When you get hit by a driver with no insurance and believe that they are at fault for the accident, you may want to sue them for damages. Cases involving a driver without car insurance can be tricky though. You should talk to a car accident lawyer in Queens to learn more about your options and how an attorney could be helpful here.
What Happens When a Driver With No Insurance Hits You?
You should treat this like any other accident. You just won’t be exchanging any insurance info because, well, the other driver has no insurance! Pull over and get somewhere safe, then:
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Call the police
- Get contact information for the other driver and any witnesses
- Look around for any nearby cameras that could have recorded the accident, like a building’s security camera
Then you should see a doctor as soon as you can. Delaying medical treatment can hurt your case, so schedule a checkup and get a diagnosis for any injuries.
Can I Sue Someone If They Have No Insurance?
You normally sue an insurance company after a car accident, but you can sue someone who has no coverage of their own. You would be suing them directly in a personal injury lawsuit. The issue is that this person might not have the resources to pay you damages, at least not in the short term. It’s why we recommend talking to a lawyer before pursuing any kind of legal action.
Can My Own Insurance Coverage Help Me?
In some cases, it may be preferable to just use your own insurance coverage, even if you are not at fault. Two types of mandatory car insurance can help New Yorkers who get hurt in an accident with a driver who has no insurance:
PIP: Personal injury protection can pay medical bills for you and any other occupants of your car, up to a certain limit.
Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage: As the name suggests, this coverage is meant for exactly this kind of situation. Uninsured motorist policies can help you pay for property damage and medical expenses.
When Should I Meet With a Lawyer?
You should meet with an attorney as soon as you can. Acting quickly can make it easier to gather evidence if you do decide to pursue a case, and the sooner you act the sooner you can secure compensation. A lawyer can also advise you about whether they think going forward with a case is a good idea. You don’t want to put in all of this time, money, and effort just to be left with a judgment that someone else will not be able to pay anytime soon.
Contact Our Law Firm
When you are ready to learn more about your legal options and the potential value of your case, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We’ll schedule a consultation so that we can discuss your situation and the next steps. Reach out to our legal team today.
