Babylon
Serving Babylon Village, West Babylon, North Babylon, Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst, and surrounding communities along the South Shore.
Suffolk County Car Accident Lawyers Focused on Maximum Compensation
- $75M+ Recovered for Clients
- 400+ 5-Star Google Reviews
- 25+ Yrs Experience
- 9 Offices Nassau & Suffolk County
If you were injured in a car accident in Suffolk County, you’re likely dealing with more than just the crash itself. Medical treatment, time out of work, and constant calls from insurance companies can make things feel overwhelming quickly.
At Palermo Law, we help people across Long Island take control of the situation and get back to normal. We handle all types of car accident cases, including rear-end collisions, left-turn accidents, sideswipes, and crashes caused by drivers who ignore traffic signals or signs. These accidents happen every day on roads like the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway, and Route 110 or any of the residential streets in our communities.
Our Long Island car accident attorneys have recovered over 75 million dollars for injured clients and brings more than 75 years of combined experience to every case. We have six offices across Suffolk County, making it easy to meet with us, and we are available for after-hours appointments when needed. We are also proud to have earned over 400 five-star reviews on Google, with an average rating of 4.9 across platforms.
If you’re not sure what to do next, we’re here to help guide you through it.
Explore More
A $1,025,000 Recovery in a Drunk Driving Case
When a driver was overserved at a local bar and caused a crash, we pursued the bar alongside the driver under New York’s Dram Shop Act — recovering far more than the driver’s policy alone would have allowed.
Why Suffolk County Injury Victims Choose Palermo Law
When someone comes to us after a car accident, they usually want three things. They want to recover as much as possible, they want the process to be manageable, and they want their case handled without unnecessary delay.
That is exactly how we approach every case.
| 1 |
Maximize Your RecoveryWe build strong cases from day one. That means gathering all relevant evidence, working closely with your medical providers to understand the extent of your injuries, and making sure all of your damages are fully documented. Our goal is to put you in the best position to recover everything the law allows. |
| 2 |
Minimize Your StressYou should be focused on getting better, not dealing with insurance adjusters and paperwork. Once we are involved, we handle the communication, insurance forms, and the legal claims process so you don’t have to. |
| 3 |
Move Your Case ForwardWe do not let cases sit waiting for adjusters to call us. Delays can hurt your claim and your recovery. We stay proactive and keep your case moving at every stage minimizing the time it takes to resolve your case. |
Why We Employ a Trial Ready Approach
Insurance companies keep track of law firms. They know which lawyers are prepared to prove their case in court and which ones are waiting for a quick settlement call. Being prepared creates leverage in negotiations.
That leverage often leads to stronger settlement offers and better results, without unnecessary delay. We are not sitting back waiting on insurance companies. We are building your case from the start.
What Sets Us Apart
We prepare every case for trial from day one
What makes us different is the fact that we prepare cases for trial from the moment we are hired. We treat every case as if it could go to trial.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Injuries happen in many different ways across Suffolk County. As Long Island car accident attorneys, we handle the most common cause of serious injury in the region every day. Understanding how these accidents occurred is often the key to proving fault.
Most Common Types of Car Accidents
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Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes in Suffolk County, especially in stop-and-go traffic. In virtually all cases, the driver in the rear is responsible for following too closely.
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Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents often happen when a driver turns across traffic and fails to yield the right of way. These cases can result in serious side-impact collisions.
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Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who are texting, using their phone, or otherwise not paying attention put everyone at risk. These cases often require phone records and other evidence to prove what happened.
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Drunk Driving Accidents
Accidents involving alcohol are often severe and completely preventable. These cases may involve additional claims beyond the standard insurance coverage such as claims against the bar that served the driver.
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Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents usually occur during lane changes or merging. These cases often come down to positioning, vehicle damage, and witness statements.
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Red Light and Stop Sign Accidents
Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and failing to follow traffic signals are common causes of serious accidents. These cases often involve clear violations of the law.
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Other Car Accident Scenarios
We also handle hit and run accidents, collisions involving multiple vehicles, highway crashes, and cases where fault is disputed. No matter how the accident happened, we work to uncover the facts and build a strong case.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, even at lower speeds. Some of the most common injuries we see include back and neck injuries, herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and fractures.
Back and Neck Injuries
Whiplash and cervical spine injuries are the most common results of car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. These injuries can cause long term pain, limited range of motion, difficulty working, and difficulty sleeping. They are also frequently disputed by insurance companies, making obtaining medical proof a key part of the case.
