Philadelphia Lawyers That Sue Car Insurance Companies Near You
The experienced Philadelphia auto insurance lawyers near you at The Pearce Law Firm have a leg up when it comes to standing up to insurance companies and defending the rights of victims during insurance disputes. Edith Pearce, the founder of The Pearce Law Firm, spent over 10 years of her law career working as an attorney for insurance companies and defense firms, before choosing to focus on creating a practice centered towards aiding injured victims. Insurance claims lawyer Edith Pearce’s decade of experience with insurance company legal proceedings provides our team with in-depth knowledge and a peak behind the curtain when considering the legal capabilities of and tactics used by insurance company legal team discussions and litigations. Our No Win, No Fee Guarantee ensures that all victims who wish to contact a Philadelphia auto insurance dispute attorney near you do not have to pay a fee unless we obtain a settlement for them. Get the auto insurance legal advice you need from an experienced car insurance lawyer near you.
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Requirements
Most people drive, own a vehicle, and know that the government requires auto insurance. But how many of us truly understand what we’re paying for?
After more than 20 years of practice, I’ve observed that about 75% of the people I meet—regardless of their level of sophistication—don’t fully grasp what their insurance policies cover or whether those policies meet their needs. This lack of understanding often arises from how the insurance was initially obtained.
In many families, one person handles purchasing the insurance, while the other simply goes along with it, unaware of the policy’s details. In situations such as a divorce or the death of a spouse, the surviving individual might continue with the same policy without knowing if it offers the right protection for them.
Similarly, it’s not uncommon for someone to hold onto a policy they purchased years ago—perhaps when they were young and owned their first car. Over time, as life circumstances change, that policy may no longer suit their needs, leaving them underinsured or inadequately protected.
Understanding your insurance policy is essential. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring you’re covered appropriately for your unique situation. If it’s been a while since you reviewed your coverage, now might be a good time to look closer.
What You Need to Know About Auto Insurance Coverage
In today’s world, many people purchase auto insurance online or simply continue with a policy they’ve had for years without a second thought. While Pennsylvania law requires automobile insurance, it’s essential to understand that the government’s primary concern is not your protection. Instead, the government mandates coverage to protect others if you cause an accident. Here’s what that means and why you should take a closer look at your policy.
Government Insurance Requirements vs. Your Protection
The minimum insurance required by Pennsylvania focuses on bodily injury liability, which covers damages to others if you’re at fault in an accident. For example:
- Bodily Injury Liability ($100,000/$300,000):
- $100,000 covers injuries per person involved in the accident.
- $300,000 is the maximum payout for all injuries from one accident.
However, anything beyond these limits becomes your responsibility—a fact often overlooked until it’s too late.
What the Government Requires for You
The only mandatory coverage that benefits you directly is medical expenses. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $5,000 in medical coverage, which covers:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor’s bills
- Other medical treatments following an accident
Unlike health insurance, this coverage has no deductible, meaning it pays out immediately for covered medical expenses. Many policies offer $10,000, which is a better option considering the high costs of care today. Once this amount is exhausted, however, any additional costs become your responsibility, whether through health insurance or out-of-pocket payments.
Funeral Expenses
Most policies include a small amount for funeral expenses, which is self-explanatory and typically enough to cover basic costs.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Why You Need It
These optional coverages are critical for protecting yourself:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re injured by someone who doesn’t have insurance. This ensures that you’re not left vulnerable if the at-fault driver’s policy has lapsed or doesn’t exist.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Steps in when the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage. For instance, Pennsylvania’s minimum of $15,000 per person can quickly be exhausted in medical bills, therapy, and other expenses. Underinsured coverage helps bridge that gap, ensuring you aren’t stuck covering the difference.
Why These Protections Matter
Without these additional coverages, you could face significant financial burdens after an accident. While they might appear as minor line items on your policy, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are essential safeguards in today’s world of rising medical costs and insufficient minimum insurance requirements.
Medical Expenses
- $10,000 in medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident.
Stacked Coverage
- If you have more than one car on your policy, stacked coverage multiplies your uninsured motorist protection by the number of vehicles. For example, with two cars, you get $1 million in coverage.
- If you only have one car, you cannot stack coverage.
Umbrella Insurance
- Umbrella insurance provides additional protection above and beyond your regular policy, covering accidents and liabilities that exceed your current limits.
Make sure you understand the coverage you have, including stacked and uninsured motorist coverage, to ensure you’re fully protected.
Take Action: Review Your Auto Insurance Policy Today
- Check Your Medical Coverage: Ensure you have at least $10,000 to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
- Add or Increase Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: Protect yourself and your family from inadequate coverage by others.
- Stay Informed: Understanding your policy is the first step in ensuring you’re fully protected.
Insurance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about safeguarding your future. Take the time to review your policy and make sure it’s tailored to your needs.
Understanding Your Rights and Coverage in Auto Insurance
When it comes to auto insurance, the government’s primary concern is protecting others from the harm you might cause—not necessarily ensuring your personal protection. This focus explains why certain mandates exist but also why the system allows individuals to unintentionally compromise their own coverage.
