Proven Trial & Settlement Results
Millions Recovered Including a 5.5M Trial Verdict and a 3.2M Settlement
Nine Offices Across Long Island
Experienced legal help is always close to home when you need it most
an AWARD-WINNING law firm
We were voted best law firm on Long Island five times
100% PLAINTIFF FOCUSED — NEVER INSURANCE COMPANIES
We fight exclusively for injured people, delivering real results for members of our community.
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Serving Clients in Long Island, NY
Car accidents happen out of the blue, changing your normal routine into months and sometimes years of unexpected challenges. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult to handle. Car accident survivors often face significant medical bills, lost income due to missed time from work, frequent doctors’ visits and physical pain and emotional distress. Most people are also not prepared for the steady stream of insurance paperwork and endless phone calls with insurance adjusters, all while trying to recover from their injuries. The financial stress can become overwhelming, particularly when injuries are severe and long-lasting.
This is where Palermo Law can help. As dedicated Long Island car accident lawyers, our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve while reducing your overall stress. We focus on confronting the multi-billion-dollar insurance companies that often deny responsibility for their drivers’ negligence. For over 25 years, our firm has fought for Long Islanders, recovering millions of dollars for our clients.
Our commitment to injured people is unwavering. We never represent insurance companies. We always offer a free consultation to discuss your case at any of our 9 offices across Long Island. For those who find travel difficult, we offer the convenience of visiting you at your home or hospital to ensure that you can access our services comfortably.
Why Trust Palermo Law with Your Case?
Three Decades of Proven Success in New York Auto Accident Law
Since 1994, we’ve represented hundreds of injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our attorneys understand how Long Island’s unique roadways, from the Long Island Expressway to Sunrise Highway, create specific collision patterns and liability issues that require local expertise.
Led by Steven Palermo, New York State Trial Lawyers Association Member
Steven Palermo brings over twenty-five years of courtroom experience and serves on the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, where he stays current on evolving case law and trial strategies. His personal experience as a car accident victim gives him unique insight into what clients face during recovery.
Recognized by the Community We Serve
Named Best Law Firm by Bethpage Best of Long Island five consecutive years (2020-2024), reflecting the trust Long Island residents place in our firm when their lives are disrupted by serious accidents.
$75 Million Recovered Through Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Preparation
Our case results include $1.7 million for a construction worker struck by a vehicle at a work zone, $1.5 million for a passenger injured when a truck ran a red light, $1.2 million for a driver who suffered herniated discs in a rear-end collision, and $900,000 for a T-bone crash victim with multiple fractures. We prepare every case for trial, which pushes insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
100% Client-Side Representation—We Never Work for Insurance Companies
Unlike firms that split their practice between plaintiffs and insurance defense, we exclusively represent injured people. This means we never face conflicts of interest and our strategies are built solely around maximizing your recovery.
PLANNING A COURSE OF ACTION FOLLOWING YOUR CAR ACCIDENT
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your actions to manage the situation effectively. Here are some strategic steps to consider:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, repairs, and correspondences with insurance companies.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consulting with experienced attorneys like those at Palermo Law can provide clarity and direction, ensuring that your rights are protected.
- Rest and Recover: Your health should be your top priority. Ensure you follow medical advice and give yourself time to recover.
- Communicate Carefully: Be cautious in your communications with insurance adjusters who may seek to minimize your compensation.
At Palermo Law, we understand the tumultuous period following a car accident and strive to alleviate the burden from your shoulders. Our team is ready to guide you through each step, helping you regain stability and control over your life. Reach out to us, and let’s start planning your course of action together.
“I focus 100% of my practice on Personal Injury. I believe this area of law takes ALL of an attorney’s focus to be well versed.”
- Steven Palermo
Multi-Million Dollar
Car Accident Settlements
Long Island injury attorney Steven Palermo has earned multiple multi-million dollar settlements for victims of car accidents. Some of these victories include $1.7 Million for a construction worker injured when a car crashed into a barricade at a construction site, and $1.5 Million for a passenger in a car that was struck by a truck.
