Involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver in New York? The law firm of Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green helps clients explore every avenue of legal compensation.
Vehicle owners in New York are legally obligated to purchase auto insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury in the event of an accident. In addition, New York State mandates that all residents purchase uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that protects drivers who are harmed by others without auto insurance coverage. Motorists are required to purchase UM accident coverage with a minimum limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, many people skirt the law and drive uninsured.
According to an estimate by the Insurance Information Institute, more than 5 percent of New York residents drive vehicles without any type of auto insurance. What happens if you’re in a crash with an uninsured driver, or someone whose policy limits are too low to adequately cover your losses?
The first step to protecting your rights after a car accident in New York is speaking to a lawyer who understands the state’s No-Fault laws and insurance regulations. You can count on Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green to help you achieve the most favorable outcome. Our legal team will take the time to explain PIP coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance and how each applies to your situation.
Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in NY
If an at-fault driver is underinsured or carries no automobile insurance, despite laws that require this, your best option is to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim under your own policy. This supplementary coverage, which is typically bundled together, is designed to protect you in these very situations, by filling in the gaps where the other party’s coverages are absent or limited.
An underinsured motorist policy covers expenses (up to your policy limits) that go above and beyond the liability coverage provided by the at-fault-driver. If their policy is set at $25,000 per person, your UIM policy would kick in to cover any additional expenses for lost income, medical care and other losses.
If the person who hit you carried no insurance at all, or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run, then your claim could be made through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy. While this sounds straightforward, insurance carriers dealing with UM accident claims require extensive documentation and may attempt to deny benefits or minimize payouts to protect their bottom line.
Whenever dealing with insurance companies and potential litigation matters, it is always wise to work with a competent attorney who will advocate for your best interests.
Safeguard yourself and your loved ones by investing in UM/UIM coverage in New York. If you’re able to, purchase the same policy coverage that matches your liability limit, which can make a world of difference in a catastrophic accident. In crashes involving traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma or other debilitating injuries, $25,000 is quickly exhausted. Most SUM policies can be extended to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve
When faced with the prospect of lost earnings, mounting hospital bills, vehicle repair expenses and complicated insurance claim paperwork, victims need an advocate they can rely on. The attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green will examine the accident coverage provided by your carrier, and collect the evidence needed to support your claim for damages. Avoid costly mistakes and do not accept a settlement offer without consulting your lawyer first. Our primary goal is to make sure clients recover the monetary damages they need to heal from their injuries and move forward in their lives.
Car accident lawyers New York residents trust
If you were in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Long Island, it’s a good idea to review your legal options with an experienced attorney. Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb & Green is one of New York City’s leading personal injury law firms, renowned for tenacious, results-focused advocacy.
Speak with a New York City car accident lawyer about the best course of action by reaching out for a complimentary case review.
Additional Resources on UM Coverage in New York:
- New York Motor Insurance, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in New York https://www.newyorkmotorinsurance.com/blog/uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-in-new-york/
- NY State Bar Association, OVERVIEW OF UNINSURED MOTORIST, UNDERINSURED MOTORIST AND SUM COVERAGES https://nysba.org/NYSBA/Sections/Torts%20Insurance%20Compensation/TICL%20PDFs/SUM_Coverage_in_New_York-5_Things_you_need_to_know.pdf
