No-Fault Insurance Claims
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Lehigh Valley Personal Injury Protection Lawyer
A Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer helps auto accident victims recover medical expenses and lost wages through Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system. At the Law Office of Edward P. Shaughnessy, clients in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton receive dedicated representation for denied or underpaid PIP insurance claims. With more than 35 years of experience, Lehigh Valley no-fault insurance lawyer Ed Shaughnessy guides injured victims through car insurance disputes, ensures compliance with Pennsylvania state laws, and fights to secure the full compensation owed under their coverage.
The law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis and offers free consultations. This means you don’t owe any legal fees unless he secures compensation on your behalf.
Call 610-437-7578 or use the contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a Lehigh Valley car accident lawyer.
Is PA a No-Fault Insurance State?
Yes. While many states are considered at-fault states, Pennsylvania is one of the few states where motorists can choose a no-fault insurance system. This allows drivers to select either limited tort (no-fault) or full tort coverage. Under Pennsylvania state law, all motorists must carry at least $5,000 under their Personal Injury Protection policy. This covers medical expenses regardless of fault.
At-Fault States vs Pennsylvania No-Fault Insurance Law
In many states considered “at-fault,” the insurance company of the motorist who caused the crash is responsible for paying all medical bills and damages. Unlike in at-fault states, in Pennsylvania, each driver’s own insurance company initially covers medical expenses. However, Pennsylvania’s “choice system” for car insurance allows injured victims to file claims against responsible motorists for “serious injuries,” depending on whether they chose limited or full tort coverage.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Pennsylvania?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance coverage. PIP coverage pays for medical bills, lost income, and funeral costs after car accidents, regardless of who caused it. While not mandatory, most motorists carry at least $5,000 in PIP coverage, with available limits that can exceed $1 million depending on the policy. These are paid by your own insurance company and can help supplement or replace traditional health insurance immediately after a collision. If you’re facing disputes of PIP coverage in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, contact Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer Ed Shaughnessy for legal assistance.
Does Personal Injury Protection Insurance Cover Medical Expenses in Pennsylvania?
Yes. In Pennsylvania, medical bills resulting from a car accident are covered by PIP insurance.
PIP Medical Expense Limit
Pennsylvania requires a minimum of $5,000 to cover medical expenses. Some policyholders choose higher limits. Once the limit is reached, additional costs must be covered by private health insurance, out-of-pocket payments, or claims against at-fault drivers. Selecting higher PIP limits provides stronger protection.
PIP coverage can include emergency services, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, specialists, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and medical equipment. Some personal injury protection holders also have coverage for future medical expenses related to car accident injuries.
PIP vs Medical Payments
While both Medical Payments (MedPay) and PIP insurance help pay accident-related medical costs, they function differently. PIP insurance pays for medical expenses, lost income, and certain funeral costs. MedPay only covers medical expenses and typically supplements personal injury protection or health insurance. In Pennsylvania ,personal injury protection (PIP) is the primary form of no-fault medical coverage for drivers and passengers injured in car accidents.
Consult a Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer to learn more.
Does PIP Cover Lost Wages in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, Personal Injury Protection generally pays 80% of a person’s gross income but only up to the lost-wages limit they select. Under state law, wage-loss coverage is optional. Those injured in an accident can seek additional compensation through the responsible party’s insurance company, by pursuing a claim for pain and suffering (for full tort coverage), or through private disability or business interruption insurance coverage.
Documentation, like pay stubs, employer statements, or tax returns for self-employed claimants, is required to verify lost wages before payment is issued.
Other Pennsylvania PIP Benefits a Lehigh Valley No-Fault Insurance Attorney Can Help With
Filing Car Insurance Claims for Funeral Expenses
Under Pennsylvania state law, motorists can opt in for PIP insurance that covers funeral expenses when a car accident results in a fatality. However, this is optional and is typically capped at $2,500 to $5,000. Funeral coverage is paid regardless of fault. Claimants must provide death certificates, funeral invoices, and proof of coverage to their own insurance company to reimburse them. If damages exceed this, the family can seek additional compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact a Lehigh Valley fatal car accident attorney to learn more.
Child Care, Transport, and Replacement Services After a Car Accident
Similarly, motorists can opt into PIP insurance that covers replacement services. This reimburses car accident victims for daily tasks they can’t perform while recovering. This can include child care, transportation, or housekeeping. If damages exceed PIP limits, they can seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Limited Tort vs Full Tort: Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania state law, motorists can choose between limited tort and full tort car insurance.
Limited tort restricts the right to recover damages for pain and suffering unless the injuries meet a defined threshold. They still allow reimbursement for medical costs and property damage.
