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.