Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accident Laws
Car accidents are alarmingly common, with thousands dying and losing their lives. In Pennsylvania, for example, 104,475 accidents occurred in 2020; about 61,000 people were hurt, while 1,129 died.
Specific laws govern car accidents, and they are pivotal in determining what occurs following an auto crash. If you were a victim in one of these accidents, you must understand these laws to recover compensation for damages. Therefore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding car accidents, particularly in Pennsylvania.
What Are the Notable Requirements for Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance, a type of insurance coverage, is responsible for paying out when a policyholder causes a crash that hurts other drivers. In other words, if an insured motorist instigated a crash, their liability insurance will pay damages to the victims and their legal bills. The minimum requirements for this insurance include:
- In bodily injury liability coverage – $15,000 per head and $30,000 per accident, an
- In property damage liability coverage – $5,000 per head
However, it would help if you bought more than the minimum coverage amount because car accident damages tend to be very substantial. If the amount you have in insurance will not cover excess losses, you will have to pay out of your pocket.
When Must You Report a Car Accident to the Police?
According to Pennsylvania laws, accidents on the road open to the public must be reported as soon as they occur. Also, individuals must report if the accident got someone killed or injured and if any vehicle was severely damaged.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania’s laws do not require a report if no one was injured or killed in the accident. You also do not need to report if no vehicle needs towing or if the collision happened on private property. Also, you do not need to report if the collision occurred due to natural disasters like a tornado, landslide, or earthquake.
However, even if the law does not require it, one must report an accident so the police can document it. You can use this report in your personal injury claim; it is vital evidence.
How Do Pennsylvania Car Accident Laws Determine Fault?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. Drivers can opt into or out of the no-fault system. Drivers can choose limited tort coverage with affordable premiums to opt into the no-fault system.
However, it means motorists can only recover damages involving minor injuries such as out-of-pocket medical expenses. As such, they cannot recover damages such as pain and suffering unless they sustain severe injuries within an exception to no-fault rules.
On the other hand, drivers will choose full tort coverage to opt out of the no-fault system. With this coverage, they can pursue a claim against their at-fault driver, which they can settle in or out of court. Opting out of the no-fault system means you can get compensation for economic (medical expenses) and non-economic (pain and suffering) losses.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania for Car Accident Cases?
Victims of car accidents in Pennsylvania have two years from the accident date to file a claim. These two years are the statutory number for most personal injury claims involving negligence, including car accident cases. After two years, the victim can no longer take any legal action and will, therefore, be unable to recover compensation.
Also Read: 6 Costly Legal Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Conclusion
“If you were hurt in a collision in Pennsylvania, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer within the jurisdiction,” advises Attorney Geoff Brown of Bordas and Bordas Attorneys, PLLC. They know the laws and how things work and are knowledgeable in making strong personal injury cases for plaintiffs. With their help, you have a better chance of recovering fair compensation and achieving full or near-full recovery from your injuries.
