Defining a serious injury in Pennsylvania’ PA Accident Definition

Only a small fraction of car accident injuries meet the description of a serious injury. As a result, whether an injury is considered serious or otherwise is one of the nation’s most commonly litigated issues related to automobile accidents. Serious injuries that may be sustained in a Pennsylvania accident are no different those of accidents that may take place in other states. Examples of a permanent injury or a serious impairment of bodily function include a broken bone that does not heal property, a herniated or bulging disc in your spine with permanent and persistent complaints of pain, or a cut that leaves a permanent scar.

Pennsylvania drivers have the option of choosing “limited tort” or “full tort” coverage. The effect of limited tort can prevent an injured person from receiving compensation from an auto accident that resulted in several months of temporary disability from work, so long as the person fully recovered or only had minor complaints afterwards. By selecting limited tort, the insured gives up thousands of dollars in potential benefits in exchange for a comparatively negligible reduction in premiums.

Many Pennsylvania courts are finding that an injury that is considered serious to the individual may not to be serious “enough” to receive compensation. An example of this might be a soft tissue injury such as a neck or back sprain. Because of this, in the state of Pennsylvania, it is important to select full tort on your auto insurance policy.

If you have been involved in an accident in the state of Pennsylvania and you are seeking damages for your injuries, you should contact a Pennsylvania injury attorney. A Pennsylvania injury attorney can advise you on which options are available in your own individual case and assist you if litigation is necessary.