The aftermath of car accidents are often chaotic. This is especially so if you find that the driver who hit you does not have insurance. These situations can prove to be frustrating, but it is important to know how to handle them in the event that you find yourself in one. Continue reading below to learn more about these situations, and contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney if your accident was due to negligence.
What Do I Do After the Accident?
After an accident, it is crucial to remain calm and implement the following steps to ensure as positive of an outcome as possible:
- Call the police so that a report on the accident is made. If the driver is uninsured, this can help receive coverage for expenses and making the claims process easier.
- Do not accept money from the uninsured driver. They may try to offer money in an effort to avoid legal action. Even if it seems like a good deal, it is important to not accept.
- Exchange information. Despite no insurance, you should collect their contact information and all vehicle details.
- Write down important information including the make and model of the vehicle, time and location of the accident, and the name/badge number of the responding officer.
- Take pictures of the scene including damages to both vehicles, license plates, any traffic signs, and the direction of the vehicles.
Insurance Claims Against Uninsured Drivers
When contacting your insurance company, it is important to notify them that the accident was with an uninsured driver. In addition to this, the following should be kept in mind:
- Have your insurance card out for your policy number
- Provide the date, time, and location of the accident
- Give a detailed report of how the accident happened, which is where your notes on the accident come in handy.
- When the claims representative asks for the other driver’s insurance information, you can provide them with the driver’s contact information.
- Provide the name of the police department along with the report number
Filing a Lawsuit
The state of New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means that insurance providers generally reimburse victims of an accident for any damages, regardless of who was at fault. This can make it difficult to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover damages, as there are often restrictions unless you suffered serious injuries or had medical bills over a stated amount. It is because of this that the best course of action is to report the incident to your insurance company and contact a car accident attorney to discuss your options.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City car accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.