How the System Works
Insurance companies are required by law to offer you the same level of protection for yourself as you purchase to protect others. For instance, if you select liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000, the insurer must provide you with the option to have equivalent coverage for yourself under uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
However, this critical detail is often poorly explained to policyholders, leading to significant misunderstandings.
A Common Mistake
Take this example: A policyholder purchased $100,000/$300,000 liability coverage to protect others but only opted for $15,000/$30,000 coverage for themselves under uninsured and underinsured motorist provisions. Essentially, this person unknowingly bought less coverage for their own protection than they did for everyone else.
This happens more often than you might think. People commonly say, “I would never have chosen less coverage for myself if someone had explained it that way.”
What You Need to Do
- Review Your Policy Carefully:
- Check the limits for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- Ensure these amounts match your liability coverage or are at a level that adequately protects you.
- Ask Questions:
- Don’t hesitate to clarify terms with your insurance provider.
- Make sure you understand how each type of coverage works and who it protects.
- Prioritize Your Protection:
- Remember, while the government mandates coverage to protect others, you are responsible for making sure you’re properly protected.
Avoid This Common Pitfall
Don’t settle for the bare minimum or assume that your policy automatically prioritizes your best interests. Ensuring your personal coverage matches your liability coverage is a simple step that can prevent significant financial and personal hardship.
Take the time to evaluate your policy and make informed choices. You deserve the same level of protection you’re providing for others.
What Happens in an Auto Accident: Protecting Yourself from the Unexpected
Auto accidents are something we all hope to avoid. Unfortunately, no matter how careful we are behind the wheel, accidents can happen. Whether it’s bad weather, someone not paying attention, or, worse yet, distracted driving—injuries are a real and increasing risk on the road.
How many times have you stopped at a traffic light and looked over to see the driver next to you with their head down, possibly texting? Or, while driving on a two-lane highway, you notice another vehicle swerving out of its lane because the driver isn’t paying attention? Distracted driving is becoming more common, and the consequences are severe.
Injuries caused by distracted driving are rising exponentially, as more and more people fail to focus on the road.
No matter how cautious you are as a driver, you can’t control the actions of others. A momentary lapse in attention by another driver can lead to serious consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your auto insurance provides enough coverage to protect you in the event of an accident, especially one caused by a distracted driver.
While you can’t control what happens on the road, you can control how well you’re protected when the unexpected occurs. Make sure your policy covers both the minimum and any additional protections you might need to safeguard your well-being.
Auto Insurance: What Pennsylvania Drivers Need to Know About Crossing State Lines
If you frequently drive in New Jersey, it’s important to understand how auto insurance laws differ. While Pennsylvania drivers may have Full Tort coverage, in New Jersey, that could be treated as Limited Tort, affecting your rights to sue for non-serious injuries.
Additionally, medical coverage works differently in New Jersey, with deductibles and co-pays. However, you can choose to have your medical bills handled under Pennsylvania law, which avoids those extra costs.
For drivers in New Jersey, the medical coverage cap is $250,000. This can be helpful if you don’t have health insurance, but less ideal if you do.
Always be informed about how your coverage works across state lines and ask your insurer about the options available when driving in New Jersey.
Full Coverage vs. Full Tort: What You Need to Know About Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
In Pennsylvania, many drivers mistakenly think “Full Coverage” means complete protection. In reality, it only refers to meeting the minimum legal requirements. This includes liability and some basic protections, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have comprehensive coverage.
Full Tort vs. Limited Tort: The Key Difference
The real distinction comes between Full Tort and Limited Tort. With Full Tort, you retain your right to pursue compensation for injuries, no matter their severity. This includes pain, suffering, and lost wages.
In contrast, Limited Tort means you waive your right to compensation for non-serious injuries. If an injury is deemed not serious by a judge or court, you may not be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, even if the injury impacts your life significantly.
Limited Tort may seem like a way to save money, but it limits your ability to recover if you suffer long-term pain or life changes due to an injury. For example, if you can no longer do things you love—like playing piano or caring for your grandchildren—Limited Tort may prevent you from claiming damages for those losses.
With Full Tort, you keep your full rights to compensation, regardless of injury severity. This means you’re protected if you experience long-term or non-visible injuries.
The difference in cost is often minor—around $20-$40 per month or about $200 annually. While it may go as high as $1,000 per year depending on your coverage, it could save you from significant financial strain in the future.
Exceptions to Limited Tort
Even with Limited Tort, there are key exceptions:
- Accidents involving a drunk driver
- Out-of-state drivers
- Pedestrian accidents
- Intentional acts
In these cases, you can still pursue compensation for your injuries.
Choosing the right option depends on your lifestyle, health, and risk tolerance. As you age or experience physical changes, the likelihood of lasting injuries increases. What seems like a small cost now could offer significant protection later.
The Impact of Degenerative Conditions on Injury Claims: Full Tort vs. Limited Tort
As we age, it’s natural to experience some degree of degeneration in our spine, joints, hands, and neck. Conditions like herniated discs are common and, in many cases, don’t cause significant issues. However, an accident can exacerbate these pre-existing conditions, turning what was once a minor issue into a source of severe pain.
