Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Helping Accident Victims Recover Compensation When Insurance Isn’t Enough
Not every driver on New York roads carries adequate insurance. In Bayside, Queens, and across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, and the Greater New York area, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists leave victims injured — and unsure where to turn for compensation.
At Kand Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists injured by uninsured or underinsured motorists. While our firm handles all areas of personal injury law, UM/UIM accident cases require a deep understanding of insurance policies, coverage limits, and New York-specific claim procedures.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Statistics in New York
Despite mandatory insurance laws, uninsured and underinsured drivers remain a serious issue in New York.
A significant number of drivers on New York roads carry minimum or no insurance
Many serious injury claims exceed basic policy limits
Hit-and-run accidents often involve uninsured drivers
Victims are frequently forced to rely on their own insurance coverage
These trends show why FedEx truck and delivery accidents are a growing safety concern throughout New York.
What Is an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Accident?
An uninsured motorist (UM) accident occurs when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all.
An underinsured motorist (UIM) accident happens when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your injuries and losses.
UM/UIM claims may arise when:
- The other driver has no insurance
- The other driver carries only minimum coverage
- You are injured in a hit-and-run accident
- Multiple people are injured and policy limits are quickly exhausted
In many cases, your own insurance policy becomes the key to compensation.
Why Uninsured Motorist Claims Are More Complicated
UM/UIM cases are different because you are often filing a claim against your own insurance company, which may still try to minimize or deny payment.
These cases often involve:
- Complex policy language
- Coverage disputes
- Strict notice and filing deadlines
- Insurance company resistance
- Arbitration or litigation requirements
Having legal representation helps level the playing field.
Common Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
UM/UIM claims commonly arise from:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Intersection and T-bone crashes
- Pedestrian or cyclist accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Drunk or reckless driving incidents
We review every possible coverage option to maximize recovery.
Injuries Commonly Seen in UM/UIM Accidents
ries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers can be just as severe as any other crash.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck, back, and spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Long-term or permanent disability
Insurance companies may undervalue these injuries — we don’t let that happen.
What to Do After an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Accident in New York
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Bayside, Queens, or anywhere in NYC, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Call the police and obtain an accident report
- Document the scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Notify your insurance company promptly
- Avoid recorded statements without legal advice
- Contact a UM/UIM accident lawyer as soon as possible
Deadlines matter in UM/UIM cases — early action protects your claim.
How Kand Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
UM/UIM cases require careful review of insurance policies and aggressive advocacy.
We help by:
- Reviewing all available insurance coverage
- Handling UM/UIM claims and negotiations
- Challenging coverage denials or low offers
- Collecting medical records and evidence
- Calculating full damages, including future losses
- Representing clients in arbitration or court if necessary
We’ve recovered millions for injured clients across New York.
Compensation Available After a UM/UIM Accident in New York
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Queens or anywhere in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term or permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
UM/UIM coverage often provides critical financial protection when other insurance falls short.
Why Hire a Queens Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer?
Working with a local Queens personal injury lawyer matters. We understand:
- New York uninsured and underinsured motorist laws
- How UM/UIM insurance policies work
- Insurance company tactics in coverage disputes
- Local courts, insurers, and procedures across Queens and NYC
That local insight, combined with aggressive representation, helps produce stronger results.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Accident FAQ
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in New York?
Yes. New York law requires UM coverage as part of auto insurance policies.
Can I file a UM claim if I was hit by a driver with minimum insurance in Queens?
Yes. Underinsured motorist coverage may apply if damages exceed policy limits.
Does UM coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents in NYC?
Yes, as long as the accident is reported promptly and requirements are met.
Can pedestrians use UM coverage in New York?
Yes. Pedestrians may be covered under the vehicle’s policy or their own.
How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in New York?
Deadlines vary by policy, but prompt notice is required — delays can jeopardize claims.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a UM claim?
UM claims are generally not treated the same as at-fault claims.
How much does a UM/UIM accident lawyer cost?
There are no upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win.