LEGAL GUIDE: HANDLING ACCIDENTS INVOLVING STOLEN VEHICLES
Understanding Insurance Coverage
When injured by a stolen vehicle, insurance companies typically deny responsibility due to unauthorized use. However, New York law requires all insurance policies to include uninsured/unidentified motorist benefits. These benefits provide both no-fault coverage and compensation through the victim's own insurance policy, even if their vehicle wasn't involved in the accident.
Critical Time Requirements
Two crucial deadlines must be met to qualify for benefits. First, the accident must be reported to police within 24 hours. Second, a no-fault application must be submitted to your insurance company within 30 days. Missing these deadlines can result in denial of benefits and personal responsibility for medical expenses.
Options for Non-Vehicle Owners
Those without personal vehicles can access coverage through household members' insurance policies, including roommates or family members. For New Yorkers without household insurance access, the Motor Vehicle Accident Identification Corp (MVAC) provides state-funded benefits up to $50,000 for lost wages and medical expenses, plus $25,000 for pain and suffering.
Compensation Factors
Two main elements determine compensation: personal insurance policy limits and injury severity. The uninsured motorist provision in your policy sets the maximum available compensation, while injury extent determines the actual amount within those limits.
Police Pursuit Cases
Stolen vehicle accidents frequently occur during police chases. For minor offenses, high-speed pursuits aren't authorized. Law enforcement may be held partially liable if reckless pursuit creates dangerous situations leading to accidents.
Dealing with Inadequate Insurance
When accidents involve drivers with insufficient coverage, New York's Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage allows victims to claim the difference between their policy limits and the at-fault driver's coverage. This protection applies to both civilians and law enforcement officers.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
Following an accident, victims should immediately file a police report, document injuries, and contact their insurance company. Additional documentation and forms are required for uninsured motorist claims or MVAC applications.
