What if the driver responsible for a bicycle accident cannot be identified?

In New York, if the driver responsible for a bicycle accident cannot be identified, there are still avenues for the bicycle accident victim to receive compensation for their losses and damages. In these cases, the injured bicyclist can pursue a claim through their own insurance company known as an uninsured motorist claim. This claim would allow them to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages that are a result of the accident. If the injured bicyclist does not have collision insurance, they may file a claim with the New York Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This is a state-supported fund that was created to provide no-fault financial compensation when the driver responsible for the accident cannot be identified. It is important to note that MVAIC only covers medical bills and lost wages that were incurred due to the injury. If the bicyclist was injured by a snowplow or a governmental vehicle, they would pursue a claim instead with the New York State Court of Claims. The Court of Claims is a court with jurisdiction over personal injury claims for injury caused by the negligence of a state employee or vehicle. In any case, the bicyclist should seek legal representation to ensure that they are filing the right claim and to maximize the amount of compensation they receive. An attorney will also be able to explain the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for bringing a claim. Most bicycle accident claims need to be filed within two to three years of the accident.

What if the driver responsible for a bicycle accident cannot be identified?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts