Westbury Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer
Like most states, New York requires drivers to obtain insurance for their vehicles. Even with this requirement, though, accidents still occur in which one or more involved parties failed to obtain the proper coverage.
In situations like these, a Westbury uninsured car accident lawyer could assist you with filing a claim for damages. Once retained, a dedicated car accident attorney could provide professional assistance with interpreting traffic citations, dealing with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
Requirements for Auto Insurance
Failing to obtain the proper amount of auto insurance can result in fines, citations, and possible litigation. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a driver must obtain liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $10,000 for property damage per each accident
- $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 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
Additionally, liability insurance must remain in effect while the registration is valid, even if the holder does not use their vehicle and be issued in the name of the registrant. A driver’s insurance also must be based in the State of New York and issued by a company licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Depending on the specific policy, insurance companies can provide additional insurance to cover any losses that occur if a policyholder gets in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate coverage. A Westbury attorney could work with an insurance company to see what may be possible if someone was involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist.
What If the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
All insurance policies in New York require the option of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage provides benefits to someone injured in an accident if the other party failed to obtain insurance, or could not be identified, such as in a hit and run situation. Underinsured insurance provides coverage to a driver if the other motorist’s policy does not provide enough protection to compensate an individual entirely after an accident.
Additionally, if the injuries sustained in an accident are severe, state law gives this party the right to file a claim for negligence against the driver who caused their crash. A serious injury may include:
- Disfigurement
- Fractures
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a body or organ function
- Limited function of an organ or another body part
- An injury that prevents daily activities (like paralysis or TBI)
- Death
Determining if an injury is serious is not always an easy task. As such, a consultation with an attorney in Westbury could help evaluate if the collision was severe enough to file a claim against the uninsured driver.
Contact a Westbury Uninsured Car Accident Attorney
Accidents happen every day, each with its own set of circumstances and injuries. State law requires every driver to have adequate insurance to cover damages from these accidents. However, sometimes one party fails to obtain proper coverage, leaving you to foot the bill.
Fortunately, you may still have some options to recover compensation. A Westbury uninsured car accident lawyer could explain your options and assist you in obtaining adequate compensation for the damages you sustained. To get started on your case, call today.
