When should you report your accident to your insurance company?
If you have ever been in a crash, you may have submitted a claim to your insurance company. Since insurance companies collected over $173 million worth of liability premiums in 2023, most individuals who suffer injuries or vehicle damage expect their insurer to cover their losses.
You must understand the terms of your auto policy to know your deductible (the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in) and how long you have to file a claim. Sadly, insurance companies are often more interested in their bottom line, finding any reason to deny a claim.
In this blog, our Harrisburg personal injury attorneys will discuss the process of filing an insurance claim and how an attorney can be a beneficial asset in recovering maximum compensation.
Pennsylvania is a Choice No-Fault State
Some states require a car accident victim to file a bodily injury claim with his or her own insurance company (no-fault states), and others require you to file with the at-fault party’s insurer (fault states). Pennsylvania is known as a choice no-fault state, allowing motorists to choose between two policies: Limited tort and full tort coverage.
Limited Tort Coverage
Under the limited tort option, you will be eligible to recover compensation for all accident-related expenses, including medical and economic damages (expenses that involve you spending money). Unless you suffer a serious injury, noneconomic damages will not be covered under a limited tort policy. There are exceptions to limited tort coverage, so you must speak with a personal injury attorney before filing your claim.
“Full Tort” Coverage
If you select full tort insurance coverage, your economic and noneconomic losses may be compensated following a car accident. The premiums for full tort coverage are generally more expensive. Still, you may be eligible for this type of coverage if the at-fault driver was under the influence, if you were a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, or if the at-fault driver was uninsured, to name a few circumstances.
Filing a Lawsuit
Although you can sue under either policy, you will only recover damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other noneconomic damages under a full tort policy. However, you must take legal action withintwo years of your accident, or you risk forgoing compensation entirely.
Will The Type of Policy Affect My Compensation?
Following a crash, you must report the accident to your insurance company. You must also contact the police for injuries, fatalities, or property damage. The police officer responding to the accident scene will take down a report, which will be a valuable resource when submitting your claim.
If you have a full tort policy, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney who knows the ins and outs of Pennsylvania’s tort policy laws and procedures. You will likely be eligible to recover greater compensation if you suffered severe injuries. However, you must submit proof of your losses (including lost wages, medical expenses, and the extent of your vehicle damage).
The insurance company will also require evidence of the other driver’s fault. Fault can be difficult to prove, so it is imperative that you work with a Harrisburg personal injury attorney who can help gather the necessary evidence and information. This will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Reach Out to Our Harrisburg Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Mette Attorneys at Law, we understand that suffering from a collision often involves more than just physical injuries, which can take years to heal. Our Harrisburg personal injury attorney has helped hundreds of accident victims receive just compensation and is ready to assist you. To learn more or to schedule your consultation, contact us online or by calling (717) 231-5219 today.