How Car Accident Compensation Works in Pennsylvania

Our attorneys can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Understanding how car accident compensation works in Pennsylvania gives accident victims the power to demand maximum compensation for their damages, including medical bills and other losses. It can also help you avoid accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your accident-related expenses.

If you're injured in a crash in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Pennsylvania, consider these general tips about car accident compensation. For guidance on your individual situation, contact experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates. Get a free case evaluation now to get answers to your questions. There’s no obligation to hire, just trusted information you can rely on.

What does car accident compensation cover in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a unique “choice no-fault” car insurance system. Economic damages – like medical expenses - are always recoverable regardless of whether you are covered by the Full Tort or Limited Tort option, so you can always make a claim for your excess medical bills. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.

Car accident compensation is usually paid out as a settlement or occasionally as a jury verdict. The money is intended to cover past, current, and future damages related to the accident, like medical bills, future medical procedures and physical therapy, lost wages, and diminished earning potential, among other things.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Pittsburgh?

In Pennsylvania, car accident-related medical bills are paid on a “no-fault” basis. That means it typically does not matter who caused the accident; you are entitled to have your medical bills paid by a motor vehicle insurer as set forth in the law.

If your medical bills exceed the amount of motor vehicle medical benefits, your health insurer or health plan will pay the excess bills. In some cases, if you obtain a settlement, your health plan or health insurer can require you to repay expenses they paid through a process called subrogation. This is a complicated subject that must be addressed on an individual basis, and if you have questions about this, you can contact our Pittsburgh office.

If you do not have medical insurance, or you have out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles or co-pays, then in most cases, you will be able to recover those amounts from the wrongdoer, their insurer, or, in some instances, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

How much money can I get if I can’t work after a crash?

If you are unable to work at your job after a crash, you can file a claim for lost wages with the other driver’s insurance company. However, there are other compensation options that may factor into your recovery, like the availability of short-term or long-term disability benefits at work and any “lost wage” coverage you may have purchased before the accident.

Can I be compensated for pain and suffering after a car accident in Pennsylvania?

This depends on circumstances and whether you have a “Limited Tort” or “Full Tort” car insurance policy. Coverage provided by a "Limited Tort” policy typically costs less but takes away a person’s right to seek non-economic damages – including pain and suffering. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. Accident victims who purchased “Limited Tort” policies should consult attorneys before assuming they are ineligible.

Discuss your case with an experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyer

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers whose sole aim is to pay seriously injured car accident victims like you as little as possible. If they can pay nothing for your injuries, that’s even better (for them). With a lawyer on your side, you can level the playing field.

The experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyers at Hal Waldman & Associates offer free car accident evaluations and work on a contingency basis, so you never have to worry about any upfront costs. We serve injured accident victims in Pittsburgh and throughout the surrounding communities.

Don't wait for the insurance company to offer you the compensation you deserve if you were injured in a Western Pennsylvania car accident. Take control of the situation by scheduling a free case evaluation with us right now.