, by law, to pay 80% of your gross income when you cannot return to your job from injuries sustained in the accident.

As we mentioned yesterday, the state minimum coverage doesn't save you anything in the long run and the same is true with wage loss coverage. The least amount of wage loss you can select is 1,000/5,000. This means, for instance, if you are out of work for 5 months, your insurance company will pay up to $1,000 per month for those 5 months. If you are out work for longer than 5 months but only have the minimum selected, you could lose your monthly income until you return to work.

Another way to protect you and your family after an accident is by calling The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

State Minimum Coverage Doesn't Save You in the Long Run

3. Everyone with an insurance policy in Pennsylvania has to have Medical Expense Coverage but having this as is on your policy may not be enough.

What we mean by this is simple; if you have the minimum amount required by law, which is $5,000, but your medical expenses after an accident accumulate to $10,000, your insurance will only pay for $5,000 of it. It's important to think of 'what if' scenarios such as these when selecting your insurance coverage to be sure you and your family are fully protected incase you are ever the victim of a car accident. Click here for more information on Medical Expense Coverage.

Another way to protect you and your family after an accident is by calling The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Don't Let This Happen to You

2. Insurance companies take advantage of the fact that most people don't know their initial offers after an accident or injury are low, and get away with it.

Insurance companies will offer you the lowest amount possible to settle your claim. They do this because the less money they pay you the more money they make. This fact is one of the standing points in their business models. Read more about this model here.

Don't let the insurance companies trick you into an insufficient settlement. Call The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Most People Don't Know...

Here at The Pisanchyn Law Firm we think it's important to educate people on our different areas of practice. Each week we compile a list of important facts that most people don't know, and as a result, could harm them or their claim. As the week goes on we share more information on each fact.

1. 16% of adults are forced by insurance companies into financial difficulty after an injury.

2. Insurance companies take advantage of the fact that most people don't know their initial offers after an accident or injury are low, and get away with it.

3. Everyone with an insurance policy in Pennsylvania has to have Medical Expense Coverage having this as is on your policy may not be enough.

4. If an accident puts you out of work you could lose your monthly income unless you have this optional coverage on your policy.

5. If you're worried your insurance premium will be increased after you report a claim, don't be. The insurance company can only increase your rates for one reason.


Is there a particular practice area you'd like to know more about? Let us know! We are always looking for ways to help our clients, friends, families, and acquaintances and with your feedback we can get you the information you need. Comment on this post, send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, or email us at newsletter@pisanchyn.com with any suggestions or topics you'd like to know more about.

Has Your Insurance Company Done This to You?

1. 16% of adults are forced by insurance companies into financial difficulty after an injury.

When injured people don't accept the initial low offer made by insurance companies they intentionally prolong the claim process leaving injured people victim to financial difficulty, according to an article by Mollie Riley of The Huffington Post.

Don't become part of that 16%. Call The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you are injured so our experienced injury attorneys can help you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Week in Review 5/11/2012

This week we explained what uninsured motorist coverage on an insurance policy is, and what the benefits of choosing this coverage are. We also explained what a Phantom Driver Accident is and what steps you should take to make an uninsured motorist claim if you are ever the victim of a phantom driver.

There are a number of things you can do after being involved in a phantom driver caused accident in an attempt to make a viable uninsured motorist claim.

• At the scene of the accident be sure to ask everyone who shows up if they saw the phantom driver.
• When the paramedics, hospital staff and/or doctors ask what happened let them know the phantom driver caused you to lose control.
• Tell the police at the scene of the accident, and at any interviews following the accident, about the phantom driver and how it caused the accident.
• Examine your vehicle for ANY proof of contact.
• Contact an attorney so they can begin an investigation to prove your statement that a phantom driver caused your accident.

There are many exceptions and technicalities to this area of law, especially with these types of accidents, that if you are not aware of could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our car accident lawyers are experts when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and will fight aggressively on your behalf to get you or your loved one the compensation you deserve.

When Just in Case Turns Into Now What

We explained yesterday what a phantom driver accident is, and what kind of coverage you should have on your insurance policy to protect yourself just in case you are ever the victim of a phantom driver. In this post we are going to go a little more in depth on what you should do when a phantom driver accident occurs.

In order to file a claim with your insurance company about a phantom driver you must report that another vehicle caused you to wreck, then fled the scene, to the police as well as your insurance company within 24 hours, or soon thereafter if 24 hours is not possible due to injury or other extenuating circumstances.

After reporting the accident, as well as the cause of the accident, to the police and your insurance company you should immediately call our experienced accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm to help you with your claim.

There are many exceptions and technicalities in this area of law, especially with phantom driver accidents, and if you are not aware of them it could cost you thousands of dollars. Our accident attorneys are experts when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and will fight aggressively on your behalf to get you or your loved one the compensation you deserve.

Hit and Run...Minus the Hit?

Did you know in Pennsylvania another vehicle does not have to physically touch your vehicle to be treated the same as a hit and run?

Are you wondering how that's possible? Doesn't hit and run mean, someone hit you causing you to crash, then fled the scene? Yes, however if someone, for example, cuts you off in traffic, causing you to lose control and wreck, then flees after the fact, this is handled in the same manner as a hit and run. This type of accident is called a phantom driver accident.

We'll post more about phantom driver accidents as the week continues, but first we want to cover the insurance aspect of these accidents. If you don't have the right coverage on your insurance policy you could be left with all the bills resulting from a hit and run or phantom driver accident. Uninsured Motorist Coverage doesn't only protect you if an uninsured driver causes your crash, it also protects you in the event of a hit and run or phantom driver accident. Hit and run drivers and phantom drivers are  considered to be uninsured.

By having uninsured motorist coverage if you are ever the victim of a hit and run, phantom driver, or uninsured motorist, your insurance company then steps in to take the place of the uninsured/unknown driver. While this sounds cut and dry, there is a lot more to it. You should never handle any type of accident claim without the help of an experienced attorney. There are many things about this area of law that if you don't know, could cost you thousands which is why it is of the utmost importance to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Call our accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm as soon as you or a loved one are injured in an accident so we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. For more information about accidents, insurance, and all other injury matters please be sure to visit our website.

Are You Covered?

Too often people come to us thinking they have "full coverage" on their insurance policies only to find out too late that they have the basic coverage required by law, or not enough coverage to pay for the hospital bills and damages.

Insurance policies can be tricky to configure, and when you see the monthly payments add up with the more you add to your policy it's easy to be discouraged into lowering your coverage. This month we're going to inform you on the different types of coverage and why it's important to have them all on your insurance policy.
Already we've posted a link on our twitter (@pisanchynlaw) explaining why you should always contact an attorney when you're involved in an accident whether you have insurance or not. As mentioned in the link, we were able to obtain $850,000 more than the insurance company offered one of our clients; that's just one of the many reasons contacting an attorney after an accident can be beneficial to you.

Remember, if you or a loved are unfortunately the victim of an accident, please call The Pisanchyn Law Firm. A car accident in traumatizing enough, fighting with your insurance company or stressing over how you're going to pay your bills shouldn't be your focus; your focus should be on recovering and putting your life back together.