Car Accident Lawyer Park Slope

What Happens When a Car Accident Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Even though all motorists in the state are required by law to carry auto insurance before getting behind the wheel, there are many motorists out there who fly under the radar and drive without auto insurance, thinking they’ll never be caught, as there’s really no way to know unless you get pulled over or you get in an accident. And uninsured motorists aren’t the only kind of motorists you need to be aware of, as an underinsured motorist can also cause problems if you get into an accident with one of them. This is why both uninsured and underinsured coverage exist, but more on that later.

To know more about what happens when you get in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, what happens when you get hit by an underinsured motorist, who pays damages in either case, and what the consequences are for driving without auto insurance, read through the sections below.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 if you want to know your options following a car accident that involved an uninsured or underinsured driver. We’ll connect you with top-tier lawyers who are multilingual and experienced, and they will exhaust every option to get you the compensation you deserve.

How Often Do Drivers Drive Uninsured?

According to MoneyGeek, close to 4% of motorists in the state are uninsured. It’s also likely that these uninsured individuals have suspended vehicle registrations, considering the state will suspend your registration if you do not renew your coverage. Motorists here are required by law to possess valid auto insurance before getting behind the wheel, and failure to be insured while driving can result in a range of consequences (that’ll be discussed later).

Am I Covered if I’m Hit by a Driver Who Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage in addition to your basic auto insurance, then yes. Also, it should be pointed out here that if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, this is another instance where having uninsured motorist coverage is necessary; this coverage will protect you in the event you can’t get an ID or a plate number from the driver who hit you.

Without this coverage, you’ll be left paying for all expenses associated with the accident. Even though there’s a small percentage of uninsured motorists on the road, the fact that this insurance can apply to hit-and-run cases as well is important, as these cases are unfortunately becoming more common in this state.

What Happens if a Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance to Pay?

You may also get into a car accident with somebody who has insurance, but not enough to cover the damages you’ll be seeking. This motorist would be classified as an underinsured motorist. To prevent against loss from a car accident involving one of these motorists, you can purchase what’s known as underinsured motorist coverage. The coverage will kick in once the motorist’s limit is exceeded.

Are Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Coverage Worth It?

Both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will be add-ons to your basic auto insurance. If you don’t believe these add-ons are worth it, consider the expenses associated with either kind of accident; makes paying a little bit more each month more tolerable, doesn’t it? With more hit-and-runs happening and more uninsured motorists driving around, it’s unwise to be driving without additional protective coverage.

Can an Uninsured Driver Be Sued Following a Car Accident?

Not only is suing an uninsured or underinsured driver not possible in this state (except in rare cases) doing so isn’t feasible, as it’s likely the person wouldn’t have enough money to cover the damages you’d be seeking. If they can’t afford adequate car insurance, it’s likely they don’t have a lot of resources, and therefore suing them wouldn’t be worthwhile; you can’t collect what they don’t have.

You could get a judgment that says they’re at fault for the car accident, but this still doesn’t guarantee you compensation. The old adage, “You can’t get blood out of a stone” rings true in this instance. This is why it’s best to have adequate auto insurance, as you can get compensated by your provider and not have to spend time going after somebody who doesn’t have the resources to pay.

How Does the No-Fault Principle Affect Car Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers?

In a no-fault state, drivers file claims with their own insurance providers following a car accident. This is in contrast to at-fault states, where parties sue each other. In this state, filing a claim with your insurance provider over an accident that was caused by an uninsured driver is not that much different from filing a claim against a driver who has insurance, as in both cases you’re filing with your own insurance provider. The only thing is that you may not get compensated if you were hit by an uninsured motorist. However, most auto insurance in no-fault states includes both uninsured and underinsured coverage.

What Are the Consequences for Driving Without Car Insurance?

There are a variety of consequences associated with driving without auto insurance, including driver’s license suspension, paying fees to get a license reinstated, getting your plates taken away, and facing criminal charges. Still, these consequences are not enough to deter a lot of motorists from driving on the road without insurance, which is why you must always be aware of the fact that uninsured and underinsured motorists are out there.

Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth It for a Car Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver?

For years, hiring a car accident lawyer was associated with hassles and headaches, but no more. We’ve created a one-stop solution for those who are seeking help from a car accident lawyer in Park Slope. Simply call 1-800-HURT-511 and we’ll connect you with the best car accident lawyers in the area. They speak multiple languages and they’re well-versed in the kind of case you’re looking to bring.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 now, as your window to file a claim is shrinking by the second.