What to Do if You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver on Brooklyn Roads

Every car accident is traumatic, but imagine finding out that the person who hit you doesn’t have any car insurance. As shocking as it sounds, as many as 20 percent of Brooklyn drivers have no insurance or are underinsured.

What are you supposed to do if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist on a Brooklyn roadway?

Uninsured vs. Underinsured: What’s the Difference?

It’s illegal in the state of New York to drive without car insurance.

However, state law allows some drivers to have less insurance coverage than other drivers.

Generally, people whose vehicles are completely paid for aren’t required to have “full-coverage” insurance.

• Uninsured motorists have no insurance coverage. New York requires all drivers to have at least basic insurance coverage.
• Underinsured motorists don’t have enough insurance. In many cases, the amount of coverage is so low that it barely makes a dent in the victim’s medical costs.

Across the country, about 13 percent of drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Although New York’s rates are slightly lower than the nationwide average, the chance of being hit by a Brooklynite who doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage still remains.

Filing a Lawsuit when the Person Who Hit You Has No Insurance

If you were hit by someone with no auto insurance, it’s natural to wonder how you’re going to pay your medical bills.

Your own insurance may end up compensating you, but these types of cases can be tricky.

It’s usually best to work with a Brooklyn accident lawyer to help sort out the details.

Let your attorney deal with your insurance company after the accident.

(You should never talk to the other driver’s insurance company without discussing it with your lawyer first; he may advise you to leave it up to him.)

While an insurance company will be most interested in saving money, your lawyer will have your best interest in mind.