Rental car companies carry liability insurance since they, as is the case
with every other vehicle owner, are liable for any
non-reimbursable losses caused by their vehicle not mater whom is driving.
Having said that, the insurance company then has recourse to collect from
you.  Contact an attorney, WBMA

mike hunt

No fault in NYS provides up to 50k coverage if the other party is uninsured
for personal injury only, property damage I believe, is not covered on no
fault.

So you were driving with no liability coverage?  Ouch.  Not real
smart, but I guess you know that now so I won't say more on that.
Anyway, this is coming from someone who is not an insurance or law
professional so take it for that.  Anyway, I would say you are liable
for whatever you are deemed liable for.  That means the pole, the
damage to the other cars, the medical bills; any and all that the
court says is your obligation.  Now then, if you cannot pay or do not
pay, the uninsured motorist insurance (and whatever kind of insurance
the city has, if any, for the pole)  I suspect will help cover those
expenses for those involved.  However, those insurance companies are
going to try and come after you to get reimbursed if they have to pay
for what you rightfully owe.  The dollar amount could get real high
real fast (depending on cars and medical bills etc.).  If the cost is
too high for your net worth and future prospects, you might look into
bankruptcy.  But then, I don't know if such obligations are excused
under any kind of bankruptcy.  Remember, I'm no lawyer.  If I were
you, I would pay for a legal consult for the right info.

UIM doesn't come into play with a legal rental. You had the option but
didn't take it. That means YOU accepted the liability from your actions.
UIM only covers if you are driving a vehicle that doesn't have any
insurance. If you don't have your own car insurance or a homeowners
policy that covers rental property liability your going to want an
attorney ASAP. You will be liable for any and all damages and medical
bills of others involved. Then there are also the ever popular lawsuits
for pain & suffering and lost wages. One thing your going to want to do
is sit down and write up everything you can remember about the accident,
weather conditions, location and times and just about anything else, and
get a copy of the police report. The lawsuits may not turn up for a
while since they have 3 years to file. It is NOT a fun thing.

   No lawyer here either, but having been involved with car rental/leasing,
to a degree in SC, I'm shocked to know the rental companies will even rent a
car w/o liability ins. being on it--either thru their own company or
verification of your personal liability coverage(which you say you didn't
have).  I'd think the rental co.'s liability(again, IF ANY) coverage would
pay up to its stated limits, the UIM of the 3rd car would pay up to its
stated limits, and any leftover you may be liable for.  I'd also think the
rental co's liability would have high limits.  May be way, way off
base--just my thinking.  s