Full Tort vs Limited Tort

On This Page

1. Knowing the Difference Between Full Tort and Limited Tort
2. How Much Time You Have to Pursue a Tort in Pennsylvania
3. How One of Our Injury Lawyers Can Help You with Your Limited Tort or Full Tort Case
4. Turn to Berger and Green for Help with Your Limited or Full Tort Accident Case

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

February 02, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Whenever someone wrongs you (intentionally or unintentionally) and you want to hold them accountable in a civil case, it is referred to as a “tort.” Pennsylvania gives drivers the option to choose between full tort rights and limited tort rights insurance. The former allows you to sue the at-fault driver for many damages. The latter coverage only covers economic damages, unless the crash results in the victim’s death, serious injury or disfigurement.

There are different factors to consider when selecting which type of coverage will best suit you. However, if you want to be able to pursue full compensation, the full tort option will provide the most coverage in most cases. If you get hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania, our personal injury lawyers can help you seek damages for your losses.

Knowing the Difference Between Full Tort and Limited Tort

Limited Tort Coverage

If you were injured in a car accident and have limited tort insurance, you could recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage from the at fault driver. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish, are not covered under this policy, unless the crash results in the victim’s death, serious injury or disfigurement. There are also other circumstances where the at fault driver will not receive the benefits of your limited tort election.

Most people who choose limited tort do so because they feel that they need to take advantage of the modest premium savings that comes from this option.  However, those who can afford full tort coverage and choose not to obtain it often regret it if they are injured in a collision.

Full Some with Limited Tort There Is Still an Opportunity

If you suffer serious injuries in a car accident, the ability to collect your out of pocket losses will not adequately compensate you.  Even with limited tort insurance, if you sustain a serious injury, disfigurement or the death of a loved one a lawyer on our team could help you go after additional damages for:

• Pain and suffering, inconvenience and distress
• Embarrassment and humiliation
• The loss of life’s pleasures.

The ability ro recover pain and suffering without falling into one of the limited categories previously discussed is the difference between full and limited torts. Your quality of life can change drastically following an accident, but compensation for pain and suffering can help you cope with the chronic pain and discomfort.

Even though having full tort may be beneficial for your recovery, your premiums will be somewhat higher than if you had limited tort coverage. However, if you can pay for full tort, we recommend going with that option.

How Much Time You Have to Pursue a Tort in Pennsylvania

Plaintiffs are on a time crunch, though. According to Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, there is generally a two-year window for filing a lawsuit for adults. This time frame applies to both personal injury and wrongful death cases.

In some situations, exceptions to the amount of time you have to file exist. Get started on your accident case as soon as possible. Prompt action can protect your right to compensation.

How One of Our Injury Lawyers Can Help You with Your Limited Tort or Full Tort Case

A lot of time and energy goes into managing a legal case for compensation, but you should be focused on recovery instead of getting caught up in all the legalities. Allow our lawyers to handle all aspects of your case for you.

In doing so, they can:

• Review your tort policy and see which damages you can pursue
• Explain your legal options
• Gather evidence that proves the car accident caused your injuries
• Quantify your economic and non-economic losses
• Advocate to the insurance companies—starting from early case phone calls to settlement negotiations
• File your lawsuit before the deadline expires
• Represent you in mediation, arbitration or jury trial, if need be

You can expect each of these services to be provided to you on a contingency-fee arrangement. This means our lawyers will not ask for any payment by the hour, up front, or out of your pocket. Instead, they will subtract their fee from your settlement or court award, should they achieve one for you.

When we work under this payment plan, you take little to no financial risk.

Turn to Berger and Green for Help with Your Limited or Full Tort Accident Case

Limited tort coverage is less expensive, and you feel like you may not need the additional coverage of full tort. However, full tort can ensure you recover the necessary funds after a car accident—whether your injuries are severe or minor. Getting hurt in a crash affects your whole family, especially if they depend on you for financial support and guidance.

For help with taking legal action after a car accident, you can reach out to Berger and Green. Our team members will provide you with a free case review that comes with no obligation when you call. Dial (412) 661-1400 today.