Why Understanding Liability Coverage Is Key

Why Understanding Liability Coverage Is Key
Calendar icon November 11, 2022


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 800-555-5555.

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.

INJURED?
WE CAN HELP

CALL US NOW

Free Case Review

BLOGS ARCHIVE

FREE CASE REVIEW

Testimonials

  • I am writing this letter to say how much I appreciate your services pertaining to my case. Your injury attorney took a hands-on approach and left me fully informed at all times as to where my case was going as well as how much ground we had to cover; leaving the final decisions in my hands but making sure that I knew all of the risks involved in the choices. I have dealt with a few law firms in my life on various different cases and this is the first time that I never had to call and/or track down my lawyer… because of this, I have and will continue to recommend Cellino Law to my friends and associates.

    Denise

  • I highly recommend Cellino Law to anyone involved in a car crash. I worked with Michael Lovecchio, and had a wonderful experience given the circumstances. He was very attentive, and got the best possible outcome I could have wanted.

    Susan

  • I can only say great things about my attorney Allan Silverstein. He is professional, he calls back right away, he keeps me informed, and makes me feel comfortable as this entire ordeal is stressful. I have total confidence in his ability to handle whatever comes his way. He is no nonsense and very good at his job. Thank you Allan... he is a true asset to the team!

    Mrs Steward

  • Tim Cellino handled my case beautifully. He is very knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. He kept in touch with me through out my ordeal. Tim also got a settlement for more than I expected. I highly recommend Tim Cellino!

    Jayne

  • I just want to let you know that I did receive my settlement check. More importantly, I want to thank you again for all you did for both me and my family. I could not be more pleased with my experience at Cellino Law. From the moment I first spoke with you I felt comfortable - you took a sincere interest in my case, clearly explained the process and effected a quick settlement. From this day forward, when someone asks if I can recommend a good lawyer I will, without hesitation, say "Cellino Law". Thanks again.

    Walter

  • 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