See all our case results here.
verdicts & settlements
$5.5
million
For injuries caused by the mistaken release of a prison convict
$3.2
million
Child Pedestrian Struck by Commercial Delivery Truck in a Residential Neighborhood
$1.7
million
For a client who was injured from a construction accident
$1.5
million
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
$1.05
million
The victim suffered a fractured ankle while on another parties premises
$1.025
million
For a client who was injured from a drunk driver
$975
thousand
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
$975
thousand
for client injured in a construction site accident
Meet Steven Palermo, Personal Injury Lawyer
Across Long Island
I’m Steven Palermo, a Long Island personal injury lawyer with nearly three decades of experience representing people whose lives have been changed by serious accidents. I built my practice on honesty, personal attention, and a willingness to take on powerful insurance companies and corporations when they refuse to do what’s right.
My commitment to personal injury law comes from being in your shoes. Years ago, I was in a severe accident when my car was rear-ended by a box truck and pushed into oncoming traffic. I lived through the pain, the uncertainty, and the frustration of dealing with insurance companies that questioned my injuries and tried to shift blame instead of taking responsibility. Experiencing that process firsthand showed me how unfair it can be for injured people who are just trying to recover and move forward.
Today, I’ve represented hundreds of injured clients across Long Island and recovered more than $75 million on their behalf. I approach every case knowing there is a real person behind it, someone dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty, because I’ve been there myself.
Client Reviews & Testimonials
“...knowledgeable and easy to work with.”
Steven Palermo was extremely professional and got me a settlement when I wasn’t even sure I had a case. His staff was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Will definitely use them again if the need arises.
Sherri M.
google review
“My experience with this law firm was excellent.”
Steven Palermo went above and beyond his call of duty to make sure I was awarded all that I was entitled to. Mr Palermo’s staff was very professional and kind in such a tender time in my life. I highly recommend Mr. Palermo along with this law firm to all my friends and relatives. In fact I already have.
Gillean G.
google review
“...cannot be happier with our decision!”
Steven Palermo was referred to us from a friend and I cannot be happier with our decision. He worked hard to obtain a settlement to compensate for pain I had to undergo as a result of an accident. I will continue to refer anyone in need of a car accident attorney to this office! Thanks Palermo for everything!
James M.
google review
“All my expectations were met...”
Steve and his staff were very polite and diligent. I felt the human side of the business. They even came to my home to visit. Steven always told me the truth about my case. All my expectations were met, and I truly appreciate that!
Astrid C.
google review
online ratings
A Passion For Helping Injured People
Commitment to Justice at Palermo Law
At Palermo Law, we are deeply committed to supporting those injured in car crashes throughout Long Island. Our firm is led by Steven Palermo, a seasoned attorney whose three decades of legal experience have been dedicated to achieving justice for accident victims. We place a high value on client satisfaction, guiding each case from its inception to its conclusion with a personal touch that sets us apart.
Proven Track Record and Personalized Care
Our track record speaks volumes about our capability and dedication. We have successfully handled numerous auto accident claims, confronting large insurance companies head-on to secure substantial settlements for our clients. Understanding the myriad challenges that victims encounter, especially when dealing with uncooperative insurers, is at the heart of what we do.
Steven Palermo’s personal involvement in every case highlights our firm’s commitment to personal attention and justice. We advocate fervently for our clients, negotiating aggressively to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries and suffering. If you or someone close to you has been seriously injured due to another party’s negligence in Long Island, we encourage you to reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Flexible Consultation and No-Risk Representation
Our firm offers highly flexible consultation options to suit your circumstances, including visits to your home or hospital across Long Island. We operate strictly on a contingency basis, which means our fees are contingent upon winning your case. This ensures that seeking justice is risk-free for you—no win, no fee.
Partner with Palermo Law
Palermo Law is here to shoulder the burden of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your situation with an experienced Long Island car accident attorney. We are prepared to listen, understand, and act on your behalf, helping you navigate this challenging time with confidence and support.
You have questions? We have answers.