Herniated Discs
The force of a collision can cause spinal discs to bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. Herniated discs often require extended treatment including physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, or surgery. The long-term impact on your ability to work and function is a key component of your claim.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in car accidents but are not always visible on standard imaging such as x-rays. Insurance companies often characterize these injuries as minor, even when symptoms are severe and long lasting. Proper treatment records and physician reports are critical to overcoming that challenge.
Broken Bones and Fractures
High-impact collisions frequently cause fractures to the wrist, arm, collarbone, ribs, or leg. Some fractures require surgery and extended rehabilitation, resulting in significant lost income and long-term limitations. The severity and location of the fracture directly affects the value of your claim.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even a seemingly minor blow to the head can cause a concussion or more serious brain injury. Symptoms including headaches, memory problems, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties may not be immediately apparent. These injuries require early evaluation and careful documentation to establish the connection to the accident.
We work closely with your medical providers to document your injuries and understand how they affect your daily life. Proper medical treatment and records are often the key to proving your case and recovering significant compensation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take after an accident can make a difference in your case.
| 1 | Get medical attention as soon as possible
Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to appear. Soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, and concussions may not cause symptoms right away or even for hours or days. Getting evaluated early creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident, which is critical for your claim. |
| 2 | Report the accident
Make sure the incident is documented with a police report. A formal report establishes an official record of when, where, and how the accident occurred. Do not leave the scene without ensuring law enforcement has responded and a report has been filed. |
| 3 | Take photos and gather information
If you are able to do so safely, document the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver and collect the names of any witnesses. This evidence can be difficult or impossible to recover later. Don’t count on the police to do it. |
| 4 | Be careful speaking with insurance companies
You are not required to give a recorded statement and doing so before speaking with an attorney can hurt your case. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that eliminate or minimize your claim. Stick to basic facts at the scene and route all further communication through your attorney. |
| 5 | Speak with an attorney early
Getting legal guidance early can help you avoid mistakes that are difficult to undo. An attorney can advise you on your treatment, preserve evidence, and handle communications with the insurance company from the start. Most consultations are free and there is no fee unless we recover money for you. |
Understanding No Fault Insurance
New York is a no-fault state. That means your own insurance company initially covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, no fault benefits are limited. They do not cover pain and suffering and certain other expenses.
To bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, you must meet what is known as the serious injury threshold. This is where proper medical treatment and documentation become critical to the success of your case.
Understanding how no-fault insurance works, and how it fits into your overall case, is an important part of protecting your rights. We take care of all no-fault issues free of charge.
Car Accident Deadlines in New York: Don’t Miss Your Window
In most car accident cases in New York, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under New York CPLR §214.
If you were injured and need no-fault benefits such as medical treatment and lost wages, you must complete a no-fault application with your insurance company within 30 days of the accident. Missing that deadline can result in a denial of benefits.
Some cases have much shorter deadlines. If a municipality is involved, you likely need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under New York’s General Municipal Law. Failing to do this can mean you cannot pursue your case.
Waiting too long can hurt or even ruin your case. Deadlines can pass. Evidence can be lost. Witnesses may become harder to locate. Acting early helps protect your rights and strengthens your claim.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line. That always means minimizing what they pay on claims.
They may contact you quickly after the accident and offer a settlement before you fully understand your injuries. They may also ask for recorded statements that can later be used against you.
Recorded statements are one of the most common ways insurers build a case against you. An adjuster may call within days of the accident, often before you have fully assessed your injuries, and ask you to walk through what happened. The conversation may seem routine, but your words can be taken out of context, used to dispute the severity of your injuries, or undermine your account of the accident entirely. You are not required to give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
Once we are involved, we handle those communications and make sure your case is taken seriously. Our goal is to level the playing field and put you in the strongest possible position when it comes time to resolve your case.
The Value of Having a Lawyer in Your Corner
Without a Lawyer
$17,600
Average car accident settlement
vs.
With a Lawyer
$77,600
Average car accident settlement
Our Suffolk County Offices
Suffolk County car accident help, wherever you were hurt
East Hampton
Serving East Hampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Montauk, and communities across the East End.
Hauppauge
Serving Hauppauge, Smithtown, Commack, Nesconset, Lake Grove, Brentwood, and the surrounding mid-Suffolk area.
Huntington
Serving Huntington, Huntington Station, Cold Spring Harbor, Melville, Dix Hills, Centerport, Greenlawn, and nearby communities.
Patchogue
Serving Patchogue, Blue Point, Medford, Holbrook, Sayville, Bayport, and communities along the South Shore.
