{"id":375958,"date":"2016-10-05T15:43:32","date_gmt":"2016-10-05T20:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-07T15:11:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T20:11:05","slug":"pennsylvania-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Pennsylvania Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 07, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Regardless of where you live in Pennsylvania, there&#8217;s a chance you&#8217;ll get into an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents.html\">auto accident<\/a>. You could travel the busy streets in Philadelphia or the winding lanes near Harrisburg when tragedy strikes. If you aren&#8217;t familiar with Pennsylvania&#8217;s car accident compensation laws, you may jeopardize your chances of recovery.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article explains the laws affecting your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-car-accident-report-basics.html\">Pennsylvania car acciden<\/a>t, including what to do after a car crash, state compensation laws, and the time limits for filing your car accident claim.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Should You Do After an Accident?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There are specific steps you must take after your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">motor vehicle accident<\/a> if you want to preserve your injury claim. Your car accident lawyer will need evidence to prove the at-fault driver is liable for your personal injuries.<\/p>\r\n<p>Here is a list of what to do immediately after your car accident:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Never leave the scene of the accident.<\/b> Not only will this ruin your chances of recovering financial compensation, but it&#8217;s also against the law. If you don&#8217;t stick around until the police arrive, the state can charge you with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/leaving-the-scene-of-an-accident-hit-and-run-state-laws.html\">hit-and-run<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Call 911.<\/b> You must call the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/agencies\/psp.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pennsylvania State Police<\/a> or the local police. They&#8217;ll dispatch an officer to the scene and an ambulance to help people with serious injuries. While there, the police officer will do a thorough investigation and put their findings in a written report. Your car accident attorney will need a copy of the police report to prove your case.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Move to safety<\/b>. After you&#8217;ve called the police, move your car and its occupants out of traffic and check to see if anyone is hurt. Provide first aid to any car accident victims with bodily injuries.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Exchange information.<\/b> You&#8217;ll need the other driver&#8217;s insurance information, name, and phone number. Ideally, the police will get this information from the driver. But, if they don&#8217;t wait for the police to arrive, you&#8217;ll have no way of tracking them down later.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Take pictures and videos.<\/b> Take photos and videos of the scene with your cell phone if possible. If there are any witnesses, ask them if they&#8217;ll give you their contact information. Speak to nearby businesses or homeowners and ask for a copy of their security camera footage.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Call your car insurance company.<\/b> Notify your insurance company of a possible car accident claim. If you wait too long to file your insurance claim, the adjuster will deny it for being untimely.<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Go to the emergency room.<\/b> You must see a doctor even if you don&#8217;t think you&#8217;re hurt. Your personal injury attorney must submit medical records to hold the at-fault party liable for your medical bills. If you don&#8217;t go to the hospital, recovering your out-of-pocket medical expenses will be nearly impossible.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Ideally, the other driver&#8217;s liability insurance or your own insurance policy will cover your losses. If not, you may need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver directly.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Pennsylvania Car Accident Compensation Laws: At a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Below is a table outlining critical sections of the Pennsylvania car accident laws.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<table cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Statute of limitations<\/th>\r\n<td>Two years for most personal injury and property damage lawsuits (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-42-pacsa-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/pa-csa-sect-42-5524.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 42 \u00a7 5524(2),(3)<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Limits on damages<\/th>\r\n<td>No cap on most damages; $500,000 cap on claims against the local government (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-42-pacsa-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/pa-csa-sect-42-8553.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tit. 42 \u00a7 8553(b)<\/a>); $250,000 cap on claims against the Commonwealth (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-42-pacsa-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/pa-csa-sect-42-8528.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tit. 42 \u00a7 8528(b)<\/a>). Pennsylvania law doesn&#8217;t allow plaintiffs to recover punitive damages in claims against the local or state government.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Other limits<\/th>\r\n<td>Choice no-fault rules may limit the ability to sue (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-75-pacsa-vehicles\/pa-csa-sect-75-1705.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tit. 75 \u00a7 1705(c),(d)<\/a>); Pennsylvania follows the modified comparative negligence fault system, which can prohibit or limit damages (<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-42-pacsa-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/pa-csa-sect-42-7102.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 42 \u00a7 7102<\/a>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i style=\"font-size: 0.8125rem;\">Note:&nbsp;State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Economic vs. Non-economic Damages<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>You can demand two&nbsp;main <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-kinds-of-damages-may-i-claim-for-car-accident-injuries.html\">types of damages<\/a> in your car accident lawsuit: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the objective losses from your car crash. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses you suffer, such as emotional distress and the loss of spousal companionship.<\/p>\r\n<p>Economic damages typically include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical expenses and future medical treatment<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/how-to-calculate-lost-wages-in-a-car-accident-claim.html\">Lost wages and lost future income<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Non-economic damages can include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-pain-and-suffering-claims-overview.html\">Pain and suffering<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Emotional distress<\/li>\r\n<li>Loss of affection or companionship<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>When your attorney files your car accident case, they must make a demand for damages. They must also submit evidence supporting these damages.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Pennsylvania&#8217;s &#8216;Choice No-Fault&#8217; Coverage<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-75-pacsa-vehicles\/pa-csa-sect-75-1705.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choice no-fault rule<\/a>. This rule allows drivers to carry no-fault or traditional insurance. With no-fault (limited tort coverage), you can recover economic damages regardless of who was at fault in the accident. But you can&#8217;t sue the other driver or file a claim with their insurance company.<\/p>\r\n<p>Traditional insurance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/car-insurance\/full-tort-vs-limited-tort\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full tort coverage<\/a>) gives you the unrestricted right to sue the other driver for economic and non-economic damages.<\/p>\r\n<p>When you buy your auto insurance policy, you must choose between the two types of tort insurance. Be careful to select the right kind of coverage, or you may not have the right to sue regardless of how severe your injuries are.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Pennsylvania&#8217;s &#8216;Comparative Negligence&#8217; Rule<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Pennsylvania follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/pa\/title-42-pacsa-judiciary-and-judicial-procedure\/pa-csa-sect-42-7102.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">modified comparative negligence rule<\/a>. Under this rule, plaintiffs can still sue for damages even if they&#8217;re partly at fault for their accident. Pennsylvania law allows you to sue if you&#8217;re less than 51% at fault. The court will dismiss your claim if you&#8217;re more than 50% at fault.<\/p>\r\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/defenses-to-negligence-claims.html\">comparative fault rule<\/a> also limits how much you can recover. The court will reduce your award by your percentage of fault. So, if you sue somebody for $100,000 and the jury finds you to be 20% at fault, the judge will reduce your damages by $20,000.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Limits on Damages in Pennsylvania<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Pennsylvania courts have held that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/how-do-damage-caps-work\/\">limiting the amount of money<\/a> a plaintiff can recover in a personal injury lawsuit is unconstitutional. The only exceptions are cases involving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local governments.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plaintiffs who sue the state or local governmental agencies can&#8217;t recover more than $250,000 and $500,000, respectively.<\/p>\r\n<p>Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Pennsylvania&#8217;s statute of limitations<\/a> requires that you file your personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident. If you file your lawsuit after this date, the judge will dismiss your complaint, and you&#8217;ll lose your chance of recovering damages.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Get a Claim Review from a Pennsylvania Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Pennsylvania&#8217;s choice no-fault and comparative negligence rules can make navigating insurance claims and lawsuits confusing. To protect your potential legal claim, talk to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/pennsylvania?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer<\/a> as soon as possible after the crash for good legal advice.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" 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fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Car accident claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Car Accident Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img 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