Carle Place
Serving Garden City, Westbury, East Meadow, and Uniondale
Nassau County Car Accident Lawyers Who Know Its Roads, Its Insurers, and Its Courts
If you were hurt in a car accident in Nassau County, you already know how fast it gets complicated. The treatment, the missed work, the adjuster who keeps calling — it stacks up while you’re still trying to recover. Our Long Island car accident lawyers step in and take that on, so the focus stays where it belongs: on you getting better.
We’re a Long Island personal injury firm with three Nassau County offices — in Elmont, Mineola, and Carle Place — putting us minutes from the roads these crashes happen on and from the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola, where these cases are tried.
Why Palermo Law
Results-driven representation, no upfront cost
We’ve recovered over $75 million for injured clients, bring more than 25 years of personal injury experience to every case, and have earned over 400 five-star Google reviews. Consultations are free, and there’s no fee unless we recover money for you.
Where Car Accidents Happen in Nassau County
Nassau is dense, suburban, and built around a handful of overloaded corridors. Knowing the road a crash happened on often tells us a lot about how it happened and who’s responsible — and the crash data tends to back that up.
A few of the roads we see again and again:
Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24)
Sixteen miles straight across the middle of the county, through Elmont, Franklin Square, Hempstead, Uniondale, East Meadow, and Levittown. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has repeatedly ranked it the most dangerous road for pedestrians in the entire metropolitan region. Wide lanes, far-apart crosswalks, and traffic that routinely runs well over the posted limit make it a constant source of serious car, pedestrian, and turning-movement crashes.
The parkways — Southern State, Northern State, Meadowbrook, and Wantagh
High-speed, high-volume, and the site of a steady stream of rear-end chains, lane-change sideswipes, and single-vehicle wrecks. One thing many people don’t realize: parkway crashes fall under New York State Police jurisdiction, not the Nassau County PD, which changes how the report is filed and where you get it.
The Long Island Expressway (I-495)
Western Nassau in particular sees frequent high-speed collisions where merging and stop-and-go traffic collide.
Jericho Turnpike (Route 25) and the major intersections
The stretches through Mineola and New Hyde Park are notorious, and intersection-heavy areas like Old Country Road near Roosevelt Field draw heavy traffic and pedestrian movement that produce T-bone and left-turn crashes.
If your crash happened at a spot with a documented history of collisions, that pattern can become part of your case.
Types of Nassau County Car Accident Cases We Handle
How a crash happened shapes everything that follows — who’s at fault, what injuries are likely, and how the claim gets built. We handle all of them.
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Rear-End Collisions
The most common crash on Nassau’s congested roads and parkways. In nearly every case, the driver who hits from behind was following too closely, and New York law generally presumes that driver at fault.
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T-Bone and Intersection Collisions
Common where Nassau’s busy turnpikes meet cross streets. Side-impact crashes cause severe injuries because there’s so little between the occupant and the other vehicle, and they usually turn on who had the right of way and who ran the light.
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Left-Turn Accidents
A driver turns across oncoming traffic and fails to yield. These produce hard side impacts and frequently come down to timing and right-of-way.
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Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting and phone use behind the wheel. Proving them often means pulling phone records and other evidence of what the driver was actually doing.
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Drunk Driving Accidents
Severe and entirely preventable. Beyond the driver’s own insurance, New York’s Dram Shop Act can open a claim against a bar or restaurant that kept serving a visibly intoxicated driver.
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Pedestrian and Cyclist Crashes
A particular danger on corridors like Hempstead Turnpike. Even when the person on foot did everything right, a speeding or distracted driver can cause catastrophic harm to a pedestrian or cyclist.
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Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Drivers
When the at-fault driver flees or has no coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/SUM) coverage often becomes the path to recovery.
We also handle multi-vehicle pileups, truck accidents, rideshare crashes involving Uber and Lyft, and cases where fault is disputed.