This is where the difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort becomes crucial. Under Full Tort, you retain the right to pursue compensation for injuries, regardless of whether they were aggravated by an existing condition. On the other hand, with Limited Tort, the insurance company or a judge determines whether your injury is “serious” enough to warrant compensation.
The real challenge arises when pre-existing conditions—such as degenerative spine or joint issues—are worsened by an accident. Limited Tort can make it much harder to prove that the injury is significant, even if the pain is new or more intense. This is why understanding the difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort is especially important for those with any history of degenerative conditions.
What to Do Next
- Ask for a Comparison: Your insurer is required to provide a breakdown of the costs for both options.
- Consider Your Needs: Think about your health and lifestyle. Would you want full protection if something unexpected happens?
- Review Your Policy: Don’t just rely on marketing claims. Ensure you fully understand your coverage.
- Consult an Attorney: If you’re unsure, consider having an attorney review your policy to ensure you’re fully covered.
Insurance is about more than meeting state requirements—it’s about protecting your future. Whether you choose Full Tort or Limited Tort, make sure you’re making an informed choice that best protects you and your family.
Understanding Umbrella Insurance and Its Role in Protecting Your Assets
Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage beyond the limits of your primary auto or homeowners policy. It can protect your assets in the event of a significant accident, particularly if your standard policy limits are exceeded. Umbrella policies are often inexpensive (around $100–$200 per year) but can be crucial if you’re at risk of a large lawsuit. While not everyone will need one, having coverage when you do need it can make a huge difference.
How Umbrella Insurance Works:
- If you’re in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, your standard insurance may only cover up to your policy’s limits.
- Umbrella insurance kicks in when your primary coverage is exceeded, protecting you from personal financial liability.
- For example, if an accident causes $500,000 in damages, but your auto policy only covers $300,000, umbrella insurance would cover the remaining $200,000.
Umbrella insurance does not cover deductibles. Deductibles are handled separately, and you can adjust them to help control your policy costs.
In Pennsylvania, marital assets are typically protected from being seized in the event of a lawsuit. However, if you become a widow, widower, or divorcee, this protection may no longer apply. In such cases, it’s important to consider an umbrella policy to safeguard your assets.
As your life changes—whether through marriage, divorce, or asset accumulation—it’s important to review your insurance coverage and consider adding an umbrella policy to ensure full protection for your assets.
Benefits of Hiring a Philadelphia Auto Insurance Lawyer Near You
Insurance claims lawyers can provide numerous benefits for individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Here are some of the main advantages of hiring a Pennsylvania insurance dispute attorney from The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.:
- Experience and expertise – Dispute insurance claim lawyers have the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex legal system, gather and present evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to get the best possible settlement or judgment. They have experience handling cases similar to yours and know how to maximize your chances of success.
- Legal representation – Insurance companies have their own legal teams to protect their interests, and you need someone on your side to level the playing field. A car insurance lawyer will represent you and advocate for your rights, ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your interests are protected.
- Increased chances of success – Lawyers that sue insurance companies have a higher success rate in obtaining settlements or judgments in favor of their clients compared to individuals who go it alone. Additionally, obtaining legal representation could increase the amount of compensation the victim obtains as well. This is because they know how to present a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to get the best possible result.
- Financial compensation – If you have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A Philly car insurance claim lawyer near you can help you recover these damages and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
- Peace of mind – Going through the legal process can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with the physical and emotional effects of an injury. Hiring a car insurance lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.
- Time-saving – Insurance dispute cases can be time-consuming, and you may not have the time or resources to devote to the legal process while you are recovering from your injuries. An insurance dispute lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, freeing up your time and allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Contingency fees – Many auto insurance lawyers in Philadelphia work on a contingency fee basis (no win, no fee), which means that you do not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement or judgment as their fee. This can be especially helpful if you are unable to work or have limited financial resources.
Overall, hiring a car insurance lawyer in Philadelphia with as much experience as Edith Pearce, Esq, to sue an insurance company can provide numerous benefits for individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. From legal representation and increased chances of success to financial compensation and peace of mind, our team of insurance claims lawyers can help you navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome for your case. We can also help you if you need a New Jersey insurance dispute lawyer.
Contact a Philadelphia Car Insurance Lawyer Near You
Contact us today (24/7) to learn more about your legal options with your car insurance case. If you have been in a Philadelphia car accident or need to obtain auto insurance legal advice in Philadelphia, The Pearce Law Firm car insurance lawyers are here to help. The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. are always ready and willing to fight insurance companies for the compensation you deserve.
Review of Our Auto Insurance Dispute Attorney in Philadelphia
Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had a wonderful experience with Nicole Vitale and Edith Pearce at the Pearce Law Firm. After my husband was in a car accident, their office assisted us with understanding our insurance claim, health care, and repairs. Edith and Nicole kept us informed throughout the process, answered all of our questions, and exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend their services!” -Michelle R.
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