Those who drive in New York know that it is no walk in the park. Local drivers do not need studies and statistics to know how dangerous and frustrating it can be to try to reach one’s destination by car. However, this commute may be even more frightening when a motorist discovers that the driver responsible for his or her accident is an uninsured motorist.
All but one state require motorists to carry basic liability insurance, which covers any damage or injuries that occur when a driver is at fault in an accident. Additionally, most states levy severe fines for those who drive without insurance coverage, and the driver will likely have his or her license and registration suspended. Nevertheless, nearly 14 percent of drivers in New York have no insurance. This number often increases when economic times get difficult.
New York is among the most expensive states for car insurance, and some drivers say they simply cannot afford it because the premiums are too high. Others say that they seldom use their cars, so they cannot justify spending the money on insurance. For those who do carry auto insurance, uninsured motorist coverage is often part of the policy, creating millions of dollars in claims to insurance companies.
When those claims are questionable, or when motorists dispute legitimate denials of an uninsured motorist claim, insurance companies face the frustrating and time-consuming task of defending themselves in court. Often motorists contest an insurance company‘s denial of a claim because they do not really understand the terms of their policies. In these cases, the assistance of an experienced law firm can prove beneficial.
Source: newyorkmotorinsurance.com, “Beware of uninsured motorists – A look at the uninsured“, Accessed on Nov. 4, 2017