What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver on Long Island or in The Hamptons

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but learning that the other driver doesn’t have insurance can make it even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think, especially in parts of Suffolk County and The Hamptons.

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t panic. You still have options—and acting quickly can make a big difference.

Step 1: Take These Immediate Actions

Start protecting your case from the moment the accident happens:

• Call 911. You’re legally required to report accidents involving injuries in New York (VTL §605), and the police report is a crucial piece of evidence.
• Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Try to gather the other driver’s information—even if they don’t have valid insurance.

Seek medical attention right away. Waiting more than 48 hours can give insurance companies an excuse to question your injuries.

Step 2: Understand New York’s No-Fault System

New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own car insurance policy will typically cover:

• Medical bills (up to $50,000)
• 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000/month for 3 years)
• $25/day for other accident-related expenses

This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and it applies regardless of who caused the accident.

2025 update: Many insurers now require electronic submissions and stricter documentation for reimbursement—especially for chiropractic care and alternative treatments.

Step 3: Use Your Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

This is where your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage steps in. If the at-fault driver has no insurance—or not enough—your UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Future care or rehabilitation

Not sure what your policy includes? A personal injury attorney can help you review your coverage and see if stacking or combining policies is available.

Step 4: Build a Strong Claim With Solid Evidence

To maximize your claim, gather as much documentation as possible:

• Police Report: Make sure the report notes that the other driver was uninsured.
• Medical Records: Request full files, including imaging (like MRI discs), not just written summaries.
• Lost Wages: A letter from your employer and tax returns help prove income loss.
• Photos & Videos: Include vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Check if nearby traffic cams may have captured the crash.
• DMV Abstract: Prove the other party’s lack of insurance coverage.

Step 5: Be Ready for Insurance Challenges

Even your own insurer might push back on a UM/UIM claim. Here’s what we often see—and how we fight back:

In complex cases, we also work with accident reconstruction experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to ensure you receive fair compensation.