If you worry about getting into a car accident at an intersection, you’re not alone. Intersections can be dangerous. There’s traffic coming from multiple directions. Some drivers are going through the intersection while others are turning.

Even with traffic lights directing when vehicles stop and go, accidents still occur. Injuries in intersection accidents can also be severe. While exploring common injuries in intersection crashes, it’s also a good idea to learn a little bit about Pennsylvania insurance laws.

The laws can be confusing, especially when an intersection accident results in serious injuries. Before you consider filing a claim to recover compensation for your injuries, here’s a look at the insurance laws in the Keystone State.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania

Like all other U.S. states, Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry at least the minimum insurance requirements. The only exception may apply to antique vehicles but it’s best to check with state insurance laws.

All drivers with vehicles registered in Pennsylvania must carry the following insurance:

• $15,000 to cover injuries or death per person involved in the accident
• $30,000 per accident to cover injuries or fatalities involving multiple people
• $5,000 in property liability insurance

A quick note: if you’re only carrying the state’s minimum liability insurance, any damage to your vehicle from intersection accidents isn’t covered by your policy. However, some of your medical expenses are typically covered, and it may even include any lost wages.

Pennsylvania Is a Choice No-Fault State

What is a choice no-fault insurance state? Not only is the term confusing but the same can apply to the definition. Let’s start with explaining no-fault insurance. This type of insurance rule requires everyone involved in an accident to turn to their insurance provider.

Everyone injured in the accident files a claim with their personal injury protection (PIP) insurer. Your PIP policy covers some or most of your medical expenses, typically up to 80%. The policy usually also covers lost income, once again up to around 80%.

What PIP doesn’t cover is your property damage or any non-economic losses like mental anguish, pain, and suffering. If you have full coverage insurance, you should be able to recover some or all of your property damage costs. How much you can recover depends on your policy’s limits. You can’t file a claim for more than your policy agrees to pay out.

What happens if you’re only carrying liability insurance? Unfortunately, your property damage from intersection accidents isn’t covered, which may mean covering these costs out of pocket.

Before you give up on repairing or replacing your vehicle, don’t forget Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. You may still be able to recover damages not covered by your PIP policy.

What is Choice No-Fault Insurance?

The no-fault insurance rules are still in play, but you also have a choice in what type of accident claim you file. You can file a limited tort or full tort coverage claim.

A limited tort coverage claim is the same as going through your insurance. You file a claim with your PIP provider. If you have full coverage auto insurance, your claim can also include your property damage. Even though you may be left with some expenses.

Don’t forget, PIP typically doesn’t cover 100% of your medical expenses. Filing a limited tort claim usually results in a faster settlement with lower costs to you. For example, since you’re working with your insurance adjuster you may not need an attorney to help litigate your claim.

When should you file a limited tort claim? If injuries and property damage are minimal, it may make sense to go this legal route.

A full tort coverage claim isn’t filed with your insurance provider. Even though Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, it doesn’t prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This type of personal injury claim is typically reserved when injuries are serious.

Your injuries also need to meet the state’s serious injury threshold. This means your injuries must be either permanent or result in a disability or disfigurement. Amputations and scarring are a couple of examples of injuries meeting the threshold.

With a full tort claim, you can also include your non-economic damages like mental anguish, loss of life enjoyment, pain, and suffering. These are losses not covered by PIP insurance. If you’re not sure which type of claim to file after your intersection accident, a personal injury attorney can walk you through the ups and downs of each one.

Filing an Accident Claim In Pennsylvania

Regardless of whether you’re filing a limited or full tort claim, the steps to get started are the same.

Report the Accident

Don’t even think about driving off after being involved in an intersection accident. You should plan on immediately reporting the accident to the authorities. Yes, this means waiting at the accident scene.

Even though this can take a while, it’s also a vital step in the claim process. You’re going to need a copy of the accident report to file a personal injury claim.

Don’t Ignore Any Injuries

Since intersection accidents typically result in serious injuries like internal bleeding, contusions, and even traumatic brain injuries, seeing a physician is something that rarely needs encouragement.

Unfortunately, there’s a good chance you’ll leave the accident scene in the back of an ambulance.

If you’re fortunate enough to walk away from the wreck, don’t ignore any potential injuries. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider for a checkup.

Save all of your medical records, including any bills and receipts. You’re going to need this documentation regardless of the type of no-fault claim you’re planning on filing.

Navigating Pennsylvania Insurance Laws After Intersection Accidents

Navigating Pennsylvania’s insurance laws after an intersection accident can be challenging. You’re deciding on the type of claim you should file while also trying to manage your recovery.

Working with an experienced attorney can relieve some of the burden while also helping to ensure you file the right type of claim to receive maximum compensation for your damages.