What Your Nassau County Car Accident Case Is Worth
There’s no flat number — value depends on the evidence behind each category of loss. A serious case generally accounts for:
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Medical bills, past and future | Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages | Loss of enjoyment of life |
| Reduced earning capacity | The lasting effect of an injury on how you live and work |
| Out-of-pocket costs |
Two New York rules shape the outcome. First, to recover for pain and suffering at all, your injuries have to clear the state’s “serious injury” threshold (Insurance Law §5102(d)) — which is exactly why documenting the full extent of your injuries matters so much. Second, New York follows pure comparative negligence (CPLR §1411): even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover, with your award reduced by your share of the blame. Insurers lean hard on that second rule to shift responsibility onto you, and pushing back on it is a core part of the job.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in New York
New York is a no-fault state. After a crash, your own insurer — not the at-fault driver’s — pays your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, no matter who caused it, under the state’s no-fault (PIP) coverage.
But no-fault has hard limits. It doesn’t pay for pain and suffering, and it caps what it covers. To go after the at-fault driver directly for those losses, you have to meet the serious injury threshold above. We handle all of your no-fault paperwork at no charge and make sure it lines up with the larger strategy of your case.
Getting Your Nassau County Crash Report
If police responded, the report (form MV-104A) becomes a key document. For most Nassau roads it’s filed by the Nassau County Police Department; for the parkways it’s filed by the New York State Police. You can get a copy a few ways: download it through the LexisNexis crash-report portal, order it from the NYS DMV online (with a small search and copy fee), or pick it up in person at Nassau County Police Department Headquarters, 1490 Franklin Avenue in Mineola.
If police did not respond, the responsibility shifts to you: New York requires every driver in a crash involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage to file their own report (form MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days. Don’t sit on it — and if you’re not sure how to handle it, that’s something we take care of for clients.
Deadlines That Can End Your Nassau Case
Miss the wrong deadline and a strong claim can disappear before it starts.
- Three years to file suit. Most New York car accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the crash (CPLR §214).
- Two years for wrongful death. If a crash was fatal, the family generally has two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim (EPTL §5-4.1).
- 30 days for no-fault. To keep your no-fault benefits, you generally have to submit your application to your insurer within 30 days of the accident.
- 90 days if a government entity is involved. If your crash involved a county or town vehicle, a Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus, or a dangerous road condition, you likely have to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under the General Municipal Law (§50-e) — a much shorter and stricter clock.
Act Early
Evidence fades faster than you think
Vehicles get repaired, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses get harder to find. Acting early protects both your deadline and your proof.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
The insurer’s goal is to pay as little as possible, and they’re good at it. Expect a fast call, maybe an early settlement offer floated before you even know how hurt you are, and a request for a recorded statement.
That recorded statement is one of their most effective tools. An adjuster walks you through what happened days after the crash, the conversation feels routine, and then your own words get used to minimize your injuries or pin blame on you. You are not required to give one before speaking with a lawyer. Once we’re involved, those communications run through us — and the claim starts getting treated seriously.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Even a low-speed crash can cause lasting harm. The injuries we see most:
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash and cervical spine injuries and cervical spine injuries — common in rear-end crashes, often disputed by insurers, and won or lost on the strength of the medical record.
- Herniated discs, which can press on nerves and lead to months of treatment, injections, or surgery.
- Soft tissue injuries — sprains, strains, and tears that don’t show up on a standard X-ray and that insurers love to call minor.
- Fractures, which can require surgery and long rehab and often mean significant lost income.
- Traumatic brain injuries, where symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and mood changes may not appear right away, making early evaluation critical.
We work directly with your medical providers to document your injuries and show how they’ve affected your daily life. That record is usually what proves the case.
Why Injury Victims Across Nassau County 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. |
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
5-Time Winner
Long Island’s Best Law Firm
2020
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2022
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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 Nassau County Car Accidents
How Did Your Crash Happen?
Select the type of accident to see how these crashes happen, how we prove them, and where they occur across Nassau County.
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Common Accident
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in Nassau County, especially in stop-and-go traffic on busy arterials and at signalized intersections. In nearly all cases, the driver in the rear is responsible for following too closely and failing to leave enough room to stop.
How We Prove ItEstablishing Fault
Rear-end cases turn on point of impact and following distance. We document vehicle damage, pull dashcam and traffic footage, and use the police report to establish that the rear driver failed to maintain a safe distance.
