If the driver flees, or doesn't have enough insurance, your own coverage may be the safety net

UM coverage (Uninsured Motorist)

New York policies include mandatory UM coverage, that is, protection if you're injured by an uninsured driver (and in many situations involving a hit-and-run, depending on the facts and policy terms).

SUM coverage (Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist)

SUM is the add-on coverage designed to protect you when the negligent driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. New York's SUM regulations explain that SUM provides additional coverage for bodily injury (including death) caused by a negligent driver who may have no insurance or inadequate limits  (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/11-NYCRR-60-2.1)

And importantly: New York regulations require insurers to offer SUM in a way that, for many policies, results in SUM limits matching your bodily injury liability limits unless you sign a written waiver selecting lower limits or declining (subject to the rules). (https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/11-NYCRR-60-2.2)

Why this matters on Long Island (and why minimum limits can fall short)

New York's minimum liability limits are commonly referred to as “25/50/10”—$25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.(https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/Auto_resource_center)

In a serious Long Island car accident, let alone a crash involving a commercial vehicle or truck, those limits can be exhausted almost immediately. When that happens, SUM coverage can be the difference between an inadequate recovery and meaningful protection for medical care, lost earnings, and long-term needs.

Simple steps to make sure you're covered (do this in 10 minutes)

1) Pull your “Declarations Page”

Ask your carrier or broker for your Declarations Page and look for:

• UM (Uninsured Motorist)

• SUM / UIM (Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured)

2) Make sure your SUM limits are high enough

Many drivers are surprised to learn they have SUM, just at low limits. New York's rules contemplate SUM being provided at limits equal to your bodily injury liability limits unless properly waived down.

Practical rule: If you chose higher liability limits to protect others, consider matching SUM to protect you and your household.

3) Confirm who is covered in your household

Coverage often extends beyond the named insured, sometimes to resident relatives, passengers, or you as a pedestrian. Policy language matters, so we recommend confirming this with your carrier or having an attorney review it.

4) If a crash happens, act quickly

Reporting and notice requirements can matter, especially in hit-and-run scenarios. If you don't have your own auto policy (or household coverage), New York's consumer guidance points people to the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) for certain uninsured/hit-and-run situations, and emphasizes reporting the accident to the proper authority within 24 hours. (https://mvaic.com)

If you have information, contact authorities

Police are asking anyone with information about this William Floyd Parkway hit-and-run to contact Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives at 631-852-6553, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

We can review your UM/SUM coverage and explain it in plain English

If you're not sure whether your policy truly protects you, we can help youreview your Declarations Page, explain what the limits mean, and identify gaps,so you're not finding out the hard way after a crash.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Long Island car accident, hit-and-run, or truck accident, contact the Law Offices of Dennis Smith, P.C. through our website (www.dennissmithlaw.com) or call us at 631-333-0006. We'll evaluate every available source of recovery, starting with insurance coverage that may already be in place.

Here is a link to the original Patch article: 1 Dead, Another Seriously Hurt In Hit-And-Run Crash On William Floyd Parkway In Shirley: Police

This article is general information, not legal advice. Insurance coverage depends on the specific policy language and the facts of the crash.