It is illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance in New York. Drivers without insurance may face a citation, have their license revoked for up to a year, and face fines of up to $1,500. Unfortunately, many drivers on the road in New York still do not carry insurance.
If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, a New York uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. To learn more about our services and to receive a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call us at (212) 751-9800.
Recovering Compensation After an Uninsured Car Accident
There are many reasons people drive without insurance. It could be that they had insurance but forgot to renew their coverage, or they may simply be unable to afford coverage. They may also disregard the importance of carrying insurance and take the chance of having an accident.
Accidents with uninsured drivers can create a complicated situation for victims. Typically, victims would file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company. If the responsible driver is uninsured, where can victims turn for compensation? There may be several options:
Their Own Insurance Company
New York requires drivers to carry both Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and Uninsured Motorists coverage, according to the New York State Department of Financial Service (DFS). If you have these types of coverage, they may compensate you for damages caused by an uninsured driver.
PIP is designed to pay for a certain amount of injury coverage, no matter who is at-fault for the accident. Uninsured Motorists coverage is designed to provide a safety net for this exact situation—accidents where the at-fault driver has no insurance.
If you have these types of coverages on your insurance, but you believe that your insurance company has unfairly denied you benefits after an accident, a New York uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to appeal the decision or negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
The Uninsured Driver
If you do not have coverage on your own insurance policy for an accident with an uninsured motorist, or if your damages exceed the limits of your insurance coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your accident.
Other Liable Parties
A New York uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can investigate your accident for other liable parties, such as a negligent car mechanic or a municipality that left a hazard in the road that contributed to the accident. Determining that another party was partially or fully responsible for your accident could allow you to pursue them for compensation as well.
Working with a Lawyer on Your Case
If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, do not abandon the pursuit of damages just because the other driver does not have insurance coverage. You may still be able to recover compensation from your own insurance company or sue the at-fault driver and hold them liable for damages and expenses that they made you suffer.
A New York uninsured car accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to determine who to pursue for damages in your case and handle all legal tasks on your behalf when we represent you. While you concentrate on recovering from your injuries, Morelli Law Firm can:
- Answer your questions and provide legal advice
- Handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case
- Examine your insurance policy to determine what compensation you may be entitled to
- Gather evidence of the responsible party’s liability
- Gather evidence of the extent of your damages
- Hire accident reconstruction or medical experts to make statements in your defense
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement offer
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
We may be able to represent you on a contingency-fee-basis. In this type of arrangement, we do not collect attorney’s fees unless and until you recover compensation in a settlement offer or court awards.
To learn more about these services, call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800.
New York Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Compensation in a Car Accident Case
The following damages may be recoverable in a New York car accident case:
- Your current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning income
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
- And more
If your loved one passed away in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover a different set of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. Morelli Law Firm also handles these types of lawsuits. A member of our firm can discuss your wrongful death case when you call in for a free consultation.
The Statute of Limitations on Your Case
New York imposes a three-year statute of limitations on most personal injury lawsuits, per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214. If you do not take action before this time limit runs out, you could be barred from recovering compensation via a lawsuit, even if you have strong proof of the responsible party’s liability.
To learn more about how this law applies to your case, call Morelli Law Firm.
Call for a Free Consultation with Morelli Law Firm
Morelli Law Firm understands how frustrating and uncertain the days, weeks, and months following an accident with an uninsured motorist can be. We encourage you to call our offices as soon as possible after your accident to get answers about your case and your legal options. A New York uninsured car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf.
To get started, call (212) 751-9800 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.