It is unfortunate that many people with auto insurance policies either do not have SUM coverage or have minimum SUM coverage.

Why is SUM coverage so important anyway? SUM stands for Supplementary Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist coverage. SUM is coverage provided by your insurance company to protect you (and your passengers) in the event an accident happens and the other driver either did not have insurance or they had minimal insurance (which is $25,000/$50,000 in New York State).

Again, SUM coverage protects you and your family. For example, if you were badly injured and the other vehicle only had $25,000 in coverage, you would be able to use your SUM coverage. This would allow you to be compensated for your lost wages, pain and suffering and your medical costs up to the level of your SUM coverage. If you had $500,000 of SUM, you could be compensated up to $500,000, even though the other driver only had a $25,000 policy.

What can be done in New York State to ensure that the public is well informed and protected in the case of a serious auto accident? Perhaps, insurance companies and their agents and brokers could be required to have their clients sign a confirmation that they have reviewed and understand SUM coverage and have decided not to seek this additional coverage.

Auto accident victims in New York State are often left with many unanswered questions and often do not understand the importance of SUM coverage until it's too late.

The attorneys at Cellino & Barnes encourage you to contact your insurance agent or broker today to discuss the importance of SUM coverage and whether you have this insurance on your policy. If you have been injured or have questions about an accident you were in, the attorneys at Cellino & Barnes are available 24/7 to help you. Our consultation is free.

The Cellino & Barnes Classroom Scholarship Program is in full swing. Each week during the Buffalo Bills Regular Season, Cellino & Barnes selects 10 classrooms to receive a $250 scholarship.

This week, Ross Cellino visited Ms. Stephanie DiPasquale's 2nd grade class at Southside Elementary, Ms. Jennifer Patterson's 2nd grade class at Highland Elementary and Ms. Dara Pierce's 4th grade class at Starpoint Intermediate.

During Mr. Cellino's visits, he takes the time to speak with the children and then presents the teachers with their classroom scholarship.

"I believe it is our obligation to support the education of our young people," states Ross Cellino. "We all want to see our children succeed and have a bright future."

Cellino & Barnes, one of the largest personal injury law firms in New York State, has expanded their Buffalo offices to the top two floors of Main Place Tower in downtown Buffalo.

"This location will prove beneficial to our clients due to our close proximity to the courthouse," stated Steve Barnes.

"We have designed this location to create a quality working environment for our employees," states Ross Cellino. "In addition, our new office offers excellent facilities for client meetings and depositions."

Cellino & Barnes new address is 2500 Main Place Tower, 350 Main Street , Buffalo, New York 14202-3725. Their phone number remains the same 854-2020.

In addition to the Buffalo location, Cellino & Barnes also has offices located in Rochester, New York and in Melville, New York on Long Island.

Each week during the Buffalo Bills Regular Season, Cellino & Barnes selects 10 classrooms to receive a $250 scholarship from Cellino & Barnes. The scholarship is to be used for classroom supplies and projects.

Cellino & Barnes is committed to the education of our young people. Each week Ross Cellino visits several winning classrooms where he spends time speaking with the children and presents the teachers with their award. This week Mr. Cellino visited: Ms. Dana Santospirito's 4th grade at Kargebein Elementary, Ms. Andrea Nasca's 5th Grade at St. Margaret's and Ms. Lori Dimmer's 4th Grade Class at Buffalo Public School #17.

"The teachers are always so grateful and the children often send us wonderful thank you cards and drawings", stated Ross Cellino. "This program is rewarding on so many levels."

Cellino & Barnes Personal Injury Jeffrey C. Sendziak

Our client, a 43-year-old woman, suffered injuries after the vehicle she was riding in, was rear-ended by a bus.

As a result of the auto accident, our client suffered neck and back injuries, which required surgical intervention.

After the insurance company made numerous low settlement offers, our firm proceeded to trial. We hired a life care planner and an economic expert to testify at trial, as we were determined to get the best result possible for our client. We were able to secure a $1.45 million settlement.

"By being patient and taking this case to trial, our client received the compensation she deserved," stated Ross Cellino. "Jeff Sendziak did an outstanding job for his client."

Cellino & Barnes Trial Attorney Richard P. Amico.

A 39-year-old business owner was struck from behind by a vehicle while on his way to a service call.

As a result of the auto accident, our client suffered multiple disc herniations to his neck and back. As a result, he underwent numerous injections and received hundreds of chiropractic and massage therapy treatments.

Despite his disability, our client did not miss any time from work. He did have to hire another technician to perform the manual labor portion of his job. Our client also had to take out a second mortgage on his home just to keep his business afloat.

A Monroe County jury deliberated for five hours before awarding our client: $80,000 in past pain and suffering; $150,000 in past wage loss; $360,000 in future pain and suffering and $720,000 in future wage loss. The total verdict was $1,310,000.

"Rich Amico did an outstanding job for our client", stated Ross Cellino. "His experience as a trial attorney was a key factor why our client received this substantial award."