Riverhead
Serving Riverhead, Wading River, Calverton, Manorville, Aquebogue, Jamesport, and surrounding eastern Suffolk communities.
5-Time Winner
Long Island’s Best Law Firm
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Voted Best Law Firm on Long Island by readers of BestOfLongIsland.com, presented by Four Leaf — recognition the firm has earned five times over from the community it serves.
Common Traffic Violations That Lead to Crashes
How Did Your Crash Happen?
Select a violation to see how these crashes happen, how we prove them, and where they occur across Suffolk County.
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Common Violation
Speeding
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all fatal crashes. It reduces a driver’s ability to react, increases stopping distance, and magnifies the force of impact. In New York State, speeding was cited in 28% of all fatal crashes over a recent three-year period.
How We Prove ItEstablishing Excess Speed
We reconstruct speed from skid marks, crush damage, and event data recorder downloads, and pair that with road geometry and posted limits to show the driver was traveling too fast for conditions.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Speeding crashes concentrate on Suffolk County’s high-speed corridors and multilane arterials where posted limits are frequently exceeded.
Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)Sunrise HwyRoute 25AWilliam Floyd PkwySagtikos Pkwy -
Common Violation
Drunk / Impaired Driving
Alcohol impairs thinking, reaction time, and muscle coordination — all critical for safe driving. At a BAC of .08 g/dL, crash risk increases exponentially. In 2023, one person died every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the United States. Twenty-five percent of children killed in traffic crashes that year died in alcohol-involved collisions.
How We Prove ItDocumenting Impairment
We secure the police DWI report, chemical test results, and toxicology records, and investigate whether a bar or restaurant overserved the driver — opening a potential Dram Shop claim beyond the driver’s own coverage.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Impaired-driving crashes cluster on late-night Suffolk County routes near nightlife districts and the corridors connecting them.
Sunrise HwyMontauk HwyRoute 25AMain St (Patchogue)Route 110 -
Common Violation
Distracted Driving
Distraction includes texting, phone calls, eating, and adjusting vehicle controls. Reading a text at 55 mph means traveling the length of a football field with eyes off the road. In 2023, distracted driving affected 8% of fatal crashes, 13% of all injury crashes, and an estimated 13% of all police-reported crashes nationwide.
How We Prove ItUncovering the Distraction
We subpoena cell phone records and in-vehicle infotainment logs, review dashcam and traffic footage, and use witness accounts to establish the driver’s attention was off the road at the moment of impact.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Distraction-related crashes occur across all Suffolk County road types but peak in stop-and-go commuter corridors.
LIE (I-495)Route 110Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)Veterans Memorial HwyRoute 347 -
Common Violation
Failure to Yield Right of Way
One of the leading causes of intersection and T-bone accidents. Failure to yield is a contributing factor in a significant share of angle collisions — the crash type responsible for approximately 8,700 deaths annually. It is among the most frequently cited driver-related factors in fatal large-truck crashes as well.
How We Prove ItEstablishing Right of Way
We use intersection camera footage, signal timing records, point-of-impact analysis, and witness statements to establish who had the right of way and how the failure to yield caused the collision.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Failure-to-yield crashes occur at busy signalized and uncontrolled intersections along Suffolk County’s major arterials.
Route 110 & Jericho TpkeMiddle Country Rd (Rte 25)Route 347Nesconset HwyVeterans Memorial Hwy -
Common Violation
Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
Tailgating is the primary driver of rear-end collisions, the most common crash type in the United States. Over 20% of all car accidents involve rear-end collisions caused by following too closely, giving drivers insufficient time to brake when traffic slows or stops unexpectedly. New York law requires a safe following distance at all times.
How We Prove ItEstablishing Fault
Rear-end cases turn on point of impact and following distance. We document vehicle damage, pull dashcam footage, and use the police report to establish the rear driver failed to maintain a safe distance.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Rear-end crashes concentrate in congested stop-and-go traffic on Suffolk County’s expressways and their service roads.
LIE (I-495)Sunrise HwyRoute 110Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)Veterans Memorial Hwy -
Common Violation
Unsafe Lane Changes & Improper Passing
Sideswipe collisions — the third most common crash type — are frequently caused by drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots, failing to signal, or passing on the right. Unsafe lane changes are a significant factor on Suffolk County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials, where traffic density is high and merge zones are short.
How We Prove ItReconstructing the Merge
We analyze the location of side-impact damage, pull dashcam and traffic footage, and gather witness accounts of the lane change to establish which driver left their lane unsafely.
