A Pennsylvania woman has filed a lawsuit against her insurance company, accusing it of failing to pay out underinsured motorist benefits following a severe car accident. Sarah C. Bisignani filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County on an unspecified date, naming American National Property and Casualty Company as the defendant.
The case revolves around a motor vehicle collision that occurred on April 9, 2021. According to the complaint, Bisignani was driving her 2020 Kia Forte when she was rear-ended by Cody Meeder, who was operating a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The accident took place on Route 19 near Zeman Drive in North Strabane Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Meeder was reportedly following too closely and looking away from the road when he struck Bisignani's vehicle, causing her airbags to deploy. Meeder later pled guilty to violating Pennsylvania's "Following too Closely" statute.
Bisignani sustained numerous injuries from the collision, including Bell’s Palsy, cervical avulsion fractures, whiplash, concussion, and various other physical and emotional traumas. Her medical treatments have been extensive and costly, involving trigger point injections, vision therapy, physical therapy, and pain management.
At the time of the accident, Meeder's vehicle was insured by Erie Insurance with a bodily injury liability limit of $100,000. However, Bisignani’s damages far exceeded this amount. Her own vehicle was insured by two policies through American National Property and Casualty Company that provided underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage totaling $750,000.
Bisignani's counsel informed American National of her intent to pursue UIM benefits in July 2021. Despite submitting comprehensive documentation supporting her claim—including medical records and a Life Care Plan estimating future medical costs at $349,525—American National offered only $25,000 in settlement in June 2024. This offer was rejected by Bisignani’s counsel.
The complaint accuses American National of breach of contract for failing to compensate Bisignani adequately under her UIM policy. It also alleges bad faith under Pennsylvania law for delaying payment without reasonable basis and acting in self-interest rather than fairly evaluating her claim.
Bisignani is seeking judgment for damages up to the policy limit of $750,000 plus additional relief deemed just by the court. She also requests punitive damages for bad faith actions by American National.
Representing Bisignani is Richard G. Talarico from Woomer & Talarico law firm.