No legal mumbo jumbo—just easy-to-read answers to the questions that matter most. Our guide to handling New York State car accidents is written just for you.
download the “e-book”
Why You Should Hire a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New York State, you may be tempted to handle the insurance claims and legal proceedings on your own. However, the complexities of these processes can be overwhelming, especially when you’re up against insurance companies whose main goal is to minimize their payouts. This often results in bureaucratic red tape, repeated rejections of claims, and significant frustration.
Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are adept at employing strategies that can undermine your rights as a claimant. They might offer settlements that are far below what’s needed to cover the full extent of your accident-related expenses. Sometimes, they may even try to shift the blame onto you, even when the other party is clearly at fault.
The Value of Expert Legal Representation
This is where the skill of an experienced Long Island car accident attorney becomes helpful. An experienced attorney has the ability and resources to fight insurance company tactics. They will conduct full investigation of the accident scene, gather important evidence, and negotiate thoroughly on your behalf to make sure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
A qualified attorney understands the factors that influence your case and can accurately determine the value of your car accident claim. In many cases, your injuries may qualify as serious under New York law, enabling you to pursue a personal injury claim and recover compensation beyond what basic no-fault insurance allows, including damages for pain and suffering and long-term losses. Their knowledge and negotiation skills are important in obtaining the best possible financial outcome for you, helping relieve the stress that often follows a serious car accident.
By retaining a car accident lawyer, you not only receive help with complicated insurance claims, but you also protect your rights and give yourself the best chance to receive full and fair compensation. Don’t face the legal process alone. Work with a trusted advocate who knows how to get results.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another, often due to tailgating or distracted driving, frequently resulting in whiplash or spinal injuries that we expertly document for maximum compensation.
- Intersection Accidents: Caused by running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging turns, these crashes at crossroads can lead to severe injuries, and we investigate thoroughly to prove liability.
- Head-On Collisions: When two vehicles collide front-to-front, often at high speeds, these rare but devastating accidents demand our skilled analysis to secure justice for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
- Side-impact collisions (T-Bone Accidents): These happen when the side of one vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another, typically at intersections, and our team excels at pinpointing fault to recover damages like the $900,000 we’ve won for clients.
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Involving three or more vehicles, these chain-reaction crashes complicate fault determination, but our experience unravels the chaos to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: When a driver flees the scene, we leverage evidence like surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify them, fighting tirelessly to protect your rights under New York law.
5 Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
- Check for Injuries: Immediately assess yourself, passengers, and others involved for injuries. Call for emergency medical help if needed.
- Move to a Safe Location: If it’s safe, move your vehicle to prevent further accidents. Use hazard lights and road safety equipment to alert other drivers.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police. A detailed police report is invaluable for insurance claims and legal purposes.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved, and get information from witnesses. Take comprehensive photos of the scene, damages, and road conditions.
- Contact an Attorney: After addressing immediate safety and health concerns, consult with a car accident attorney to protect your rights and navigate the claim process effectively.
Understand Your Rights After a Long Island Car Accident
New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
New York’s no-fault insurance covers up to $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. This provides immediate relief while you recover. You can review the official overview of New York’s no-fault benefits provided by the New York State Department of Financial Services for additional details about how coverage works and what expenses are included. However, if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold—such as fractures, permanent limitation of bodily function, significant disfigurement, or injuries preventing you from performing daily activities for 90 of the first 180 days after the accident—you can pursue additional compensation beyond no-fault limits. This includes damages for pain and suffering, future medical care, and lost earning capacity that insurance companies often try to minimize or deny.
How Car Accidents Happen and Why It Matters
Understanding the cause of your accident is critical to proving fault and recovering compensation. Long Island car accidents frequently result from distracted driving including texting and phone use, speeding on highways and residential streets, drunk or impaired driving, running red lights or failing to yield at intersections, aggressive behaviors like tailgating and unsafe lane changes, and hazardous weather conditions. Establishing the exact cause requires thorough investigation. We gather police reports, witness statements, cell phone records, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to build the strongest possible case for you.
Critical Deadlines That Protect Your Rights
In New York, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. But waiting is never a good idea and usually weakens your case because evidence often disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. But there are even more urgent deadlines to keep in mind beyond the three year statute of limitations.