Full tort is more expensive but gives motorists unrestricted rights to sue the at-fault party for all losses after a car accident.
Exceptions to Limited Tort in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, there are exceptions that allow those injured in an accident to seek full compensation. This includes car accidents involving out-of-state vehicles, DUI accidents, intentional harm, uninsured motorists, and commercial vehicles.
Pennsylvania Limited Tort Serious Injury Definition
Under Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, a serious injury is defined as one resulting in death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement. Meeting this standard allows limited tort policyholders to step outside the limitation and pursue non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Common Reasons Insurance Companies Deny PIP Insurance Claims in the Lehigh Valley
- Insurance companies are alleging that medical treatment is “not medically necessary.”
- Disputes over whether injuries were actually caused by the accident.
- Late reporting of the car accident or failure to notify the insurance company within the required deadlines.
- Missing or refusing to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
- Exceeding policy limits.
- Gaps in treatment or missed appointments used to question injury severity.
- Insurance companies are alleging a pre-existing condition to reduce or deny payment.
- Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer Ed Shaughnessy can challenge denials, gather evidence, and ensure you are paid in full.
How to File a No-Fault Insurance Claim After an Auto Accident in The Lehigh Valley
- Notify your insurance company immediately
- Report accidents, especially those that occur on major routes such as Route 22, I-78, Hamilton Boulevard, or Tilghman Street, to the police.
- Provide full accident details and a copy of the police report to your insurance company.
- Submit medical bills, doctor notes, and lost wage documentation as soon as possible.
- Attend all appointments and follow prescribed treatment plans.
- Keep detailed records of expenses, correspondence, and updates.
- Be aware that the deadline to file a personal injury protection claim varies but is typically within 1 to 2 years of the accident date.
When to Hire an Experienced Lehigh Valley PIP Attorney
- Your insurance company denies or delays payment of your PIP claim.
- There are disputes over medical necessity or whether your injuries are accident-related.
- Your PIP coverage is exhausted, but you still have ongoing medical needs.
- You need help coordinating PIP coverage with health insurance or workers’ compensation.
- You require assistance documenting lost wage claims or gathering proof of income.
- You are required to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) and want legal guidance.
- Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton accident victims benefit from having an experienced Lehigh Valley PIP attorney to protect their rights and secure full compensation.
How a No-Fault Insurance Lawyer Can Help With a Personal Injury Protection Claim in Lehigh Valley
- Free case evaluation for denied or delayed PIP claims
- Review your Pennsylvania car insurance policy and coverage
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Submit properly documented medical and lost wage claims
- Challenge denials and fight for full compensation
- Represent you at independent medical examinations
- Negotiate PIP subrogation liens in injury settlements
- File lawsuits in Lehigh County and Northampton County courts
- Maximize benefits and personal injury compensation
- No fees unless your Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer recovers compensation on your behalf.
- Coordinate Workers’ Compensation and Pennsylvania PIP Coverage
- Workplace vehicle accidents can involve both workers’ compensation and PIP coverage.
- PIP insurance is primary for injuries sustained in car accidents while commuting to or from work.
- Properly coordinating benefits prevents overlap and helps maximize total recovery.
- These situations are common among Lehigh Valley commuters, delivery workers, and commercial drivers. For example, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS drivers injured in car accidents in the Allentown area often rely on both systems, making legal representation essential to ensure full compensation and avoid disputes.
Stacking UM/UIM Coverage
- Pennsylvania allows stacking of Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) car insurance, letting policyholders combine limits. However, PIP coverage cannot be stacked.
- Understanding policy limits and stacking options is critical when serious injuries exceed one vehicle’s UM/UIM limits.
- Individuals with multiple vehicles on the same policy can stack or waive stacking.
- Properly stacking UM/UIM car insurance ensures maximum compensation after serious accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers in the Lehigh Valley.
PIP Claims and Personal Injury Lawsuits
- Medical costs and income losses are covered by PIP while your personal injury claim is pending.
- You can still sue the at-fault driver separately to recover full damages.
- Through PIP subrogation, your own insurance company may later seek reimbursement from your settlement or judgment.
- An experienced Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer can negotiate PIP liens to help maximize your final recovery.
- A skilled personal injury protection attorney protects your interests in both PIP and liability claims.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Personal Injury Protection Attorney For a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Lehigh Valley, don’t face any insurance companies alone. A Lehigh Valley personal injury protection lawyer can help you recover full PIP benefits and additional damages. Call 610-437-7578 or use the contact form to schedule your free consultation.
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