Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough. Finding out the driver who is at-fault doesn’t have auto insurance can make the situation feel even more frustrating and stressful. Unfortunately, uninsured drivers are still a real issue in New York, and accidents involving them happen far too often. If this happens to you, it’s important to know that New York law still provides protections and possible paths to compensation.
How New York Insurance Covers You After an Uninsured Driver Accident
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own insurance is usually the first source of coverage after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Your Personal Injury Protection coverage typically pays for medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. This applies even when the other driver has no insurance.
If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage is required in New York and is designed to protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists when the at-fault driver is uninsured, fled the scene, or was driving a stolen vehicle. In many uninsured driver cases, UM coverage becomes the primary way injured victims seek compensation for pain and suffering and other damages not covered by no-fault benefits.
Driving Without Insurance in New York Comes With Serious Consequences
New York law imposes severe penalties for driving without insurance, which underscores just how seriously the state treats this issue. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, traffic court fines can reach as high as $1,500 for driving without insurance or allowing someone else to drive your uninsured vehicle. In addition, drivers may be required to pay a $750 civil penalty to the DMV to restore a revoked license.
Operating an uninsured vehicle can also result in arrest or a traffic citation, vehicle impoundment, and the revocation of both your driver license and registration. If an uninsured vehicle is involved in a crash, the consequences increase significantly. The DMV will revoke the driver license and vehicle registration for at least one year, even if someone else was driving the uninsured car at the time. These penalties highlight how dangerous and disruptive uninsured driving can be for everyone on the road.
Get Help on Long Island
If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an uninsured driver, protecting your rights early can make a meaningful difference in your case. With over 30 years of experience on Long Island, Mark T. Freeley, The North Shore Injury Lawyer is someone you can trust to guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests.If you find yourself injured and unsure of what steps to take next, contact Mark by phone or text at 631-495-9435 or by email at mark@northshoreinjurylawyer.com. He will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options.