{"id":8888,"date":"2021-03-11T17:05:16","date_gmt":"2021-03-11T22:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/?page_id=8888"},"modified":"2021-03-11T17:05:18","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T22:05:18","slug":"how-long-does-an-insurance-company-have-to-settle-a-claim-in-pennsylvania","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.myphillylawyer.com\/yue\/practice-areas\/vehicle-accidents\/faqs\/how-long-does-an-insurance-company-have-to-settle-a-claim-in-pennsylvania\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Pennsylvania?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a car accident<\/a>, the victim and the at-fault party may have property damage and injuries. The accident victim may end up with high medical bills and costs and severe damage to their vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Pennsylvania law, all drivers must have automobile insurance. The insurance coverage must contain the minimum requirements of financial coverage and medical benefits. The motor vehicle insurance policy must include coverage to pay for damages the at-fault driver causes to the victim and their property. The minimum limits required are $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 total for bodily injury to more than one person in the accident, and $5,000 property damage to the victim\u2019s property. To recover compensation for the damages they sustained, the victim may file a claim with the at-fault party\u2019s insurance company. In certain circumstances, the victim may have to file an insurance claim with their own insurance if the at-fault party is unknown, does not have auto insurance or has less insurance coverage than the victim\u2019s total damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the injured party submits the accident claim, the insurance company evaluates damages, injuries and costs the victim incurs. The claim may demand a particular amount for settlement with the insurance company, or the insurance carrier may offer an amount after reviewing the claim. The amount of time it takes for an insurance company to settle the claim depends on the extent and severity of the accident, injuries, and damages. However, under Pennsylvania law, insurance carriers must adhere to the deadlines for handling a claim. Within ten days of receiving an insurance claim notification, the carrier must acknowledge receipt of the notification. The insurance provider has 30 days from receiving notice of the claim to investigate it. If the carrier cannot reasonably complete the investigation within 30 days, then every 45 days after, the carrier must provide the claimant with a written explanation of the delay and the expected date for a decision about the claim. The insurance carrier must be aware of and notify the claimant of the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania so that the claimant does not lose their ability to file a lawsuit if the case is not settled in the claims process. Should the claimant decide to file a lawsuit for his injuries and damages from the car accident, the settlement may occur before going to trial or from a verdict after having a trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Car Accident FAQs:<\/h3>\n