How Can an Attorney Help After a Hit-and-Run With Limited Insurance Info?

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident here in New York, things can be complicated. Our state does have a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own insurance would be covering you anyway, even if it wasn’t a hit-and-run. However, if your injuries exceed the state’s “serious injury threshold,” you are allowed to bring a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation beyond your no-fault benefits. But if you don’t have insurance information, what should you do? Talk to a personal injury attorney in Mineola, NY right away to protect your rights.

How a Mineola, NY Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Hit-and-Run

Compensation Options with Limited Information

When the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks sufficient insurance, New York provides protections through:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

This is mandatory for all New York auto policies and must match your liability limits. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages in hit-and-run scenarios where the driver is unknown or uninsured.

Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC)

Established under New York Insurance Law, MVAIC is a safety net for qualified victims. New York residents without access to other insurance, such as uninsured pedestrians or those not covered by a household policy, may be able to get no-fault benefits for hit-and-run cases.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage from your policy may also cover your vehicle repairs, but it often requires a deductible.

How an Attorney Can Help

An experienced attorney will be invaluable to you in this complicated case. First, you can expect your attorney to conduct an independent investigation to try to identify the hit-and-run driver. These cases are not always a priority for the police, so your lawyer may be able to turn something up even when the police can’t. But even if your lawyer can’t find the driver through this investigation, they will gather important info that you’ll use to fill and file insurance or MVAIC claims correctly, soyou can get compensation quickly and minimize the chance of a denial.

Your lawyer can also file and manage your claims, including making sure that all supporting paperwork is provided and keeping your claim moving. Your lawyer can also deal with any denial and with negotiations with insurance companies. Your attorney will also help you identify and pursue every potential avenue of compensation. If the driver is found, your lawyer can help you bring a lawsuit against them directly if that’s necessary. Although it’s rare, your lawyer can also help you with bringing a lawsuit against an insurer if they will not honor the policy they have with you.

Talk to a Lawyer Quickly

In all car accidents, but particularly in a hit-and-run, speed is crucial. The faster your attorney can get to work, the better and stronger your claim will be. Contact the Law Firm of Michael R. Franzese in Mineola right away to request a free consultation.

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