New York State law is very clear about the requirements for car insurance for drivers. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “To register a vehicle in New York State you must have New York State issued automobile liability insurance coverage. If you do not maintain the coverage, the DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and your driver license.” Any New Yorker caught driving without car insurance faces fines and the possibility of their driving privileges being suspended for a period of time.
What Happens When You’re in an Accident with an Uninsured New York Driver?
Even with the New York State law, there are still a large number of uninsured drivers on New York roads, freeways, and highways. The New York DMV estimates about 15 percent of drivers in New York are uninsured. If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may face the following issues:
• You’ll learn that YOUR insurance policy may or may not provide uninsured motorist coverage. This kind of car accident insurance isn’t mandatory with standard New York car insurance policies. Your insurance carrier may not have even offered this coverage to you at the time of your policy purchase.
• You’ll learn that YOUR insurance company is not really on your side. Never forget that insurance companies are businesses interested in their profits. Insurance companies are well-known for offering low injury claim settlements or denying car accident claims completely. A dedicated New York car accident attorney can help make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage covers drivers in situations where they’re in accidents with uninsured drivers. Car insurance companies are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but New York drivers aren’t legally obligated to purchase uninsured motorist coverage.
Get an Experienced New York Attorney on Your Side
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP has helped many New York drivers pursue compensation for their damages after accidents with uninsured drivers. Contact one of our NY uninsured motorist accident lawyers today at (212) 986-7353.