If you have been hurt in a car accident in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or elsewhere on Long Island, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Through a personal injury claim, you can recover financial compensation for all of your losses, including medical bills, future medical treatment, property damage, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Based in Melville, New York, The Odierno Law Firm is committed to helping accident victims get the best possible outcome for their insurance claim. We are aggressive advocates for our clients, working hard to achieve a fair settlement. To learn more, give our law office a call to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call (631) 752-8580 Today to Schedule Your Free Case Review​​​​​
Suffering from late-appearing car accident injuries? Contact us for a free consultation and seek compensation!
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer on Long Island
After a car accident in New York, your own insurance typically helps cover certain expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of who was at fault. This can include medical treatment, lost income if you can’t work, and costs for help with daily activities while you recover.
PIP usually provides at least $50,000 per person, which is often enough for minor or moderate injuries. But if your injuries are more serious, such as broken bones, permanent limitations, significant scarring, or injuries that prevent you from handling everyday tasks for an extended period, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
In these situations, it’s essential to work with a car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to try to settle claims for less than you deserve. Having an attorney on your side ensures your rights are protected and increases the likelihood that you will receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose The Odierno Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
The Odierno Law Firm brings more than 150 years of combined experience helping car accident victims across Long Island. Since 1978, our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of cases, recovering over $200 million for our clients.
We provide personalized attention, making sure every client feels supported and understood, while aggressively pursuing the compensation they deserve. We operate on a contingency‑fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover for you, and we are prepared to go to trial if an insurance company refuses a fair settlement.
With The Odierno Law Firm, you get a team committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
How Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you work with The Odierno Law Firm, we handle the complex and time-consuming aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery. We assist by:
- Gathering and organizing evidence. We collect accident reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements to build a strong claim.
- Documenting damages. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, we ensure all your losses are properly recorded.
- Handling insurance communications. We deal with adjusters and insurers to protect your rights and prevent underpayment.
- Coordinating with experts. If needed, we work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economic specialists to support your case.
- Guiding you through the claims process. We explain your options, answer questions, and provide clear guidance every step of the way.
With our support, you have a team dedicated to making sure nothing is overlooked and that your case is pursued as effectively as possible.
Types of Car Accident Lawsuits We Handle
Our firm handles a wide range of car accident injury claims, including:
- Aggressive Driving Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Head-On Collisions
- Hit & Run Accidents
- Rear-End Accidents
- Single and Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
With an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer preparing your injury claim, you can make sure that your covered benefits are fully paid.
What Damages Can You Recover Through a Car Accident Lawsuit?
In a car accident case, you may be entitled to three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Generally, punitive damages are only available for motor vehicle accidents where the at-fault driver acted intentionally or recklessly, such as crashes involving a drunk driver or reckless driving. In most cases, you will probably recover money for your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for direct financial losses. Examples include:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
If a loved one died as a result of the accident, then you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in wrongful death cases are meant to compensate you for what you have lost as a result of your family member’s death, such as funeral expenses and loss of consortium.
What Evidence Do You Need to Maximize Your Car Accident Compensation?
Building a strong case starts with collecting the right documentation. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve. Many of these documents can be gathered on your own, but an experienced car accident lawyer can also help you obtain critical records and professional evaluations that strengthen your claim. Here are some key types of evidence to have:
- Other Driver’s Information – Gather the driver’s license, license plate number, insurance policy details, and contact information at the scene. Take photos to preserve the evidence.
- Medical Bills – Keep all records of your medical treatment, hospital visits, therapy sessions, and related expenses. These bills document the financial impact of your injuries.
- Photos from the Accident – Pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries can serve as strong evidence and help accident reconstruction experts if needed.
- Estimates from Professionals – Mechanics, accounting consultants, and economic experts can provide estimates for vehicle repairs, lost income, and other damages to counter insurance company evaluations.