- No-fault insurance applications must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
- Claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 90 days.
Missing one of these deadlines can damage or even ruin your case. Further, it’s not always readily apparent if your accident involved a government vehicle. Our Long Island car accident lawyers act immediately to gather evidence, document injuries, and file all necessary paperwork to ensure your claim is protected. Early legal representation prevents costly mistakes like missing deadlines, accepting low settlement offers or giving recorded statements that can hurt your case.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident on Long Island, you do not have to face the legal process on your own. Early guidance from an attorney can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and guarantee your no-fault benefits and insurance claims are handled properly.
At Palermo Law, we offer free consultations and handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront legal fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
You can meet with us at any of our nine office locations across Nassau and Suffolk Counties:
- Babylon – serving West Babylon, Lindenhurst, Copiague, Amityville, and North Babylon
- Carle Place – serving Garden City, Westbury, East Meadow, and Uniondale
- East Hampton – serving Southampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, and Montauk
- Elmont – serving Valley Stream, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Bellerose, and Jamaica
- Hauppauge – serving Smithtown, Commack, Brentwood, Central Islip, and Islandia
- Huntington – serving Huntington Station, Northport, Cold Spring Harbor, Melville, and Dix Hills
- Mineola – serving Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Herricks, and Albertson
- Patchogue – serving Medford, Holbrook, Bellport, Blue Point, and Sayville
- Riverhead – serving Calverton, Wading River, Aquebogue, Jamesport, and Mattituck
If you are unable to travel due to your injuries, we can arrange a meeting at your home or at the hospital. If you have questions about a recent accident or want to understand your legal options, contact Palermo Law today to schedule a consultation with a Long Island car accident lawyer.
frequently asked questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident on Long Island?
Seek medical help right away, contact the police to report the accident, document the scene thoroughly (photos, witness details), and consult an experienced Long Island car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Read more about these steps in greater detail.
Do I need an attorney after a minor car accident on Long Island?
Even minor car accidents can lead to hidden injuries and property damage disputes. Seeking medical attention and consulting an attorney ensures you protect your rights and receive appropriate compensation.
If you have been in a minor accident, learn more about next steps.
How much does a Long Island car accident attorney cost?
Most reputable car accident attorneys on Long Island, including Palermo Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no fees unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you.
What damages can I recover in a car accident claim in Long Island?
You can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Learn more about damages you can recover in a car accident claim.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to car accidents is typically three years from the accident date, though exceptions exist. Consult an attorney promptly to protect your rights. Additionally, other deadlines, such as insurance applications, may need to be filed sooner. For example, New York is a no-fault state which means you are eligible for compensation regardless of who is at fault if you are injured in an accident. No-fault applications must be filed within thirty days of an accident.
Read more about the timeline for filing a car accident claim in New York.
What if the at-fault driver has no insurance or is underinsured on Long Island?
In such cases, you may file a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. An attorney can help maximize your recovery from these claims.
Read more on what to do if an at-fault driver has no insurance or is underinsured.
Will my car accident case on Long Island go to court?
Most car accident cases settle without going to court. However, if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney should be prepared to fight aggressively in court.
How long does a Long Island car accident settlement typically take?
Car accident settlements vary from a few months to over a year, depending on injury severity, disputes over liability, medical treatment duration, and insurance negotiations.
What evidence is most important after a Long Island car accident?
Critical evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony when needed.
Learn more about important pieces of evidence for your car accident case.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company after my accident?
No, it’s best not to speak directly with the other driver's insurer without legal representation. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Always let your attorney handle these communications.
Read more about why you should not talk directly to the other driver's insurance company.
Can I receive compensation if the accident was partially my fault on Long Island?
Yes, under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can recover compensation even if partially responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced proportionally to your share of fault.
Learn more about the details of receiving compensation with partial fault involved.
Is New York a no-fault state for car accidents, and what does that mean?
Yes, New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your insurance initially pays your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. However, you may sue for additional damages if injuries meet certain severity thresholds, such as serious or permanent injuries.
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