insurer lacks a reasonable basis to deny benefits, and (2) it knows—or recklessly disregards—that lack of reason. Bad faith can take many forms: refusing to investigate a claim properly, ignoring evidence favorable to the insured, unreasonably delaying payments, misrepresenting policy terms, or offering unreasonably low settlements. It’s more than just “hard bargaining”—it’s a failure to act honestly, fairly, and in good faith. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience holding insurers accountable when they cross the line from tough negotiation into unlawful conduct. Our Insurance Coverage Team has successfully handled complex coverage disputes and recovered badfaith damages for policyholders across Pennsylvania. If you believe your insurer is treating you unfairly, contact HGSK Injury Lawyers for a free evaluation. We’ll review your claim, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation—and fairness—you deserve. Road Hazards and Government Vehicles: Do I Have a Case Against a Public Entity? Yes — you may have a case, but claims against government entities are subject to special rules and strict deadlines. In Pennsylvania, if your injury was caused by a government vehicle or a roadway defect, you must give the public entity written notice of your claim within six months of the accident. Failing to do so can bar your claim entirely, even if it’s otherwise valid. Government agencies are generally protected from lawsuits under the Sovereign Immunity Act (for state entities) or the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act (for local entities). However, there are several important exceptions that allow injured people to pursue compensation. These include cases involving the operation of government vehicles, dangerous road or sidewalk conditions, or negligent maintenance of traffic controls, among others. These claims can be complex—public entities have unique defenses, shorter time limits, and caps on damages. That’s why it’s critical to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we understand the nuances of government liability and will carefully evaluate whether your case meets one of the legal exceptions. We’ll help ensure all notices are filed on time and fight to hold the responsible entity accountable. Will I Still Have a Case If I’m Partly at Fault? Yes — in many cases, you still can. Pennsylvania follows a rule called comparative negligence, which means you can recover compensation for your injuries as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. In practical terms, this means that even if you share some responsibility—say, you were speeding slightly, but the other driver ran a red light—you can still pursue a claim. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you 20% responsible and awards $100,000 in damages, your recovery would be $80,000. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a claimant’s share of fault to reduce payouts, so it’s important to have UM/UIM coverage and stacking can be the difference between being fully protected and being left with nothing when the atfault driver doesn’t have enough insurance. 22 LAWYER MONTHLY DECEMBER 2025
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