Common Causes of Long Island Car Accidents
In a car accident case, you and your lawyer must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Below are four common forms of negligence that lead to serious accidents:
Texting and Driving
Any distraction can be dangerous, but texting and driving encompasses all three forms of distracted driving. A driver has to look at the phone (visual), hold it with one hand to read or respond (manual), and focus on what the text says (cognitive). Typically, texting and driving can lead to swerving, erratic braking, and more.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol can significantly damage someone’s depth perception, focus, decision-making, and more. Unfortunately, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of crashes, and it often leads to some of the most severe and catastrophic injuries. A drunk driver would exhibit some of the same signs as a distracted driver.
Speeding
Speeding can make it difficult to stop at red lights, traffic signs, and more. Speeding can easily cause a driver to lose control. It’s easy to recognize if someone’s speeding, but if they cause an accident, you may need to show signs of negligence to pursue compensation, such as tire marks from the driver trying to brake too quickly.
Fatigued Driving
When a driver is too tired, they may swerve between lanes, speed up and slow down, brake without another car in front of them, and other problems. Unfortunately, fatigue is much more dangerous than most initially thought, with some studies suggesting that it causes around 20% of all accidents.
Why Us?
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your Case- Our Firm is Backed By Trial Success & Client Satisfaction
- We Will Review Your Personal Injury Claim For Free
- We Have Over 150 Years of Combined Legal Experience
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your CaseCommon Car Accident Injuries
Some injuries from car accidents may not appear immediately, which is why getting a prompt medical evaluation is crucial. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Strains or damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often from rear-end collisions. Pain and stiffness may appear hours or days later.
- Brain Injuries – Concussions or more severe trauma from sudden impact. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory problems.
- Head Injuries – Cuts, contusions, or impact injuries caused by contact with the vehicle, dashboard, or flying debris.
- Lacerations and Bruises – Cuts and significant bruising, sometimes from seat belts or debris, which can take time to heal.
- Internal Bleeding – Damage to organs that may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if untreated.
- Post-Traumatic Stress – Emotional and psychological effects such as anxiety, flashbacks, or difficulty sleeping, which may develop over time.
- Other Injuries – Knee injuries, herniated discs, or other physical and psychological trauma that can affect mobility and daily activities.
Even injuries that seem minor at first should be evaluated to ensure proper treatment and to document your condition for any potential claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident On Long Island: Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
Taking the right steps after a car accident can protect your safety and your ability to recover compensation.
- Check for injuries and move to a safe location. Make sure everyone is safe and, if possible, move vehicles out of traffic.
- Contact emergency services. Call 911 if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000. In New York, reporting is required in these situations.
- Exchange information and document the accident. Get the other driver’s license plate, insurance details, and contact information. Collect witness names and take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Seek medical attention promptly. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation ensures proper care and creates a record linking injuries to the accident.
- Schedule a consultation with a Long Island car accident lawyer. Most attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
​​Long Island Car Accident Lawyers: FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Long Island Car Accident Attorney?
At The Odierno Law Firm, we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything up front, and our fee is only collected if we recover compensation for you. You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work and fight for the full amount you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Crash on Long Island?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Filing on time is critical because missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. A consultation with The Odierno Law Firm can help you understand your options and ensure your claim is handled promptly.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident On Long Island?
It depends. If you did not suffer any injuries and the only loss that you had was property damage, then it may make sense to simply negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your own. However, if you were hurt at all (even if your injuries seem minor), it’s important to have a lawyer evaluate your case. A lawyer can review your situation, ensure all damages are documented, and help you pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your injuries are more serious than they first appear.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on factors such as how serious your injuries were, whether you will be permanently disabled, and how much insurance coverage the at-fault driver has. For example, a person who suffers spinal cord injuries in a rear-end collision will typically recover more than someone who had some bruising and broken bones and who will recover completely. During your free consultation, our Long Island car accident attorneys will give you an estimate of the value of your case. But it’s important to note that as your claim progresses, this number may increase or decrease.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Probably not. The majority (97%) of personal injury lawsuits are resolved without going to trial. Insurance companies know that it is often far less expensive to offer a fair settlement than to risk taking the case to a jury.
Our Car Accident Attorneys on Long Island Bring More Than 150 Years of Experience. Get the Help You Need Today.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident on Long Island, getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible is crucial. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and even injuries that seem minor at first can have lasting effects. Our attorneys can help gather evidence, document your losses, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Odierno Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.