Auto accidents happen unexpectedly, and with alarming frequency. In the US alone, about 42,000 people die in car accidents each year. That amounts to one death every 12-1/2 minutes. And an additional 3,500,000 people suffer non-fatal personal injuries in car accidents – one every nine seconds.

Auto accidents can have many causes – traffic law violations, speeding, driver inattention, loss of control, drug or alcohol intoxication, even defective stoplights or unsafe highway designs, or just plain negligence.

No matter what causes an auto accident, families’ lives can change forever in just a few seconds.

If you are unfortunate enough to be victimized by an auto accident, the highly skilled personal injury lawyers at Scherline & Associates are ready to assist you with every aspect of your case.

They have successfully represented serious-injury victims for over 25 years, and can help you recover for damages to your car, lost wages and pain-and-suffering.

Another way to help protect your rights is to request a copy of our FREE publication, "What to Do in an Auto Accident." It provides you with a convenient checklist of important information that can help strengthen your claim.

Call 610-437-1100 to obtain a copy for every driver in your household. Keep it in your vehicle’s glove compartment at all times.

Finally, we urge you to take two simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
- ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT.

For a free no obligation consultation call
Scherline & Associates, The Serious Injury Law Firm
at 610-437-1100.

We never charge a fee unless we recover for you.

Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Q & A

PENNSYLVANIA AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE: FULL TORT VS. LIMITED TORT

What types of auto insurance can I buy in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvanians can purchase two types of auto insurance coverage: "full tort" or "limited tort."

What does full-tort coverage do for me?
Full tort coverage allows you to collect for injuries caused by another driver. It also enables you to seek recovery for all related medical and out-of-pocket expenses.

Are there any other benefits to having full tort coverage?
Yes! You may also be entitled to receive financial compensation for "pain and suffering", and for other non-monetary losses.

What about limited tort coverage?
If you choose the limited tort option -- or if the other driver has limited tort coverage -- you usually lose your right to recover for "pain and suffering" and other non-economic damages.

Does that mean I can NEVER recover under the limited-tort option?
You might be able recover, but only if your case meets one or more of the following exceptions:
- If you were struck by an out-of-state vehicle
- If the accident was caused by a drunk driver
- If you occupied a commercial vehicle that was struck by a careless driver
- If you have sustained a serious injury (resulting in death, permanent and serious disfigurement, or a serious impairment of a bodily function)

So what is the best type of coverage for me?
Clearly, "full tort coverage" is your best choice. Full tort coverage doesn’t restrict your right to seek financial compensation for injuries and other damages caused by careless drivers; the limited-tort option does. Limited-tort coverage might save you a few dollars now, but could cost you dearly in the future.

Scherline & Associates strongly recommends purchasing the full tort option; it’s the best way to ensure that you and your loved ones are fully protected. Auto accidents are traumatic enough. Why compromise your legal rights?

NEW JERSEY AUTO LAW: PLENTY TO THINK ABOUT

What do you think about New Jersey’s basic automobile insurance policy?

We offer three words of advice about it: "Basic is Bad." New Jersey’s basic policy provides only limited medical coverage and/or no liability coverage. (Liability insurance will protect your family and assets if you are ever charged with causing an accident.) No individual or family with any assets or income from a job should ever buy such a policy.

Why is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage so important?
Some New Jersey drivers have no insurance, very little insurance, or only basic coverage. That’s why you need the highest level of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage possible. It’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself against poorly insured drivers, and can be purchased in amounts equal to your liability coverage.

Is there a way to lower my insurance premiums?
Yes, there is…but it requires you to give up certain courtroom rights. And without those rights, you might not be able to seek recovery -- even after a near-fatal injury! Your best choice? The No Limitation on Lawsuit option.

What steps should I take to get the most out of my medical coverage?
Here are a few simple ways to maximize your medical coverage benefits in New Jersey:

- Maintain your right to choose your own doctor. Otherwise, you might end up with one that’s chosen by the insurance company.
- Do not select any plan requiring "pre-certification of all treatment" by an insurance company. It’s a quick way of losing control of your treatment plan.
- Choose $250,000 PIP coverage. Many private health plans will not treat auto injuries, or will require repayment from any compensation you may receive.

Dealing with insurance companies is never an easy task! They have teams of lawyers on their side, and you deserve the same level of representation. So call Scherline & Associates at 610-437-1100 (in New Jersey, 908-859-2900) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We never charge legal fees unless we recover for you.

We’ll also be happy to discuss your Pennsylvania, and New Jersey insurance needs in detail, and assist you in making the best decisions for protecting yourself and your loved ones.