Where It Happens in Suffolk CountyCommon Locations
Sideswipes occur on Suffolk County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials with short merge zones and dense traffic.
LIE (I-495)Sagtikos PkwySunrise HwyRoute 27William Floyd Pkwy
Common Violation
Speeding
For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all fatal crashes. It reduces a driver’s ability to react, increases stopping distance, and magnifies the force of impact. In New York State, speeding was cited in 28% of all fatal crashes over a recent three-year period.
How We Prove It
Establishing Excess Speed
We reconstruct speed from skid marks, crush damage, and event data recorder downloads, and pair that with road geometry and posted limits to show the driver was traveling too fast for conditions.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Speeding crashes concentrate on Suffolk County’s high-speed corridors and multilane arterials where posted limits are frequently exceeded.
Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)
Sunrise Hwy
Route 25A
William Floyd Pkwy
Sagtikos Pkwy
Common Violation
Drunk / Impaired Driving
Alcohol impairs thinking, reaction time, and muscle coordination — all critical for safe driving. At a BAC of .08 g/dL, crash risk increases exponentially. In 2023, one person died every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the United States. Twenty-five percent of children killed in traffic crashes that year died in alcohol-involved collisions.
How We Prove It
Documenting Impairment
We secure the police DWI report, chemical test results, and toxicology records, and investigate whether a bar or restaurant overserved the driver — opening a potential Dram Shop claim beyond the driver’s own coverage.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Impaired-driving crashes cluster on late-night Suffolk County routes near nightlife districts and the corridors connecting them.
Sunrise Hwy
Montauk Hwy
Route 25A
Main St (Patchogue)
Route 110
Common Violation
Distracted Driving
Distraction includes texting, phone calls, eating, and adjusting vehicle controls. Reading a text at 55 mph means traveling the length of a football field with eyes off the road. In 2023, distracted driving affected 8% of fatal crashes, 13% of all injury crashes, and an estimated 13% of all police-reported crashes nationwide.
How We Prove It
Uncovering the Distraction
We subpoena cell phone records and in-vehicle infotainment logs, review dashcam and traffic footage, and use witness accounts to establish the driver’s attention was off the road at the moment of impact.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Distraction-related crashes occur across all Suffolk County road types but peak in stop-and-go commuter corridors.
LIE (I-495)
Route 110
Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)
Veterans Memorial Hwy
Route 347
Common Violation
Failure to Yield Right of Way
One of the leading causes of intersection and T-bone accidents. Failure to yield is a contributing factor in a significant share of angle collisions — the crash type responsible for approximately 8,700 deaths annually. It is among the most frequently cited driver-related factors in fatal large-truck crashes as well.
How We Prove It
Establishing Right of Way
We use intersection camera footage, signal timing records, point-of-impact analysis, and witness statements to establish who had the right of way and how the failure to yield caused the collision.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Failure-to-yield crashes occur at busy signalized and uncontrolled intersections along Suffolk County’s major arterials.
Route 110 & Jericho Tpke
Middle Country Rd (Rte 25)
Route 347
Nesconset Hwy
Veterans Memorial Hwy
Common Violation
Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
Tailgating is the primary driver of rear-end collisions, the most common crash type in the United States. Over 20% of all car accidents involve rear-end collisions caused by following too closely, giving drivers insufficient time to brake when traffic slows or stops unexpectedly. New York law requires a safe following distance at all times.
How We Prove It
Establishing Fault
Rear-end cases turn on point of impact and following distance. We document vehicle damage, pull dashcam footage, and use the police report to establish the rear driver failed to maintain a safe distance.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Rear-end crashes concentrate in congested stop-and-go traffic on Suffolk County’s expressways and their service roads.
LIE (I-495)
Sunrise Hwy
Route 110
Nicolls Rd (Rte 97)
Veterans Memorial Hwy
Common Violation
Unsafe Lane Changes & Improper Passing
Sideswipe collisions — the third most common crash type — are frequently caused by drivers changing lanes without checking blind spots, failing to signal, or passing on the right. Unsafe lane changes are a significant factor on Suffolk County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials, where traffic density is high and merge zones are short.
How We Prove It
Reconstructing the Merge
We analyze the location of side-impact damage, pull dashcam and traffic footage, and gather witness accounts of the lane change to establish which driver left their lane unsafely.
Where It Happens in Suffolk County
Common Locations
Sideswipes occur on Suffolk County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials with short merge zones and dense traffic.
LIE (I-495)
Sagtikos Pkwy
Sunrise Hwy
Route 27
William Floyd Pkwy
Take the next step
Contact Palermo Law
If you were injured in a car accident in Suffolk County, we are here to help.
