If you were in an accident with an uninsured motorist in the Bronx, and the driver who caused the accident does not have an insurance policy to compensate you for your injuries, the case can get complicated.
If you find yourself in this predicament, a Bronx uninsured motorist accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and help you seek the compensation to which you are entitled.
Motorists Driving Without Insurance
Many states, including New York, require drivers to purchase a minimum amount of vehicle insurance to protect themselves and others in the event of a car accident. The insurance policy should cover bodily injury and property damage. Unfortunately, the number of uninsured drivers in the Bronx may be more extensive than many folks believe.
According to a report by Insurance Research Council in 2019, one out of every eight drivers in the United States is uninsured. More specifically, uninsured motorists accounted for 12.6% of all drivers in the country. Some drivers purchase insurance to register their vehicle, only to cancel it later, while others cannot afford to pay for their policy.
There are various options for recovering compensation for a collision with an uninsured motorist. In the Bronx, you must file your claim through your insurance coverage, as stated by the no-fault insurance law.
New York's No-Fault Insurance Regulation
According to the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS), the no-fault insurance regulation, also known as Regulation 68, requires that drivers file a claim through their personal insurance plans. According to the rule, regardless of liability, a minimum amount of compensation is given to assist everyone concerned in their financial recovery. The following are the mandatory minimums for auto insurance policies:
- A $10,000 property damage liability covering each accident
- A $25,000 bodily injury coverage for one person and $50,000 bodily injury coverage for multiple passengers
- A $50,000 wrongful death coverage for one person and $100,000 wrongful death coverage for multiple passengers
Drivers must file an accident claim within 10 days of any collision that causes at least $1,000 in damage. Since there are time constraints for when victims can file a claim for uninsured motorist coverage, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Dolman Law Group's team of Bronx uninsured motorist accident lawyers can help you navigate this process.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist benefits are insurance benefits for injuries sustained due to the negligence of an uninsured driver. These benefits are designed to compensate people who have been injured by a negligent driver without liability insurance.
Your insurance carrier may have offered uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but it was up to you to decide whether or not to accept it. If you did accept it, however, the benefits this policy offers.
If you have this type of insurance, you won't have to worry about how you'll pay for your accident if the other driver doesn't have insurance. In addition, if you are hit by a driver who cannot be identified or found, you will also be eligible for uninsured motorist benefits.
Why You Should Hire a Bronx Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Bronx's no-fault insurance policies can be complicated, making it beneficial to have a lawyer to help you build a case against the uninsured driver. You'll have to show your insurance provider the reason for your accident and the degree of your injuries. Your lawyer can handle this while you recover. Your lawyer can also do the following:
- Examine the events surrounding your accident, collect evidence, and review police reports and medical records
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Identify and negotiate with the insurance companies responsible for your damages, injuries, and losses
- Verify that you receive all available no-fault insurance payouts
All of the above can be done by a Bronx uninsured motorist accident attorney at Dolman Law Group so that you are compensated for long-term expenditures related to your injury.
What Type of Compensation Am I Eligible to Receive?
Section 5102(d) of the New York Insurance Law specifies the damages, injuries, and losses for which you can seek compensation. They include:
- Necessary medical treatment expenses such as surgical, dental, nursing, x-ray, ambulance, and ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Earnings loss as a result of not working
- Non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering
- Dismemberment, loss of a fetus, fracture, or other substantial damages
- Property damages
If you lost a loved one in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Your lawyer can explain this during your free consultation.
Can I Get Compensation If I don't Have Insurance?
Because New York is a no-fault insurance state, victims of uninsured motorist accidents may feel they have limited legal choices. No-fault rules limit your ability to sue unless your case fulfills specific criteria, such as the severity of your injuries and the total amount of medical expenses you spend.
Fortunately, victims of car accidents in which one or more individuals were driving without insurance have options for pursuing compensation.
Get the Help of an Attorney
Do not hesitate to reach out to Dolman Law Group. Our attorneys work hard to assist you in obtaining compensation for your injuries. Go to the Dolman Law Group website to schedule your free consultation today.
Bronx Office Location
3250 Westchester Ave, suite 200A/B
Bronx, NY 10461
(718) 550-3471