Understanding your legal options after an accident with an uninsured driver can be a challenge. If you were hurt in this type of crash, a Long Island uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm might be able to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation that covers all of your accident expenses.
To learn more, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800. We work for our clients on a contingency-fee-basis, so you do not have to pay us attorney fees unless and until we help you win your case.
Insurance Coverage Is a Legal Requirement
Per the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), all drivers must purchase a certain amount of insurance before they can legally operate their motor vehicle in New York. This insurance includes:
- No-fault coverage, also known as personal injury protection (PIP)
- Liability coverage
- Uninsured motorist coverage
Even if the driver responsible for your accident was not carrying this required insurance, your own policies might help you after this type of accident.
First, your PIP coverage is designed to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for your accident, up to your policy’s limit. If your damages exceed your PIP limits, your uninsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation for your injuries.
Depending on your policy and the severity of your injuries, your insurance may not cover all of your accident expenses. In cases like these, you may have the option of suing the uninsured driver for additional compensation.
Morelli Law Firm can identify your options to pursue compensation after an accident with an uninsured motorist. We can then help you file a claim with your own insurance provider and/or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
The Damages You May Be Able to Recover
There are two main types of damages that you may be able to collect after a car accident caused by someone else: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are meant to compensate you for the accident’s financial toll. You may qualify for the following types of economic damages:
- Medical expenses: if your injuries were serious enough to require acute or continuing medical care
- Property damage: if you had to get your car fixed or buy a new car
- Loss of income: if you missed work because of the accident or your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity: if your ability to make a living has been permanently hindered by your injuries
Noneconomic damages are designed to compensate you for the accident’s physical and mental toll. You may qualify for the following types of non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering: if your physical and/or emotional wellbeing has suffered because of your injuries
- Disability: if you lost the use of a digit, limb, organ, sense, system, etc.
- Scarring or disfigurement: if your injuries left you with any sort of obvious or painful marks
The above information is intended to serve as an introduction to the topic of damages, not a comprehensive guide. For personalized information about the damages you may qualify for, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800. A member of our team is standing by to discuss your damages in your free initial case review.
Long Island Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Filing Suit Against an Uninsured Driver
A Long Island uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can make your lawsuit easier by taking responsibility for a variety of tasks in your car accident claim. These tasks may include:
- Finding evidence: Morelli Law Firm can investigate your accident from all angles, looking for evidence to strengthen your claims.
- Quantifying damages: your lawyer can review the full range of your damages and determine what a fair amount of compensation may be for your case.
- Filling out paperwork: let us worry about choosing the right forms, filling them out accurately, and sending them to the proper parties on time.
- Relaying messages: Morelli Law Firm can handle communications between you and the liable party. This way, their lawyer has no chance to turn your words against you.
- Advocating for you: we can coordinate settlement negotiations on your behalf. If your insurance company refuses to make you a fair settlement offer, we can take your case to trial.
- Being there for you: filing a lawsuit alone can be both legally and emotionally challenging. Knowing you have a lawyer on your side to defend your rights and answer your questions can ease your burden considerably.
The above is only a broad outline of the work that goes into fighting a lawsuit. As you can see, however, lawsuits may take a long time to resolve and require a great deal of effort. Let Morelli Law Firm do that work for you.
The Deadline to Sue in New York
As codified in the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, there is a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in New York. If you do not take legal action within three years of your accident, your lawsuit may be dismissed.
To protect your right to sue, Morelli Law Firm encourages you to get started on your case as soon as possible. When you call our firm for your free case review, a member of our team can help you understand what specific deadlines pertain to you.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
You do not need to face the aftermath of an accident with an uninsured driver alone. A Long Island uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to manage the legal work in your case while you focus on your recovery.
Morelli Law Firm works on a contingency-fee-basis. This means you do not owe us attorney fees unless and until your lawyer succeeds in getting you compensation via a settlement offer or court award. Contact Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a free case review with a member of our team.