Blindsided in New York by an Uninsured Driver? Here’s What to Do 

Getting hit by another vehicle is bad enough. But finding out the driver who hit you doesn’t even have insurance? That’s a whole different kind of panic. You’re standing there on the side of the road, adrenaline pumping, your motorcycle busted up, and someone casually tells you they’ve got no coverage. Now what?

Here’s the truth: You do have options, even in this kind of mess. But every step you take right now matters.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys help New York riders who’ve been blindsided—physically and financially—by uninsured or underinsured drivers. We dig into every policy, every detail, and every inch of the law to help you find the compensation you may not even realize is available.

Shock, Panic, and No Insurance—Your First Moves Matter

Crashes with uninsured drivers can leave you feeling like you’re on your own. But in New York, there’s a process you can follow to protect yourself, even when the other driver drops the ball.

Call 911 First—Don’t Wait

You may feel tempted to “handle it” if the other driver is apologizing or seems cooperative. Don’t. Always report the crash. Always wait for the police.

Why? Because a New York State Police crash report creates an official record. That’s your first piece of leverage when the other driver walks away without coverage.

Without a police report, you’ll struggle to:

• File an uninsured motorist claim
• Prove fault later
• Get accident-related documents admitted in court

Even if you think you’re okay, make the call.

Hidden Injuries Can Wreck You Later

After a crash, adrenaline masks pain. It’s how your body protects you. But once things calm down, real injuries often appear.

We’ve seen New York riders experience:

• Herniated discs or pinched nerves that didn’t show symptoms until days later
• Joint swelling or internal bruising that developed over time
• Delayed-onset concussions, especially if your helmet took a hit

Go to urgent care or the ER, even if it feels unnecessary. Medical records from that visit may be your only evidence if symptoms show up later.

Snap Evidence Before It Disappears

In uninsured driver cases, you might be the only one collecting evidence. Don’t miss the window.

Get photos of:

• Damage to your motorcycle and their vehicle
• Street signs, signals, and the crash location
• The other driver’s license plate, if available

Also try to get witness info. In busy places like the Bronx, Queens, or even the Taconic Parkway, someone likely saw what happened. Their testimony could back up your claim when the other driver disappears or denies everything.

What It Really Means When the Other Driver Has No Coverage

In New York, all drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance. But not everyone follows the rules. And sometimes, their coverage has lapsed—or it’s fake altogether.

When a driver has no coverage, it usually means:

• You can’t file a claim through their insurance
• You’ll have to lean on your insurance or another source
• You may have to sue them personally, though collecting can be tough if they have no assets

That’s where your own policy steps in. But it’s not automatic. You have to understand what your plan actually covers.

Your Own Insurance Could Be the Lifeline You Didn’t Know You Had

Motorcycle riders in New York often assume they’re just stuck if the other driver has no insurance. But depending on your own coverage, you might have protection built in—and not even realize it.

Understanding UM/UIM in New York

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are designed for moments like this. They’re required for most auto policies in New York, and many motorcycle policies include them too—though not always by default.

Here’s how they work:

• UM kicks in when the at-fault driver has no insurance
• UIM applies when the at-fault driver has too little coverage to pay for your losses

Say your injuries, lost wages, and damage add up to $150,000. If the driver has zero coverage, your UM policy could cover up to your own policy limits. If they only have $25,000 and your losses exceed that, UIM helps make up the difference—again, up to your limits.

Check your declarations page. If you’re unsure, have your insurer explain what’s included. It can make the difference between walking away with nothing and recovering real compensation.

MedPay and PIP—Will They Cover You?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is part of New York’s no-fault system, but it does not apply to motorcyclists. You’re excluded by law.

However, Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) might be an option if it’s on your policy. It’s not mandatory, but some riders carry it for extra peace of mind.

MedPay can:

• Cover ER visits, ambulance rides, and initial treatment
• Kick in regardless of fault
• Help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses early on

It’s usually limited—often between $1,000 and $10,000—but in uninsured driver crashes, every bit helps.

How to Fight for the Money You’re Owed After a Crash

Uninsured driver cases don’t just hurt physically—they hit your finances hard. And insurance companies are quick to lowball you when the other driver can’t pay. That’s when having the right team matters.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys know how to go after every available resource. Whether it’s your UM policy, a MedPay add-on, or even a third party that played a role (like a defective bike part or a poorly maintained road), we follow the facts—and we don’t back down.

If you need to file a UM or UIM claim, we handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the pressure. If the driver can be sued directly, we pursue it aggressively. And if you need to hire one of the best law firms in America, we’re proud to say riders across New York already trust us with their toughest cases. Contact us now.