Where It Happens in Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Rear-end crashes concentrate in congested stop-and-go traffic on Nassau County’s major arterials and parkway approaches.
Hempstead TpkeOld Country RdNorthern Blvd (Rte 25)Sunrise HwyMeadowbrook Pkwy -
Common Accident
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene, the injured person is left without an obvious source of compensation. New York law requires drivers to stop and exchange information, and leaving the scene of an injury accident is a crime. Even when the at-fault driver is never identified, recovery may still be available.
How We Prove ItIdentifying the Driver — or the Coverage
We move quickly to pull surveillance and traffic camera footage, gather witness descriptions, and document debris and paint transfer. When the driver cannot be found, we pursue your own uninsured motorist coverage to secure compensation.
Where It Happens in Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Hit-and-run crashes occur most often on busy commercial corridors and at night near nightlife districts.
Hempstead TpkeOld Country RdSunrise HwyJericho TpkeMerrick Rd -
Common Accident
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents happen when a driver turns across oncoming traffic and fails to yield the right of way. These crashes frequently produce serious side-impact and head-on collisions, and the turning driver is most often at fault under New York’s right-of-way rules.
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 show the turning driver failed to yield.
Where It Happens in Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Left-turn crashes occur at busy signalized and uncontrolled intersections along Nassau County’s major arterials.
Hempstead TpkeOld Country RdNorthern Blvd (Rte 25)Jericho TpkeMerrick Rd -
Common Accident
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions usually occur during lane changes or merging, when a driver fails to check a blind spot, neglects to signal, or drifts out of their lane. These cases often come down to the position of the damage, vehicle paths, and witness accounts.
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 Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Sideswipes occur on Nassau County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials with short merge zones and heavy traffic.
Meadowbrook PkwyWantagh PkwyNorthern State PkwySunrise HwyOld Country Rd -
Common Accident
Drunk Driving Accidents
Accidents involving alcohol are often severe and completely preventable. Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination, and these cases may involve additional claims beyond the driver’s own insurance — including a Dram Shop claim against a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver.
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 Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Impaired-driving crashes cluster on late-night routes near nightlife districts and the corridors connecting them.
Hempstead TpkeJericho TpkeMerrick RdSunrise HwyNorthern Blvd (Rte 25) -
Common Accident
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who are texting, using their phone, or otherwise not paying attention put everyone on the road at risk. Reading a text at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field with eyes off the road. These cases often require phone records and other evidence to prove what happened.
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 Nassau CountyCommon Locations
Distraction-related crashes occur across all road types but peak in stop-and-go commuter corridors.
LIE (I-495)Northern State PkwyHempstead TpkeJericho TpkeOld Country Rd
Common Accident
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in Nassau County, especially in stop-and-go traffic on busy arterials and at signalized intersections. In nearly all cases, the driver in the rear is responsible for following too closely and failing to leave enough room to stop.
How We Prove It
Establishing Fault
Rear-end cases turn on point of impact and following distance. We document vehicle damage, pull dashcam and traffic footage, and use the police report to establish that the rear driver failed to maintain a safe distance.
Where It Happens in Nassau County
Common Locations
Rear-end crashes concentrate in congested stop-and-go traffic on Nassau County’s major arterials and parkway approaches.
Hempstead Tpke
Old Country Rd
Northern Blvd (Rte 25)
Sunrise Hwy
Meadowbrook Pkwy
Common Accident
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene, the injured person is left without an obvious source of compensation. New York law requires drivers to stop and exchange information, and leaving the scene of an injury accident is a crime. Even when the at-fault driver is never identified, recovery may still be available.
How We Prove It
Identifying the Driver — or the Coverage
We move quickly to pull surveillance and traffic camera footage, gather witness descriptions, and document debris and paint transfer. When the driver cannot be found, we pursue your own uninsured motorist coverage to secure compensation.
Where It Happens in Nassau County
Common Locations
Hit-and-run crashes occur most often on busy commercial corridors and at night near nightlife districts.
