Motorists in Queens are required to carry auto insurance. Those who drive uninsured can face serious penalties. Still, many car accidents occur involving uninsured drivers.
If you get in a car accident without insurance in Queens, NY, you may still be able to recover payment for your injuries. After certain accidents, victims will be permitted to file lawsuits against at-fault drivers. However, in other cases, injured parties may only seek payment under their own insurance policies. The path to compensation in your case will likely depend on the extent of injuries caused by your accident. Our lawyers can help potential plaintiffs determine the proper course of action.
If you get into a car accident without insurance in Queens, NY, get help pursuing the payment you deserve. Get in touch with our experienced Queens car accident lawyers today by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083. Our attorneys will review your case for free.
Can You Sue After Getting in a Car Accident Without Insurance in Queens, NY?
New York follows no-fault car insurance laws. Therefore, you will usually seek compensation for your car accident injuries by filing a claim with your own insurance company. However, that can be an issue if you do not have insurance. Only under specific circumstances will you be able to bring a case against another driver, but that is still allowed if you do not have insurance.
Your ability to file a car accident lawsuit against another driver will depend on the extent of harm suffered because of your crash. Only victims who suffered “serious” injuries will be able step outside of New York’s no-fault insurance laws. The following types of injuries are considered serious:
- Substantial disfigurement
- Broken or fractured bones
- Permanent restriction of use of a body member or organ
- Substantial restriction of use of a body system or function
- Significantly full disability that lasts at least 90 days
There are multiple types of injuries that can fall into the aforementioned categories. If you were involved in a car crash without insurance, you should contact our New York City car accident lawyers right away. Our experienced team can help review your case and fight for the compensation available to you.
Are There Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Queens, NY?
Motorists are required to carry auto insurance in Queens. There are multiple negative consequences motorists may face for choosing to drive uninsured. First, uninsured motorists may have trouble recovering compensation for their car accident injuries. After most accidents, injured parties have to file for benefits with their own insurers. Those without insurance may be left to account for their injuries on their own.
Furthermore, there can be additional for driving without insurance. If a car was involved in a crash and was not insured at the time, there can be penalties for both the driver and the car registrant. The following penalties may apply:
- Revoked or suspended license
- Impoundment of the vehicle
- Fines in amounts up to $1,500
- Potential jail time
Lastly, if an uninsured motorist causes an accident that results in serious injuries, then our New Rochelle car accident lawyers can help hold them personally responsible for damages related to the crash.
What to Do After Getting in a Car Accident Without Insurance in Queens, NY
There are certain steps to take after getting into a car accident that will help your ability to recover compensation. You should take the following actions after getting into an accident without insurance in Queens, NY:
Remain at the Scene
First, you should remain at the scene of your accident. Those who flee the scenes of their car crashes may be unable to recover payment for the harm they sustained. Furthermore, fleeing the scene of a harmful car accident could cause you to be charged with a hit-and-run.
Call 911
Next, you should call 911. Even if you believe the other driver may also be calling the authorities, you should dial 911 yourself. Accordingly, the emergency dispatcher may send an ambulance for anyone who requires emergency medical attention. Further, after any injurious crash, a police officer should visit the scene to draft their accident report.
Accident reports can contain a wide array of information that points to accidents’ causes. For example, an officer’s report may contain crash diagrams, statements from drivers, and contact information for witnesses. These reports are often the first thing analyzed by our Manhattan car accident lawyers when seeking to prove fault for a collision. Fortunately, our team can help recover and review a copy of the official accident report in your case.
Exchange Information
Furthermore, after getting into a car accident without insurance, you should exchange contact information with the other driver and any potential witnesses. This information can be highly valuable to our attorneys when building your case. Our team can provide support when reaching out to witnesses for their potential cooperation.
Document the Scene
You should also document the scene of your car accident with photos and videos if possible. Photos from the scene can be helpful when proving fault for an accident. For example, photos showing clear weather conditions can be used to dispute a negligent driver’s assertion that their crash was caused by rainy weather. Furthermore, photos showing skid marks at the scene could be used to show that a plaintiff attempted to brake before a collision occurred. Our Jackson Heights car accident lawyers can help review any photos from the scene of your accident during your free case review.
Seek Medical Attention
After getting into a car accident without insurance in Queens, you should not wait to seek medical attention for the harm you sustained. Letting your car accident injuries heal on their own could inhibit your ability to recover financial compensation. Defendants and their insurance companies may assert that a delay in treatment means that you were not truly hurt. After suffering a crash, our attorneys can help find the right doctors for you.
Call Our Lawyers
Lastly, you should call our experienced Queens car accident lawyers. Our team can investigate your crash and determine the proper course of action.
If You Suffered a Car Accident Without Insurance in Queens, NY, Our Attorneys Can Help
If you get into a car accident without insurance in Queens, NY, seek assistance from our experienced Patchogue car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 to review your case for free.