According to current statistics, 7% of all drivers in the state of New York do not carry insurance. Although it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle without at least the minimum amount of auto insurance, people continue to put themselves, and others, at risk every time they get behind the wheel. Fortunately, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory part of all auto insurance policies in New York. This means that you should be able to file a claim for compensation with your own insurance company after being involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
This is also true in cases where the other driver flees the scene of the accident before exchanging information. While this may sound simple enough, it is important to understand that most insurance companies will not make this process easy. In some cases, they will delay, ignore or deny your uninsured motorist (UM) claim completely. In others, they will offer you a settlement so low that it will barely cover the cost of your medical expenses. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you do not face these negotiations alone.
Before accepting any sort of settlement from the insurance company, you should talk it over with a legal professional. With the help of a Long Island personal injury lawyer from The Odierno Law Firm, P.C., you can fight for the level of compensation that you deserve. If you are interested in finding out how the experienced legal team at our firm can assist you with your uninsured motorist claim, call today at (877) 379-5144 for a free initial consultation. You can also fill out a free case evaluation form if you would prefer to contact us online.
