Why Understanding Liability Coverage Is Key

Why Understanding Liability Coverage Is Key
Calendar icon November 11, 2022 | Reading Time: 3 min


An auto accident can be life-altering, so it’s ideal to have as much insurance coverage as possible and understand what your policy covers and does not. Otherwise, you might end up with an unpleasant surprise.

At the time of impact, it’s too late to ensure either the driver or the victim has adequate insurance coverage.

While liability coverage for bodily injury — which covers both the driver’s and victim’s injuries — is mandatory in the state of New York, drivers are only required to have $50,000 of it and that, according to Gregory Pajak, is woefully inadequate.

“Most people have no idea how much liability insurance they even have,” said Pajak, managing attorney at Cellino Law. “They just assume that when they tell their insurance agent, ‘I want full coverage,’ they are covered for everything. Unless you have specified a higher amount with your agent at the time of purchase, you probably have the state’s minimum amount.”

And seriously injured individuals can quickly rack up expenses for hospital stays, medical devices, physical therapy, prescriptions, surgery, rehab and emergency treatment. More serious injuries will require future medical expenses.

Individuals often incur other unforeseeable setbacks from an accident, such as the potential of lost wages due to the injury, pain and emotional suffering, as well as property damage (car or motorcycle, for example). The cost for these expenses can easily exceed the $25,000 minimum in coverage.

To cover such expenses, Pajak recommends individuals carry $500,000 to $1 million in liability protection, which he said does not add up to much more in one’s monthly insurance payment.

“While there is an increase in payment, it’s not as much as you would expect, especially when the endgame is that you are providing sufficient coverage that protects not only the victim, but yourself,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking when you have an individual who thinks their catastrophic injuries are covered because they have car insurance, only to find out they are eligible for just $25,000 in compensation.”

“A lot of people when hearing this then say, ‘Well, I’ll just sue the driver and go after his home and money,’” Pajak said. “But it doesn’t work that way. Because a personal injury judgement is considered an unsecured debt in the state of New York, suing a driver for compensation is not a viable option; drivers in the state can just declare bankruptcy to avoid payment.”

In addition to liability insurance, Pajak recommends drivers protect themselves with supplementary uninsured motorist coverage, which adds extra protection for individuals that extends compensation far beyond the other driver’s limits, especially if it turns out that driver is either underinsured or uninsured.

Cellino Law, which has served the Buffalo area for more than 60 years, provides a risk-free, and free, initial consultation to all injury victims, with payment, only occurring when a case is won.

For more information, contact us at 888-888-8888.

Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer

Zoom Screenshot_16.png

Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

INJURED?
WE CAN HELP

CALL US NOW

Free Case Review

BLOGS ARCHIVE

FREE CASE REVIEW

Testimonials

  • Cellino Law and more specifically my attorney, Gregory V. Pajak, Managing Attorney, and as a whole the Cellino Law Firm and its organization. This is by far one of the most professional law firms and attorney I have ever engaged with and retained in my 35 years. The level of professionalism goes beyond words, the care and constant engagement with me as the client was touching. I was never ever just treated as simply a CASE with potentially a significant dollar number attached to my file. I was engaged regularly, Tracey (Ass’t) and Greg always made sure to remain constant, as well as consistent in overseeing that my case was handled properly and that it did matter in many ways - ensuring that the end result(s) would be fair and reasonable to my case/injury. The regular follow-up calls were very satisfying, knowing that you’re involved in your case matters significantly AND always. One of my main items to recognize Cellino Law and Gregory is that whenever I called, I was able to get through to speak directly to my Lawyer and he would answer any if not all of my questions in a very professional and genuinely caring manner. I always felt cared for and protected legally and more importantly, I was made feel as a human being that was being cared for and always keeping me abreast of all matters connected to the case. There was never a point I felt let down, on the contrary -the level of service was “STELLAR”. Greg is the consummate professional, a ‘role model’, if you will, for what other attorneys should strive to become when dealing with their clients.

    Anthony

  • This is to express our gratitude to you and your team in helping us and Stephanie navigate through the legal process following her car accident. We are very satisfied with the outcome and grateful for your hard work and attention to details. We fell confident that with this compensation, Stephanie will be able to move forward with her studies and her life with the ability to care for some of her health needs resulting from the injuries sustained following her car accident. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless your efforts.

    Jose & Rose

  • I am writing to let you know what an outstanding job George Gridelli did for me in my personal injury lawsuit. His professionalism and expertise were evident at our first metting and he and his paralegal Diane D'Andrea took care of me as if I was a friend and not merely a client. They both went above and beyond for me in so many ways that it would be too numerous to list and I am grateful to have had such an exemplary team represent me. When working with George and watching him in court he personified to me what a lawyer is supposed to be - an honest, extremely compentent man who helped guide me through the legal system. I could not have obtained better representation anywhere else at any price. To me that says a lot abut you and your firm's integrity. Thank you again for representing me and for having such stellar individuals working for you! I will continue to recommend your firm.

    Carol

  • We'd like to thank you for all the assistance and time you spent on our case. Your professionalism and honesty will always be appreciated. The staff was always courteous and we were always impressed with your accountability. Your passion and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will you.

    Sarah

  • My wife and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a fantastic job as our attorney. We could not have been more pleased with the work you and your team has done on this case. This past four years or so has been such a roller coaster for our family. We are very pleased and grateful with the result. We have made a good choice by choosing you. Thank you.

    Dave

  • This letter is to thank Ms. Diane D’Andrea, assistant to Mr. George Gridelli, Attny for all the hard work, dedication, and attentiveness she showed during the representation of my case. She was always cheerful and ready to help in whatever way she could. All messages left for Mr. Gridelli were always relayed and Mr. Gridelli always promptly returned our calls. She was a very competent assistant. Cellino Law has proven to be a model of what legal representation should be. Throughout the 6 ½ years of this case, I have heard many horror stories from people with “bad lawyer stories.” We consider ourselves to be very lucky to have chosen Cellino Law and will always recommend you to those looking for good, honest representation with a personal touch.

    Joseph