Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer in Westchester County, NY — What Are Your Rights?
If you were hit by an uninsured driver in Westchester County, you need an experienced Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Westchester NY. New York law requires your own insurance to cover your losses, but insurers often deny or undervalue these claims. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides direct representation to secure the compensation you need for medical bills and lost wages.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in New York
New York mandates that all auto insurance policies include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you if you are injured by a driver with no insurance. Under NY Insurance Law § 3420(f), your own insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver to provide compensation for bodily injury. A separate provision, NY Insurance Law § 3420(g), covers hit-and-run accidents where the other driver cannot be identified.
Last verified: April 2026 | Westchester County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the financial pressure an accident creates. We use our experience to handle the details of your claim against your own insurance company.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, review NY Insurance Law § 3420 (official New York State Senate site). For court procedures, visit the Westchester County Supreme Court website.
The Westchester County UM Claim Process
Filing an uninsured motorist claim in Westchester involves specific steps. You must first report the accident to your insurer and provide prompt notice of the UM claim. Insurers will investigate as if they were defending the other driver, which can lead to disputes over fault and the value of your injuries. In White Plains and across the county, these cases are often litigated in Supreme Court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Report and Document: Immediately report the accident to your insurance company and the police. Gather all evidence, including photos, witness info, and the police report.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a full medical evaluation. Your medical records are the primary evidence for your injury claim.
- Formal Notice: Send a formal written notice of your uninsured motorist claim to your insurance carrier, citing your policy number.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance adjuster, presenting evidence to establish liability and the full value of your damages.
- Arbitration or Litigation: If the insurer denies the claim or offers too little, your case may proceed to a mandatory arbitration or, if necessary, a lawsuit in Westchester County Supreme Court.
Potential Compensation in a UM Claim
In Westchester County, a successful uninsured motorist claim can recover economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering if a “serious injury” is proven.
| Damage Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past and future costs | Must be documented and related to the accident. |
| Lost Wages | Past and future income loss | Requires employer verification and sometimes experienced testimony. |
| Pain and Suffering | Non-economic damages | Only available if injury meets NY’s “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repair or value | Typically handled under the collision portion of your policy, not UM coverage. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Claim
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have the resources to advocate for you. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to client-focused representation. We understand that dealing with your own insurance company after an accident can be frustrating, and we provide clear guidance through the entire process.
Our Approach to Uninsured Motorist Claims
We approach every uninsured motorist claim with a detailed plan. We immediately work to secure all evidence, consult with medical experts to document your injuries, and calculate the full value of your present and future losses. We then present a compelling demand to your insurance company. If they act in bad faith or refuse a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit in Westchester County Supreme Court to protect your rights.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Uninsured Motorist Claim Law Firm Westchester NY
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at Westchester County courts, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-287, and the Taconic State Parkway. We provide an uninsured motorist claim lawyer near White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Uninsured Motorist Claim FAQs
What should I do immediately after a hit-and-run accident?
Yes. Call the police immediately, seek medical attention, and report the incident to your own insurance company as a potential uninsured motorist claim. A police report is critical for a hit-and-run claim under NY Insurance Law § 3420(g).
Will my insurance rates go up if I file an uninsured motorist claim?
It depends. New York law prohibits insurers from raising rates solely because you filed a UM claim where you were not at fault. However, other factors can affect your premium. An Uninsured Motorist Claim Attorney Westchester NY can advise you on the implications for your specific policy.
How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in New York?
3 years. The statute of limitations for a UM claim is generally three years from the date of the accident for personal injury. However, you must notify your insurer much sooner, as required by your policy—often within 30 days. Delaying can jeopardize your claim.
What if the other driver has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover my damages?
That is an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim. New York also requires UIM coverage. If the at-fault driver’s limits are exhausted, you can seek additional compensation from your own UIM coverage, subject to your policy limits and specific terms.
Can I handle an uninsured motorist claim without a lawyer?
No. Insurance companies have legal teams focused on minimizing payouts. An experienced Uninsured Motorist Claim Lawyer Westchester NY understands the tactics used to deny or reduce claims and can negotiate from a position of strength, often securing a higher settlement.
Related Legal Information
If you need assistance with a related matter, our firm also handles business law and civil litigation in Westchester County. For more on personal injury law across New York, visit our New York personal injury hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Albany County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your uninsured motorist claim.