After a motor vehicle accident, you typically pull over, exchange personal and insurance information with the other driver, and wait for the police to show up and make a report. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may file a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company.
However, an accident with an uninsured driver can throw a wrench into this process. A driver without insurance can complicate matters and make recovering damages a bit more complex.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver, you do not need to tackle the insurance claim or lawsuit process alone. A Long Island uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf.
To learn more, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. A member of our team can offer you a free consultation that gives you more information about your legal option and our services.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
The state of New York requires drivers to carry certain types of insurance coverage. Your insurer might offer even more options, but coverage like comprehensive and collision are not a necessity according to state law.
According to the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS), the three types of coverage you must have are:
- Liability: this protects others against damage caused by you and the vehicle that you are driving, which is why being hit by an uninsured driver can be such a pain. They simply do not have the coverage that is meant to pay for certain expenses arising from the accident they caused.
- No-Fault: this coverage is also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It pays for medical expenses and lost wages for people who have been injured in a crash regardless of fault.
- Uninsured Motorist: this type of insurance coverage is designed to help pay your expenses in the event that you are hit by an uninsured driver or injured in a hit and run accident, which can be treated similarly in some cases.
Pursuing Damages
Although the responsible party may not have a liability policy for you to file a claim with, you may still have options to pursue damages after an accident caused by an uninsured motorist:
Your Insurance May Cover Your Expenses
After an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be able to file a claim against your own PIP policy and Uninsured Motorist coverage, which is designed specifically for situations like these. Morelli Law Firm can help you file these types of insurance claims.
If you are driving a newer vehicle, you may have also opted for collision insurance coverage. This type of insurance is not mandated, but it may pay for damages sustained by your vehicle during an accident, regardless of fault.
There are limits to these coverages, though. If your damages exceed the value of your insurance policy, you may need to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
You May Be Able to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Another option in your case may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. A Long Island uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can help you evaluate the details of your case and determine if a personal injury lawsuit is a viable option when we represent you.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 today.
Long Island Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Types of Damages
Depending on your accident, your injuries, and your options for pursuing compensation, the following damages may be available in a personal injury case:
- Medical damages: this may include post-accident emergency care, current treatments and therapies, and your estimated future costs of accident-related medical expenses.
- Lost wages: an extended hospital stay or recovery can result in a need to miss work. You may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages or benefits during such time.
- Property damage: if your vehicle or any other type of property were damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: if your injuries qualify as serious under New York Law, you may be able to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering.
These are not the only types of damages that may be recoverable in a car accident case. Morelli Law Firm can help you assess your damages and estimate their value when we represent you.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
Hiring a lawyer is not a necessity if you plan to pursue damages, but a lawyer can support you in many ways during the process. Here is what a Long Island uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to do for you:
- Act as your advocate
- Handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork
- Gather evidence in your defense
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to trial
Note that New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) § 214 generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. In order to comply with the deadlines in your case, Morelli Law Firm encourages you to call us as soon as possible after your accident.
Call Morelli Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an accident with an uninsured driver, Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you. A Long Island uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to evaluate your options and pursue compensation on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
To find out more about our services, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 and ask for a free consultation with a member of our team. If you qualify, we may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency fee basis.