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Uninsured, Under-insured and "Hit and Run" Motorist Claims (SUM)

Uninsured, Under-insured and "Hit and Run" Claims

In addition to successfully prosecuting and trying hundreds of cases, we have been successful in obtaining millions of dollars for our clients by forcing their own insurance company to pay Uninsured or Under-Insured claims. Underinsurance or uninsured coverage, also known as SUM coverage, is coverage afforded to you by your own insurance company, to compensate you if the offending vehicle is uninsured or underinsured. Underinsured means your injury or damages exceed the coverage afforded by the other vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage will be triggered when there is a "Hit and Run" or the vehicle that struck you has no coverage at all.

Read Our "Wheels of Justice" Column on Hit and Run, Uninsured and Underinsured (SUM) Claims in NY 

Uninsured motorist ("UM") coverage in New York State is mandatory. Traditionally, an uninsured motorist claim could be made if the tortfeasor was uninsured; if the tortfeasor had a policy of insurance, but the carrier disclaimed coverage, or if the tortfeasor drove a hit-and-run motor vehicle that came into physical contact with the claimant, or his/her vehicle.

Underinsurance ("UIM") coverage in New York State is optional, which means the claimant must request this coverage and pay the additional premium in order to enjoy this protection. This coverage is designed to apply if the tortfeasor is covered by a policy of insurance, but the limits are inadequate to properly compensate the injuries sustained by the claimant.

  • American Arbitration Association SUM Rules and Forms

Despite NYC’s Vision Zero Progress, Most Hit-and-Run Drivers Avoid Arrest

If you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured vehicle, contact us to discuss whether you qualify to make a SUM claim in New York.

    "Phenomenal Team!"
    The team here is nothing short of phenomenal. I reached out about my case on a Sunday afternoon from the hospital and we spoke before the evening was over. Since then, they have been happy to answer any question I have, and walked me through the entire process from handling my no-fault insurance to ultimately getting a settlement offer.

    To any cyclist in search of a lawyer who understands the challenges of biking in this city, look no further than Daniel and his team.
    - Conor
    "I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence."
    Almost 4 years ago I was struck by a delivery truck while on my bike and suffered a shattered wrist. Cathy Flanzig guided me through the process of bringing a suit against the company that owned the truck and the driver. Ms. Flanzig was professional and compassionate and realistic throughout the whole process. I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence.
    - Kathe D.
    "Combination of legal expertise with a compassionate approach"
    If you are in search of a lawyer who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to client care, look no further than Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig and Flanzig. From start to finish, Daniel not only holds an impressive depth of legal knowledge, especially in bicycle laws, but also a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Daniel took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of my case, patiently listened to my concerns, and provided clear, concise explanations of the legal strategies available. This level of transparency and communication instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance during what was initially a daunting process. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.
    - Runa R.
    "Supported me since DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey!"
    Daniel Flanzig was with me on DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey through the fractured legal system following a serious bicycle accident which left me with two broken wrists. The thirteen day hospital stay included surgeries on both, titanium plates implanted on both, and a severe challenge to my mental health and way of life. Unfortunately, I needed two
    more surgeries on the significantly more damaged right wrist. Dan navigated me through the strained New York City Medical System, still struggling in late 2021 from the wrath of COVID. When the lawsuit needed to be moved to New Jersey, Dan seamlessly transferred the case to Joseph G. Hughes. Both men proved to be upstanding attorneys and outstanding human beings, emotionally invested in my traumatic, drawn-out experience, and committed to reaching the settlement deserved. After matters were resolved by Mr. Hughes, I received a call from Dan, closing this chapter of our time together, but cementing a lifelong connection filled with the utmost respect and gratitude.
    - Marty Keiser
    "Helped me through a difficult time with great results!"
    I recently suffered a grievous injury being struck by a drunk driver while cycling, when dealing with short-term disability, hospital bills, and all manner of associated paperwork I received care and support from the lawyers at Flanzig & Flanzig. Can't recommend their services enough, they really helped me through a difficult time with great results!
    - Brandon W.
    "Ever since my accident, they paid close attention to my needs & welcomed any questions."
    Exceptional lawyers with great client services. Ever since my accident they paid close attention to my needs and welcomed any questions. Any issue I had was met with a prompt response via phone or email. They made the process easy and produced results. I would definitely return if I ever needed their services again.
    - Efren V.
    "Dan & the Flanzig Team made the whole unfortunate experience a lot smoother."
    Daniel and his team made the whole unfortunate experience a lot smoother, ultimately securing a settlement above my expectations. Recommended!
    - Chris S.
    "Daniel & his team handled all the legal heavy lifting & logistics so that it wouldn’t be burden."

    I could not recommend Flanzig & Flanzig more highly for their expertise, skill, professionalism, and care. After being hit by a car, I was hospitalized for a month due to multiple fractures and surgeries and had to undergo intensive physical therapy—during which time Daniel and his team took care of all the medical billing, insurance claims, and legal paperwork so that my family and I could focus on my recovery. Throughout the duration of the matter, Daniel and his team continued to handle all the legal heavy lifting and logistics/administration so that I wouldn’t be burdened, and Daniel was always communicative and proactive in providing updates and answering my questions. Thanks to Daniel’s work, experience, and capability, I received a much more significant settlement on a much faster timeline than expected. I’ve recommended Flanzig & Flanzig to other friends seeking a personal injury attorney, and I am incredibly grateful to Daniel and his team for their continued work and care. Their time, understanding, and expertise mean so much to me and my family for making an incredibly stressful and taxing situation much easier.

    - Kathryn L.

Why Choose Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP?

  • Leaders in the Safe Streets Movement
  • Committed Advocates for New York Cyclists
  • Top-Rated New York Attorneys
  • Dedicated to Helping Cyclists
  • Free Consultations

Contact Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP Today!

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