Auto Insurance Knowledge: Full Tort vs Limited Tort
When deciding on automobile insurance coverage, it is important to know the difference between full tort and limited tort. These two types of policy are especially crucial to those who have suffered an automobile accident in Pennsylvania. It is imperative to understand these two coverage options and what each of them entitles you to in the incidence of a collision. Fellerman & Ciarimboli has had extensive experience dealing with cases involving both full tort and limited tort insurance policies.
The option between limited and full tort became law in Pennsylvania in the late 1980s in an effort to curb rising car insurance rates. A limited tort option is always less expensive than the full tort option, saving one 10 to 15 percent on premiums. Before this change to the law, all automobile insurance companies provided what is now referred to as full tort.
Full Tort Policies
Full tort policies allow households to receive full compensation for all the damages related to an automobile accident. This includes:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Damage to Vehicles
- Pain and Suffering
This policy option provides you with the most potential to receive different compensation related to an accident.
Limited Tort Policies
Limited tort policies do not cover all of the damages that can result from an auto accident. This essentially entitles policyholders to limited recovery following an accident. A household with a limited tort policy may receive compensation for monetary damages only. This may include medical bills and out of pocket expenses. Pain and suffering, as well as general damages, are not covered under a limited tort policy. Only serious non-monetary damages can be covered by a limited tort policy. Limited tort policyholders cannot sue for pain and suffering unless they are considered to be suffering serious bodily injury.The four exceptions to the serious bodily injury requirement are:
- The other driver committed an intentional act that caused the injuries
- The other driver was operating a vehicle registered in a state other than Pennsylvania or
- The other driver had no insurance
Full tort insurance means a slightly higher premium in most cases, but the rights to compensation are broad. With a limited tort policy, many important rights with regards to personal injury compensation are surrendered. Although premiums may be less costly than full tort policies, limited tort policies may cost more in the long run if someone on the policy experiences a serious automobile accident.
It is important to note that full coverage and full tort are not synonymous terms. You must specifically make sure you have full tort on your automobile insurance policy. This full tort policy applies to all the members of your household. In most cases, the additional money paid at a premium is worth the recovery that a full tort policy entitles you to in the case of an accident.
If you have suffered an automobile accident caused by a third party and need legal help, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli today. We can schedule a free consultation in hopes of getting you the personal injury compensation you deserve. Call us at (877) 989-4878 today.
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$795 Thousand Car Accident
confidential settlement in a crash.
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$1.3 Million Car Accident
A settlement was obtained in this uninsured motorist case on behalf of a 21-year-old man who was ejected from an SUV and subsequently died. The driver of the SUV had been cut off by another vehicle. The settlement was obtained from Mr. Sperlazzo’s uninsured motorist carrier.
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$1.1 Million Car Accident
The verdict was obtained for Mr. Smith against the defendant who was high on heroin at the time of the crash. This verdict was the Number #1 Motor Vehicle Collision verdict in Luzerne County in 2012.
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$900 Thousand Car Accident
Our client was struck by a vehicle that was racing.
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$750 Thousand Car Accident
Our client sustained a significant injury, including, post-traumatic stress disorder.
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$275 Thousand Car Accident
The settlement was on an insurance policy of $15,000. The settlement was both for compensatory and bad faith damages.
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- Frank K.
I have a friend who sought help from Fellerman & Ciarimboli and said they were very nice and helpful. So when I needed assistance, they were the first ones I thought of, and gave them a call. I was connected to Attorney Molly Clark, who made a significant impact. Her comforting personality created a welcoming environment during our interactions, turning what could have been a somber experience into one filled with positivity. Our upbeat conversations, in contrast to the challenging situation, improved my well-being.
What truly won me over was Molly's commitment to keeping me informed about the progress of my situation. Whenever I called her with questions, she promptly provided answers, ensuring I had the information I needed when I needed it. Working with Fellerman & Ciarimboli was a positive experience given the circumstances I was facing. I highly recommend Attorney Molly and the firm to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate assistance during challenging times.
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Molly thank you for everything you’ve done for Terry and me. You went above and beyond. You are like family to us and will always love you!- Arlene P.
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I can't express how GREAT my first experience with an attorney has been! I'm not kidding when I say that both you and the entire firm are I think the best around. Once get things settled around here, I would like to make an appointment to come up to talk about some other issues, but I have been doing nothing, but singing the praises of you The entire organization to everyone that I speak with.- R.R.
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- Client
There are no adequate words to convey to you, Mike, and Ed how grateful our family is for all of your hard work in helping us through the most difficult time of our lives. Your commitment to justice is unlike anything we have ever witnessed. Our tragedy became your tragedy. The three of you have become part of our family.
Harry, you explained everything necessary in terms which were comprehensible and helpful to us to better understand all that was presented. We are so grateful for that.
The compassion shown to us by not only the three of you, but everyone to whom we encountered at Fellerman & Ciarimboli was off the charts and so sincere.
We will grieve our profound loss for the rest of our lives, but all of you helped to make it a bit easier, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
God's Blessings to you and your family.
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Molly, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you mean to me, throughout this process, you have always been there and helped me through. I am glad it all came to a good ending and that it is over. But, I will miss you and you will always be referred to anyone that ever asks me for an amazing lawyer! Keep fighting for the people who need you! You are amazing at what you do, you're professional and genuine! I wish you all the best in your career and am happy that I chose you to take my case. Your team is amazing, too!- Nicole W.
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I was in a bad accident and I had my daughter in the car with me. I highly recommend this firm. My attorney Myer Messinger was very compassionate and offered empathy with helping me and my daughter with the mental agony we experienced after the accident. Mr Messinger is very professional and knowledgeable. We sat for hours for the mediation and he fought to get me the best settlement- Enide Jerome
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“Corey Suda was our attorney as well as Ed Ciarimboli and they were both great, very informative, helpful, stayed in contact with us throughout our case. Very happy with the outcome of the case!!”- Debbie C.
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Called Greg Fellerman for a legal issue. He immediately took my call and helped me resolve the issue. Big thanks!- Brandon Z.
