experience can make all the difference
We have over 75 years of combined experience
expect personalized attention and care
We are with you every step of the way on your road to recovery
an AWARD-WINNING law firm
We were voted best law firm on Long Island in 2024
we help balance the scales of justice
We help balance the scales of justice for the hardworking people of our community
“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
Elmont
Car Accident
Lawyers
Experienced Car Accident Representation For Elmont And Nassau County
If you were hurt in a crash in Elmont, you need a local advocate who understands Nassau County roads, insurers, and courts. Palermo Law represents injured drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in and around Elmont—handling everything from no-fault benefits and property damage to serious-injury lawsuits. With over three decades of experience focused on personal injury cases, the firm is built to protect your rights and pursue full compensation while you focus on healing.
Why Choose Palermo Law
- Over Three Decades of Personal Injury Experience: Car accidents are the core of the firm’s practice, and the team understands how to document injuries, calculate losses, and navigate New York’s unique no-fault system.
- Client-First Service: Clear communication, prompt case updates, and help with medical billing and collision repairs are standard.
- Local Insight: Crashes on Hempstead Turnpike, the Cross Island Parkway, the Southern State, Dutch Broadway, Meacham Avenue, and near Belmont Park present recurring patterns—rush-hour sideswipes, rear-end impacts, and intersection collisions—that the firm sees and litigates regularly.
- Trial-Ready Preparation: Most cases settle, but Palermo Law prepares every matter as if it may be presented to a jury, which often leads to stronger settlement negotiations.
What To Do After A Crash In Elmont
- Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms can emerge over days. Prompt care protects your health and creates crucial medical records. - Report The Accident
Call 911 and ensure a police report is made. If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle positions, debris, skid marks, and visible injuries. - Exchange Information And Identify Witnesses
Collect names, phone numbers, license and plate numbers, and insurance details. Ask bystanders for their contact information. - Notify Your Insurer And Start No-Fault
In New York, you typically file a no-fault (PIP) application within 30 days. Palermo Law can help you complete and submit the forms correctly and on time. - Call A Lawyer Before Giving Statements
Insurers look for ways to minimize claims. Legal guidance early on can prevent missteps that reduce your recovery.
$5.5 Million Dollar
Landmark Victory
In a case that garnered a great deal of media attention, New York personal injury attorney Steven Palermo took on the State of New York on behalf of a young woman that was assaulted by a mistakenly released convicted sexual predator. It is the first time in the history of New York that the State was held liable for the mistaken release of a prisoner and also led to changes in the way the courts process their records.
verdicts & settlements
$5.5
million
For injuries caused by the mistaken release of a prison convict
$3.2
million
For a client who was injured after getting hit by a truck
$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
$950
thousand
For a client injured in a motor vehicle accident
meet steven palermo
justice they deserve.
Two decades ago, Steven Palermo began his legal practice with one objective: to help those in need obtain the justice they deserve. It was not long before he was taking on huge corporations and billion-dollar insurance companies, fighting for just that.
Early on, he learned that the field of personal injury law was one that required laser focus – it was the only way to navigate the huge companies who viewed his clients as nothing but a number on a page, but had seemingly limitless resources to fight against paying them what they deserved. Steven has since devoted all his efforts to the aggressive practice of personal injury litigation, and it is a strategy that works. He has helped hundreds of clients regain their lives after devastating personal injuries.
Client Reviews & Testimonials
“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
“...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
“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
“...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
online ratings
A Passion For Helping The Injured
Common Causes Of Elmont Car Accidents
- Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS inputs, or infotainment use at intersections like Elmont Road and Dutch Broadway.
- Speeding And Aggressive Driving: Merging on the Cross Island Parkway or weaving on the Southern State.
- Intersection And Left-Turn Crashes: Visibility challenges on Hempstead Turnpike, especially during evening commutes or event traffic near Belmont Park.
- Drunk Or Drug-Impaired Driving: Night and weekend incidents that require immediate evidence preservation.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Poor lighting, weather-related slick surfaces, or construction zones with inadequate signage.
Regardless of the cause, Palermo Law investigates liability thoroughly and pursues all responsible parties, including negligent drivers, commercial carriers, employers (in delivery or rideshare collisions), and, when appropriate, municipal entities for roadway defects.
What Your Compensation May Include
Every case is different, but recoverable damages in a bodily injury claim can include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital care, imaging, specialist visits, physical therapy, surgery, medical devices, and anticipated future treatment.
- Lost Wages And Loss Of Earning Capacity: Income you’ve missed and reductions in your ability to work in the future.
- Pain And Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Out-Of-Pocket Costs: Transportation to medical visits, home help, and other crash-related expenses.
- Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or total-loss valuation, and diminished value when applicable.
Our firm compiles medical documentation, bills, employment records, and expert reports to present a complete picture of your losses.
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”
How Palermo Law Builds Strong Cases
- Scene And Vehicle Evidence: Photographs, videos, 911 recordings, body-cam footage, and event data recorder (black box) downloads when available.
