Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Accident Lawyer in Nassau County

Car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers present unique legal and financial challenges for injured victims in Nassau County. While New York law requires most drivers to carry insurance, a significant number of collisions still involve motorists who lack liability coverage or have policies that fall short of the harm they cause. In these situations, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can help you pursue compensation through available insurance benefits. Reach out to our uninsured motorist lawyers in Nassau County to learn more.

What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage provides two different types of financial protection after a collision someone else caused:

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a mandatory component of New York auto insurance policies. It is designed to protect insured drivers and passengers when they are injured by a motorist who does not carry liability insurance or who flees the scene.
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver carries insurance, but the policy limits are insufficient to address the full scope of the resulting harm. In these cases, UIM benefits may help supplement the at-fault driver’s coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage operates within New York’s no-fault insurance system. After a crash, injured individuals first turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and limited lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. When injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold or when damages exceed no-fault limits, UM/UIM coverage may become a primary source of recovery if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Can I Make a UM/UIM Claim in Nassau County?

A UM/UIM claim may be available to Nassau County residents injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, provided certain conditions are met, such as:

Insured – You must be covered under an applicable auto insurance policy at the time of the collision, either as the named insured, a household member, or a passenger in the insured vehicle.
Notice requirements – Insurance policies often require prompt written notice of a UM or UIM claim. Delays can give insurers grounds to dispute coverage.
Supporting evidence – Insurers may require proof that the at-fault driver caused the collision and lacked adequate insurance before benefits are paid.

An uninsured/underinsured motorist claim lawyer can help determine whether coverage applies, confirm that notice requirements are satisfied, secure evidence supporting your claim, and address disputes that may arise during the claims process.

What Other Legal Options Do I Have After an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Accident?

While uninsured and underinsured motorist claims are a primary source of recovery after these collisions, they are not always the only legal path available. In many Nassau County accidents, the other driver’s lack of insurance is only one part of a broader liability picture. You can identify and pursue additional legal options to increase the potential compensation available. Some of these options include:

Claims against vehicle owners – If an owner knowingly permitted an uninsured, unlicensed, or unsafe driver to operate the vehicle, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Employer liability – An employer may be held liable even when it did not own the vehicle, provided the uninsured driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash.
Claims against government entities – Poor signage, defective traffic signals, obstructed sightlines, or improperly maintained roads may give rise to claims against municipalities or state agencies.
Product liability and vehicle defect claims – In some cases, vehicle defects may increase injury severity or cause the accident itself, supporting claims against manufacturers, distributors, or maintenance providers.

An uninsured motorist accident lawyer can evaluate all potential avenues at the outset of a case, rather than treating UM/UIM coverage as the only solution. This comprehensive review ensures that injured individuals do not unknowingly waive rights or accept settlements that fall short of their actual losses.

Compensation for Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

In most cases, compensation available through a UM or UIM claim depends on policy limits and the severity of the injuries. Unlike no-fault benefits, UM/UIM claims may allow recovery for non-economic damages once the serious injury threshold is met.

Recoverable damages may include:

Medical expenses not covered by no-fault insurance
Future treatment costs
Lost income beyond no-fault wage benefits
Pain and suffering

However, financial recovery under UM/UIM may be limited to policy limits, making it necessary to evaluate whether additional third-party claims are available.

When third-party liability exists, your available compensation may extend beyond UM/UIM limits, depending on the responsible party’s insurance and financial resources. An uninsured/underinsured motorist claim lawyer can coordinate these claims to avoid conflicts and ensure you pursue all available recovery paths.

Do I Need to Hire an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer?

Many injured individuals assume legal representation is unnecessary for a claim against their own insurance company. In reality, UM and UIM claims are frequently contested. Insurers may dispute the seriousness of injuries, question liability, or argue that uninsured motorist coverage does not apply.

UM/UIM claims may involve arbitration or litigation procedures similar to third-party lawsuits. Preparing these cases requires medical documentation, financial records, and policy analysis. A lawyer helps ensure the claim is properly presented and supported.

An uninsured motorist lawyer also evaluates whether additional legal options exist beyond the insurance claim. This broader analysis helps prevent injury victims from accepting settlements that fail to reflect the full scope of their losses.

How Can Our Car Accident Lawyers Help After a Collision with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. provides comprehensive representation for accident victims injured by uninsured and underinsured drivers in Nassau County and Queens. When we take on your case, we can handle everything from start to finish, including:

Our attorneys can review the applicable insurance policies, confirm coverage, and handle communications with insurers throughout the claims process.
We’ll gather medical records, financial documentation, and accident evidence to support claims for compensation.
In case insurers deny your claim or minimize its value, we prepare claims for arbitration or court proceedings as required under New York law.
Our representation also includes identifying third-party liability where applicable and coordinating multiple claims to pursue fair compensation.
We evaluate every case individually, with attention to both immediate losses and the long-term consequences of your injuries.

Get in Touch with Our Nassau County Car Accident Lawyers for Help

If you were injured in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Nassau County, you need to secure quick legal guidance to learn your options. At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we can help you with your UM and UIM claims and related legal actions. Our Nassau County car accident attorneys can explain how you can pursue full and fair compensation under New York law. Contact our office today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.