Pennsylvania Injury Law: Plain-English Guides to Your Rights After an Accident
Pennsylvania car accident and injury laws differ from other states in ways that change what you can recover. These guides explain the rules in plain terms, cite the statutes behind them, and tell you when it's time to talk to a lawyer.
First-party benefits (PIP)
First-party benefits in Pennsylvania explained: how your own auto policy (PIP) pays medical bills after a crash, who pays first and your deadlines.How much is my case worth
How much is my case worth in Pennsylvania? The factors that drive an injury settlement, and why an honest lawyer won't quote a number up front.How to get a PA crash report
How to get a PA crash report from the State Police, Philadelphia or Upper Darby police: who can request one, the fees and the wait. Help: (267) 412-4601.Limited tort vs. full tort
Limited tort vs full tort in Pennsylvania: what each option covers, the serious injury threshold and the exceptions that restore your rights to sue.PA workers' comp benefits
PA workers comp benefits explained: the 2026 weekly maximum, how your wage rate is figured, the 500 week limit and settlements. Questions? (267) 412-4601.Statute of limitations
Pennsylvania statute of limitations for injury claims: the 2 year rule, the discovery rule, minors and the 6 month notice for claims against government.What to do after a car accident
What to do after a car accident in Pennsylvania: a step-by-step checklist for the scene, the insurers and the deadlines. Hurt in Delco? (267) 412-4601.What these guides cover
Each guide answers one question people ask after an accident or work injury in Pennsylvania: which tort option you have and why it matters, how your own auto policy's medical benefits work, how to get a crash report, what to do in the first days after a crash, how long you have to file, what drives the value of a claim, and how workers' comp benefits are figured.
They are general information, not legal advice for your situation. Deadlines and exceptions depend on the facts, so if a deadline might be close, call before you read further.
How Pennsylvania law differs
Choice no-fault. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state. Every auto policy must include first-party medical benefits of at least $5,000 that pay regardless of who caused the crash (75 Pa.C.S. § 1711). And when you buy the policy, you choose limited tort or full tort. Limited tort generally bars pain and suffering damages unless the injury is serious or an exception applies (75 Pa.C.S. § 1705).
Modified comparative fault. If you were partly at fault, your damages are reduced by your share of the blame, and you recover nothing if your share is greater than the combined fault of the defendants (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102).
Short deadlines. Injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524), and claims against a government agency, including SEPTA, generally require written notice within six months (42 Pa.C.S. § 5522).
Questions about your own case
Warren I. Siegel, Esq. has practiced in Pennsylvania since 1992 and represents injured people in Delaware County and West Philadelphia from the firm's Upper Darby office. There is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs, which are repaid only from a recovery. Call (267) 412-4601 or send the free case review form.
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