When you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver, you may initially assume that your injuries and other damages will be covered by that driver’s insurance company. But what happens when you discover that the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, or whose existing insurance policy doesn’t cover the extent of your damages?
Fortunately, if you’re in New York, you’re not completely without protection. New York law requires every driver to purchase uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for instances where the at-fault driver lacks coverage, or if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and are unable to find the driver.
Drivers must purchase UM coverage with limits of:
- $25,000 per bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident
- $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
Having UM coverage is important in the event that the costs of your damages aren’t met by the at-fault driver – it protects you against those who lack the insurance needed to help you after a devastating accident.
Coverage can pay for medical bills, including costs of surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and more, as well as for property damage such as car repairs or the cost of renting a car while yours is being worked on.
What to Do After an NYC Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident and learn that the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you should first call for medical attention to treat your injuries, then collect evidence for your UM claim. Evidence that can help you secure financial compensation include police reports, medical records, receipts from medical treatment, and photos of the crash scene. This is all important to have if your insurance company attempts to save money by denying your UM claim.
You also need to hire a personal injury attorney. While it may make sense to trust your insurance company to help you after an accident involving an uninsured motorist, companies are often not on the side of their policyholders, and frequently use what victims say on phone calls against them. A personal injury attorney can handle all future correspondence with insurance companies and has the resources and tactics needed to strengthen your claim. Our team can help you calculate just how much compensation you’re entitled to and fight for optimal results. It shouldn’t be on you to face consequences because the driver who injured you doesn’t have the insurance needed to protect you.
Helping Clients Recover with Ease
Alex Yadgarov & Associates has been committed to helping injured individuals and families after New York car accidents. We’ve aided clients dealing with minor injuries as well as catastrophic injuries, including burns, spinal cord and neck injuries, amputations, and head and brain injuries. Serious injuries can be expensive to treat, which is why we work tirelessly to secure the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to. In addition to covering medical bills and property damage, we’ve also recovered damages including lost wages and earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering.
Contact Alex Yadgarov & Associates online or by phone at (718) 276-2800 for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a car accident. We can help you understand your insurance policy requirements and how your injuries can be covered.