We offer free consultations, and there is no fee unless we recover money for you. We have six offices across Suffolk County, each serving a distinct part of the county.
Reach out today and we will walk you through your options. Contact us here to get started.
Car Accident verdicts & settlements
$1.5
million
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
$1.025
million
for a victim of a drunk driving crash
$975
thousand
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
$950
thousand
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
$875
thousand
for a client injured while driving for work
$750
thousand
For a knee injury worsened from a car accident
$705
thousand
for a client injured from a rear-end collision
$675
thousand
for a client injured from a low impact rear-end collision
online ratings
Car Accident Client Reviews
...simple and stress free
Palermo Law makes the whole process of being in a car accident simple and stress free
Ana Tovar
Google Review
...all of my questions and concerns were taken care of...
I used this law office for my car accident and I’m happy I did all of my questions and concerns was taken care of. I would use Palermo law again if I needed to.
Dalisa Dandridge
google review
...the best possible settlement after my motor vehicle accident...
Steven Palermo’s law firm fought for the best possible settlement after my motor vehicle accident. I’d like to especially thank Danielle for her patience with coordinating appointments and explaining the process of MVA cases, to Courtney for keeping track of all of the fine details on our case, and for asking all the questions that we didn’t even know mattered. I would absolutely recommend Palermo law. So much so that this is my second time using them, but fingers crossed that it will also be the last time needing to.
Cassie Fuentes
google review
...I chose Palermo law and it was the best choice I made...
After my hit and run in March of 2025 I chose Palermo law and it was the best choice I made. Steve and Courtney have gone above and beyond for me and have always fought for me. Their staff is dedicated and gets back to you in a timely manner. They keep you up to date with your case and never leave you in the dark. They are accommodating and extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend Palermo law for your accident needs
Jessica Conroy
google review
Suffolk Car Accident FAQs
Do I have to call the police after a car crash in Suffolk County?
In New York, you must report an accident to the police if someone is injured or killed, or if property damage appears to be over $1,000. A police report can be a key piece of evidence for your insurance claim and any future injury case, so it’s usually wise to call even if you’re unsure.
To learn more about what to do after a car crash in Suffolk County, click here.
What is the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims in Suffolk County?
In most New York car accident cases, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are shorter deadlines for claims against municipalities and public entities, and different deadlines in wrongful death cases, so it is important not to wait.
Read more about the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims in Suffolk County.
How does New York’s no-fault insurance system affect my Suffolk County accident claim?
New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance (PIP) usually pays your basic medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. To bring a separate claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold.
Learn more about how New York’s no-fault insurance system works after a car accident.
What damages can I recover after a Suffolk County car accident?
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, out-of-pocket costs, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, there may be additional damages related to long-term disability or loss of enjoyment of life.
How much is my Suffolk County car accident case worth?
Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life and work, the amount of available insurance coverage, whether you meet the serious injury threshold, and the strength of the evidence. An attorney can review your medical records, financial losses, and liability facts to provide a more personalized estimate.
How long will my Suffolk County car accident case take to settle?
Some straightforward cases with clear injuries and liability can settle in a matter of months. More complex cases, or those involving serious injuries and disputed fault, can take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is filed. The timeline should balance the need for fair compensation with the desire for a prompt resolution.
Read more about how long a Suffolk County car accident case takes to settle.
What if I didn’t feel hurt right after the accident, but pain started later?
It’s common for symptoms to appear hours or days after a crash, especially for soft-tissue injuries and some spinal injuries. You should see a doctor as soon as you notice pain and tell them it started after the accident. Delays in treatment can harm both your health and your injury claim.
Do I have to use my health insurance if my PIP coverage runs out?
Once your no-fault benefits are exhausted, you may use your health insurance for additional treatment. The at-fault party’s insurer may ultimately be responsible for these costs through a settlement or verdict, but in the meantime, your health coverage helps you continue necessary care.
Read more about using health insurance if PIP coverage runs out.
What evidence helps the most in a Suffolk County car accident case?
Strong evidence includes the police report, photos and videos from the scene, damage to the vehicles, skid marks, surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, medical records, lost wage documentation, and, when needed, expert opinions such as accident reconstruction and medical experts.
What if I was hit by a drunk or distracted driver in Suffolk County?
A drunk or distracted driver can be held liable for the injuries they cause, and their reckless conduct may strengthen your civil case. In some situations, there may also be claims against a bar, restaurant, or other party, depending on the facts. A lawyer can investigate all possible avenues for recovery.