Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uninsured Motorist Claim in New York?
Getting into a car accident is tough enough, as an accident can leave you dealing with medical bills, missed work, and a lot of stress. If the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance or flees, things can get even more complicated. Many people think their own insurance will automatically provide fair compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, but that doesn’t always happen.
In New York, auto insurance policies must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. But the truth is that filing a claim isn’t always straightforward. Your insurer might question how badly you’re hurt, argue about who’s at fault, or try to settle for less than you deserve. That’s why it’s wise to get a lawyer to help you handle your UM claim in New York.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Claims in New York
New York law requires that you carry UM coverage with your auto insurance. Often, this coverage kicks in when:
- The person at fault doesn’t have any insurance
- You’re involved in a hit-and-run
Instead of going after the other driver directly, you file a claim with your own insurer. However, even though you’re dealing with your own company, they’ll look for ways to pay as little as possible.
Why Are These Claims Complicated?
Uninsured motorist claims aren’t as simple as people expect. Insurers carefully review these claims and often look for reasons to minimize payouts.
Some common issues you might run into include:
- Slow claim processing
- Disputes over medical care
- Disputes over the severity of your injuries
- Lowball settlement offers
- Questions about what’s covered
- Arguments about who’s to blame
- Disputes over the cause of the injuries
It can get really frustrating when you’re trying to heal and manage your financial stress.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you hire a lawyer for your UM claim, you stand a better shot at getting fair compensation. An attorney can handle the back-and-forth with the insurance company and negotiate for you.
Your lawyer can also:
- Review your policy to see exactly what’s covered
- Gather your medical records and accident details
- Calculate what your claim is really worth
- Work out fair settlement offers
- Represent you during arbitration if it comes to that
Insurance companies usually pay more attention when they see you have an experienced attorney by your side. Legal help can also prevent you from making mistakes that might weaken your case.
When To Call a Lawyer
While some minor claims may be resolved without legal help, certain situations make hiring an attorney especially important. You may benefit from speaking with a lawyer if:
- Your injuries are serious
- Your claim got denied
- The insurer argues comparative negligence
- The offer you’re getting is way too low
- You were hit by a driver who fled the scene
- Your losses are substantial
A lawyer can explain your rights and help you plan your next steps.
Uninsured motorist claims can get frustrating and take up a lot of your time, even if you’re dealing with your own insurer. After an accident with an uninsured or fleeing driver, act quickly. Get medical care, document your injuries, and keep any evidence. Additionally, hire an experienced New York car accident lawyer for a better chance at protecting your rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver in New York, our experienced Long Island car accident lawyers at Jacobson Law can fight for fair compensation and guide you through every step of your claim.
