If you are injured in a car accident, one of the first
questions your lawyer will ask you is whether you selected the full tort or
limited tort option. It is not uncommon
for people to be unsure of what type of policy they have, even though they must
sign a waiver to decline full tort coverage.
When I ask my clients if they have "full tort coverage" a frequent
response I receive is that "my insurance agent told me I have full
coverage." In fact, the meaning of "full
coverage" is uncertain at best, and to many insurance agents, "full coverage" merely
means that you have the minimum coverage required to operate a vehicle
In
An exception to this general rule permits a person with
limited tort coverage to pursue a claim for pain and suffering where the
injuries they sustained in the accident were "serious." However, even very painful injuries may not
be considered "serious" under
An individual with full tort coverage, on the other hand, regardless of the severity of the injury, is able to assert a claim for pain and suffering, so long as the accident was not his or her fault.
Automobile insurance carries offer discounted coverage to customers that select the limited tort option; however, it is my belief that you should not waive your rights to full tort protection to save a few dollars on automobile insurance premiums. Even if money spent on insurance premiums seems substantial to you and your family, you will be better served protecting yourself and your loved ones from potential losses that may be sustained in an accident. Remember, all it takes is one accident to negate the relatively minor savings of a limited tort policy.
If you've been hurt in an accident, call Brent Wieand at 267-443-8487 for a free consultation.
