Getting hit by another driver is a bad experience, but finding out the other driver is uninsured complicates matters further. Should you ever find yourself in this situation, your first order of business should be to consult a car accident attorney. These professionals are well-versed in local laws and can help you decide on your next steps. In the meantime, here’s what you should know about motor vehicle accidents with uninsured drivers.

A Guide to Car Accidents With Uninsured Drivers

What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?

After any motor vehicle accident, call 911, even if the damage is minor. This will ensure a police report is generated, which may be required by your insurance company or car accident attorney later. Next, get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, and license plate number. If you come to discover that they don’t have car insurance, ask to take down their driver’s license number. Also, record the time and location of the accident and damage done to your vehicle. If you’ve been injured, keep detailed medical records, including logs and receipts from visits to doctors.

Who’s Responsible for Damages?

Most states require liability insurance, which helps drivers cover the cost of damages in the event of an accident. Yet, some drivers still choose to drive without this coverage, which is where accidents become more complex. How damages are paid in the case of uninsured drivers varies from state to state.

New York has no-fault laws. This means each driver or their insurance company is responsible for covering their own injuries or damages, regardless of who is at fault. Thus, as long as you have liability insurance, you’re covered – even if the other driver wasn’t insured. Nonetheless, these states tend to impose limitations on your ability to sue the other driver. Oftentimes, you can only sue the other motorist for severe damages or costly medical bills in no-fault states. A car accident attorney can help you explore options, and if you see fit, pursue the matter further.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the team from Neimark & Neimark will help you get the compensation you deserve. This team of car accident attorneys has more than 40 years of experience serving Orange and Rockland counties, NY. Learn more about the types of auto accident cases they handle by visiting their website, or call (888) 725-7424 to schedule a consultation.