Why Some National Firms Don’t Handle Cases With Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in New York City

Why Some National Firms Don’t Handle Cases With Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in New York City

After a serious car accident in New York City, many injury victims are shocked to learn that the at-fault driver only carries minimum auto insurance. Medical bills pile up, time away from work stretches on, and suddenly the insurance company starts talking about policy limits. For some people, that is also the moment a national law firm says they cannot take the case.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we see these cases differently. Low insurance limits do not mean your injuries are minor or that your case does not matter. If you were hurt in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, we will take the time to explain your options and aggressively pursue every lawful source of compensation available.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a FREE consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and clearly and honestly explain your next steps.

The financial reality of minimum auto insurance coverage in New York City

In theory, when someone causes a car accident, the injured person has the right to pursue compensation. In practice, payment almost always comes from the insurance company, not the individual driver. Insurance companies are typically only required to pay up to the policy limits.

This creates a financial wall for many NYC accident victims. You can seek medical care, follow doctors’ instructions, attend physical therapy, and document your injuries, yet still face a hard ceiling on compensation if the coverage is low. This is especially devastating in New York City, where medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages can escalate quickly.

What insurance policy limits mean in a New York City car accident case

An insurance policy limit is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay on behalf of its insured for a covered claim.

In auto accident cases, liability limits are usually structured as:

• Per-person limits, which cap the amount available to one injured person
• Per-accident limits, which cap the total amount available for everyone injured in the same crash

Even in cases involving fractures, surgery, permanent injuries, or long-term disability, the insurer may provide only a limited pool of funds to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, as allowed under New York law.

New York minimum auto insurance limits and why they matter

New York law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, commonly referred to as 25/50/10 coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 for property damage

New York also requires no-fault insurance (PIP), often up to $50,000 for basic economic loss, regardless of fault.

In a serious New York City crash, especially one involving multiple vehicles or multiple injured people, these limits can be exhausted very quickly. Once that happens, insurance companies often act as if there is nothing more to discuss. In reality, that is usually just the beginning of a proper legal analysis.

Why national law firms often decline minimum policy in NYC accident cases

Many injured New Yorkers are frustrated when a large national firm declines their case. This decision is usually driven by business considerations rather than the seriousness of the injury.

High-volume case models

National firms often rely on fast intake systems and standardized settlement pipelines. Minimum policy cases frequently require deeper investigation and do not fit neatly into these models.

Contingency fee economics

Low policy limits can mean a smaller potential recovery, while the legal work required remains significant. Some firms choose not to commit resources unless higher insurance limits are immediately apparent.

Insurance company leverage

Insurers often push quick, limit-based settlements in exchange for broad releases. Firms focused on speed may not slow down to investigate whether additional insurance coverage exists.

New York City case complexity

NYC accidents often involve delivery drivers, rideshare vehicles, taxis, commercial use, multiple vehicle owners, or employer relationships. Even when the primary policy looks minimal, liability and insurance issues are rarely simple.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP handles minimum insurance cases differently

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, low limits do not mean low effort. They mean strategic lawyering.

Identifying additional liable parties

We examine whether employers, vehicle owners, contractors, businesses, or other drivers contributed to the accident. Additional defendants often mean additional insurance policies.

Investigating all available insurance coverage

We look for:

• Commercial auto policies
• Business use coverage
• Umbrella or excess liability policies
• Coverage tied to ownership or permissive use

Reviewing your own insurance protections

Your auto policy, or a household member’s policy, may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, also known as UM, UIM, or SUM coverage. These policies can be critical when the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate.

Preparing every case as if litigation is possible

Insurance companies take claims more seriously when they know the law firm is prepared to gather evidence, apply pressure, and move the case forward when necessary.

The actual cost of serious injuries after a NYC car accident

A serious accident impacts far more than hospital bills. Injury victims often face:

• Chronic pain and permanent limitations
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and sleep disruption
• Reduced earning capacity or job loss
• Loss of independence and enjoyment of life
• Strain on family and personal relationships

When insurers hide behind minimum coverage limits, it can feel like your suffering has been reduced to a number. We believe your injuries deserve real attention and real advocacy.

Why acting quickly matters in New York City accident cases

Critical evidence in NYC cases can disappear rapidly, including surveillance footage, dashcam video, witness availability, vehicle data, and accurate accident documentation. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and prevents costly mistakes.

New York City accident cases we handle

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP represents injury victims across all five boroughs in cases involving:

• Car accidents
• Pedestrian and crosswalk accidents
• Bicycle and e-bike crashes
• Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
• Delivery truck and commercial vehicle collisions
• Taxi and for-hire vehicle accidents
• Hit-and-run crashes
• Serious injury and catastrophic injury claims

If you are unsure whether your injuries qualify as serious under New York law, a free consultation can provide clarity.

Free consultation with a New York City personal injury law firm

If you are told the at-fault driver has only minimum insurance, you may still have options.

Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a FREE consultation.
We serve clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage in NYC

What does it mean when a case is limited by insurance?

This means the insurer is generally only required to pay up to the policy limit, even if your damages exceed it.

Is a case worth pursuing if the at-fault driver has minimum coverage?

Often yes. The key issue is whether other insurance policies, additional defendants, or your own coverage may apply.

What is a policy limit settlement?

A policy limit settlement occurs when the insurer agrees to pay the policy limit to resolve the claim.

Can I recover more than the at-fault driver’s policy limits?

Sometimes. This may involve other liable parties, umbrella or commercial coverage, or uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits.

What are per-person and per-accident limits?

Per-person limits cap recovery for one injured person. Per-accident limits cap the total recovery available for all wounded parties combined.

What is SUM or UIM coverage in New York?

Supplementary Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance.

What if the driver was working at the time of the accident?

Employer or commercial insurance may apply, which is often higher than a personal auto policy.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer?

You should be very cautious. Once you sign a release, your claim may be over permanently. I would strongly suggest speaking with a lawyer first.

How much does it cost to speak with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

Nothing. Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless we are successful.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

• Local Harlem office and multiple NYC-area locations
• No fee unless we win your case
• Bilingual legal services available
• Hundreds of positive client reviews
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
• Top-rated, award-winning personal injury lawyers

Do Not Be a Victim Twice

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, focuses exclusively on personal injury law and fights for accident victims across New York every day. We offer free consultations, work on a contingency basis, and never charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.

We maintain offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County for your convenience.

You can call today for your FREE consultation and take the first step toward justice and financial recovery.