- Witness Interviews: Early outreach captures accurate statements before memories fade.
- Medical Proof: Coordination with your treating physicians and, when needed, independent specialists to establish causation and permanency.
- Liability Analysis: Crash reconstruction, visibility studies, time-distance analyses, and commercial-driver compliance reviews for truck or van collisions.
- Insurance Strategy: Identifying all policies—at-fault driver liability, supplementary underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage, employer policies, or umbrella coverage—to maximize recovery.
Understanding New York No-Fault And Serious Injury Threshold
New York’s no-fault system pays for reasonable medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, no-fault does not compensate for pain and suffering. To bring a claim for pain and suffering against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. Examples include significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss or limitation of a body organ or system, or an impairment that prevents you from performing usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the collision. Palermo Law evaluates medical records against these categories and works closely with treating providers to document qualifying criteria.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often push quick, low offers before the full scope of your injuries is known. Palermo Law advises clients not to sign releases or give recorded statements without counsel. The firm manages all communications, files the appropriate claims, challenges unfair denials, and, when necessary, litigates to protect your rights.
Time Limits and Comparative Fault
In New York, strict deadlines apply. You generally have three years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit, with shorter timelines for claims involving municipal entities and different rules for wrongful death. New York also follows comparative negligence—your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you were partially responsible. Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence and meet all notice requirements.
Frequent Injuries the Firm Handles
- Neck And Back Injuries: Whiplash, disc herniations, radiculopathy.
- Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, shoulder and knee tears, hand and wrist injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and post-concussive syndrome.
- Scarring And Disfigurement: Particularly from airbags, glass, or burns.
- Psychological Injuries: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD related to the crash.
Effective presentation of these injuries requires consistent medical follow-up and precise documentation—both areas where Palermo Law provides guidance.
Steps To Protect Your Claim
- Keep all appointments and follow medical advice
- Save receipts and track out-of-pocket costs
- Photograph healing progress and limitations in daily activities
- Avoid social media posts that could be misinterpreted
- Share all prior injuries or accidents with your attorney so records can be distinguished
Elmont-Focused Support
Living and working near the Queens border means heavy corridor traffic and frequent congestion. Whether your crash happened while commuting to the LIRR, navigating school zones, or traveling to events at Belmont Park, local knowledge matters. Palermo Law understands Nassau County’s claim practices and venues and uses that familiarity to move cases efficiently.
No-Fee Promise
Palermo Law works on a contingency fee basis for car accident cases. You pay no legal fee unless there is a recovery. The firm fronts the costs needed to prove your case, such as expert evaluations and records retrieval, and those are reimbursed only if the firm secures compensation for you.
Take The Next Step: Hire an Elmont Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in an Elmont car accident, timely guidance can make a decisive difference in your physical and financial recovery. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. The team can explain your no-fault benefits, handle the insurance paperwork, and outline a strategy tailored to your injuries, goals, and timeline so you can focus on getting better while Palermo Law handles the rest.
Call today or contact us online for a free consultation with Palermo Law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Does An Elmont Personal Injury Attorney Do?
An Elmont personal injury attorney investigates your accident, proves fault, documents damages, and negotiates with insurers. If needed, they file a lawsuit and represent you through litigation and trial.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim In New York?
Most negligence claims have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. Claims involving a village, town, county, or other public entity may require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Do I Have A Case If I’m Partly At Fault?
Yes. New York’s comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault but does not bar a claim.
What Should I Do After An Accident In Elmont?
Get medical care, call the police or notify the property owner, and photograph the scene and your injuries. Save bills and contact information for witnesses, then speak with an attorney before giving insurer statements.
How Do No-Fault (PIP) Benefits Affect A Car Accident Claim?
In New York, PIP covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. You can still pursue a liability claim for pain and suffering if you meet the “serious injury” threshold.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Potential damages include medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and out-of-pocket costs. Families may bring wrongful death claims when applicable.
How Much Does An Elmont Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery. The fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict plus case expenses as permitted by law.
How Long Does A Personal Injury Case Take?
Timelines vary based on medical recovery, liability disputes, and court scheduling. Some cases settle within months, while litigated matters can take a year or more.
What Evidence Helps Prove My Case?
Useful evidence includes police or incident reports, photos or videos, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance or vehicle black-box data. Early preservation of evidence strengthens claims.
Should I Talk To The Insurance Company Myself?
Provide only basic information like your name and contact details. Avoid recorded statements and broad medical authorizations until you speak with an attorney.
What If The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
You may seek benefits under your own UM/UIM coverage. An attorney can evaluate all available policies and pursue every viable source of recovery.
Where Will My Case Be Filed If It Goes To Court?
Personal injury lawsuits arising in Elmont are typically filed in Nassau County Supreme Court, subject to venue rules. Your attorney will determine the proper venue based on where parties live and where the incident occurred.
legal memberships & awards
