Accidents involving uninsured drivers in New Jersey can be complicated and confusing for all those involved. If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, you may wonder whether you can recover any damages to help compensate for your injuries. If you are the uninsured driver, you probably have concerns about your future.
Since 1981 the auto accident lawyers and staff of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., have dedicated their legal careers to helping people who were injured as a result of the carelessness of others. Our main office is located in Teaneck, New Jersey. Call our New Jersey car accident attorneys today at (800) LAW-2000 or use our online form to receive a free initial consultation.
New Jersey Insurance Laws
New Jersey law requires that every car insurance policy provide uninsured motorist coverage as well as an option for underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). Both types of coverage enable drivers who have been involved in an accident with a New Jersey driver who lacks enough coverage to file a claim with their own insurance company.
Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage is an optional coverage which you pay more for, and can range from $100,000 – $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. These limits usually match your liability coverage and cap how much coverage you can expect to receive from your own insurance company. So if you are hit by a driver who has no insurance, you could file a claim against your insurer for damages which could not exceed the limit of your policy. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who has some insurance, but not enough (an underinsured motorist) you could file a claim against his insurance carrier for the maximum amount his policy allows – and then file a separate claim for the difference with your insurance carrier.
If this sounds confusing – it often is, and insurance companies may be of little help when you file your claim. Even though you are filing a claim with your own insurance company that you pay premiums to every month, your insurance carrier’s goal is to pay you as little money as possible. An attorney with experience in uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims can help by reviewing the details of the claim you have submitted.
Uninsured and Underinsured claims are typically handled between the insurance company and your lawyer. If your claim cannot be resolved this way, it will be submitted to arbitration, in which you and your insurance company each select one arbitrator. Both arbitrators will also select a neutral arbitrator. If the claim still cannot be resolved, it may then proceed to court. The system can be intimidating to those who don’t understand New Jersey insurance law – but the attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have handled uninsured and underinsured motorist claims for many clients. We know how to work with the insurance companies to represent our clients’ best interests.
If you are a driver without insurance and you have been involved in an accident, you face additional challenges. Driving without insurance is a serious violation of the law, and penalties including stiff fines can add to the legal action the other driver may be bringing against you. In fact, under certain circumstances, if you are found to own an uninsured vehicle you can give up your right to bring a personal injury claim no matter how injured you were and even if the other driver was 100% reckless and at fault. You need an attorney with experience in the New Jersey Municipal Court system. The lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. understand that one mistake shouldn’t ruin your life and we can evaluate your situation to determine the best possible way to proceed. We can help complete the paperwork necessary and ensure that your interests are represented in the best light possible to minimize the damage to your future.
Experienced New Jersey Car Insurance Assistance
The car accident lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., have been helping people who have been injured in car accidents since 1981. We have handled thousands of uninsured or underinsured accident injury claims, obtaining excellent results for our clients in many instances. Each case and the results vary, so we invite you to contact an auto accident lawyer at our New Jersey or New York offices to discuss the specifics of your situation. If we take your case, you can be assured we will use all the resources of our law firm to develop a strong argument for money damages and other compensation for you.
To speak with a personal injury lawyer with many years of experience, contact our New Jersey or New York offices at (800) LAW-2000. We do not charge attorney’s fees unless we are successful in your case and our initial consultations are free.
No Fee if No Recovery - Home and Hospital Consultations Available
New Jersey personal injury lawyers helping car accident victims and their families since 1981 in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison, Toms River, Trenton, Clifton, Camden, Brick Township, Woodbridge Township, Bergen Co., Middlesex Co., Somerset Co., Warren Co., Sussex Co., Monmouth Co., Mercer Co., Ocean Co., Hudson Co., Passaic Co., Essex Co., Union Co., Morris Co., Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus, Hackensack, Hoboken, Secaucus, Englewood, Mahwah, Bergenfield, Union City, North Bergen, Ridgewood, Bayonne, Ridgefield, Belleville, Alpine, New Milford and Atlantic City. Also in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Kings County, Richmond County and New York City, in New York.