Hempstead Tpke
Old Country Rd
Sunrise Hwy
Jericho Tpke
Merrick Rd
Common Accident
Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents happen when a driver turns across oncoming traffic and fails to yield the right of way. These crashes frequently produce serious side-impact and head-on collisions, and the turning driver is most often at fault under New York’s right-of-way rules.
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 show the turning driver failed to yield.
Where It Happens in Nassau County
Common Locations
Left-turn crashes occur at busy signalized and uncontrolled intersections along Nassau County’s major arterials.
Hempstead Tpke
Old Country Rd
Northern Blvd (Rte 25)
Jericho Tpke
Merrick Rd
Common Accident
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions usually occur during lane changes or merging, when a driver fails to check a blind spot, neglects to signal, or drifts out of their lane. These cases often come down to the position of the damage, vehicle paths, and witness accounts.
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 Nassau County
Common Locations
Sideswipes occur on Nassau County’s high-speed parkways and multi-lane arterials with short merge zones and heavy traffic.
Meadowbrook Pkwy
Wantagh Pkwy
Northern State Pkwy
Sunrise Hwy
Old Country Rd
Common Accident
Drunk Driving Accidents
Accidents involving alcohol are often severe and completely preventable. Alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and coordination, and these cases may involve additional claims beyond the driver’s own insurance — including a Dram Shop claim against a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver.
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 Nassau County
Common Locations
Impaired-driving crashes cluster on late-night routes near nightlife districts and the corridors connecting them.
Hempstead Tpke
Jericho Tpke
Merrick Rd
Sunrise Hwy
Northern Blvd (Rte 25)
Common Accident
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who are texting, using their phone, or otherwise not paying attention put everyone on the road at risk. Reading a text at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field with eyes off the road. These cases often require phone records and other evidence to prove what happened.
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 Nassau County
Common Locations
Distraction-related crashes occur across all road types but peak in stop-and-go commuter corridors.
LIE (I-495)
Northern State Pkwy
Hempstead Tpke
Jericho Tpke
Old Country Rd
Take the next step
Contact a Nassau County Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident in Nassau County, we’re ready to help. Consultations are free, and there’s no fee unless we recover money for you. With offices in Elmont, Mineola, and Carle Place, we’re close by and easy to reach.
Reach out today and we’ll walk you through your options and explain exactly where you stand.
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
Nassau Car Accident FAQs
What steps should I take immediately following a car accident in Nassau County?
Seek medical attention, report the accident to Nassau County police, gather evidence (photos, videos, witness information), exchange insurance details, and promptly consult a Nassau County car accident attorney.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Nassau County?
In Nassau County, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. However, deadlines for insurance and no-fault benefits are shorter, making timely consultation with an attorney essential.
Do I need a lawyer after a minor car accident in Nassau County?
Yes. Even minor accidents may cause delayed injuries or disputes over liability. Hiring an experienced Nassau County attorney protects your rights and ensures you receive fair compensation.
How much does a Nassau County car accident attorney charge?
Our Nassau County car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Who covers vehicle damage after a car accident in Nassau County?
Generally, the at-fault driver’s insurance covers your vehicle damages. If disputes arise or the other driver is uninsured, your collision or uninsured motorist coverage may apply. An attorney can guide you through this process.
What compensation can I recover from a Nassau County car accident?
You may recover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical costs. An experienced Nassau County car accident attorney will ensure all potential damages are pursued.
How is liability determined in Nassau County car accidents?
Liability is determined by evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, accident reconstruction experts, and physical evidence. A knowledgeable attorney thoroughly investigates to prove liability effectively.
Will my Nassau County car accident case need to go to court?
Most Nassau County car accident cases settle out of court. However, if fair settlement negotiations fail, our firm is fully prepared and experienced to represent you effectively at trial.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Nassau County?
Most cases settle within several months to a year. Complex claims or serious injuries can take longer. Hiring a reputable Nassau County car accident attorney can expedite the process and maximize your settlement.
How can I schedule a free consultation with a Nassau County car accident attorney?
To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Palermo Law, contact our offices directly. We offer multiple convenient Nassau County locations, flexible appointment hours, and personalized guidance for your case.