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
You never know when a car accident is going to happen. So, when you are suddenly involved in a car crash you are immediately forced to deal with issues that you never thought you’d have to deal with. From, painful and sometimes life-changing injuries, to medical bills and lost wages, you are forced to handle a host of problems.
The good news is that as local Patchogue car accident attorneys, Palermo Law is here to help you through this difficult and confusing time. We have over two decades of practical experience handling car crash cases. We have literally represented thousands of injured people and successfully guided them through the process of getting their medical bills paid, getting them compensated for their lost wages, and obtaining a settlement from the responsible party’s insurance company.
If a car wreck has turned your life upside down and you’re searching for answers, feel free to give our Patchogue car crash lawyers a call for a free no obligation initial consultation. We can explain how we can protect your interests and make sure you are not stuck with stacks of medical bills and lost income. We are conveniently located in the heart of Patchogue Village. Or you can visit us at any of our five other offices located in Hauppauge, Riverhead, Babylon, Huntington, and Garden City. We can even come to you at your house if you are unable to make it to one of our offices.
Real Trial Attorneys
At Palermo Law, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are real trial lawyers. When hired for a car collision case, we don’t just sit back and wait for the insurance company to call and offer a settlement. We get to work gathering evidence to support your claim. We also file the necessary forms, hire any experts that are needed to support your case and then litigate your case in court.
It is our thorough level of preparation that allows us to obtain full compensation for our clients. Insurance companies will often low ball attorneys that they know are unwilling to try a case in court. We won’t let that happen. Our meticulous preparation of every case we handle often leads to out of court settlements. But, if an insurance company is refusing to act in good faith and make a fair settlement offer for their client’s negligence, our Patchogue car accident lawyers are ready to try your case in court and fight for the compensation you are entitled to receive.
$5.5 Million Dollar
Landmark Victory
In a case that garnered a great deal of media attention, Long Island 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, 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. In college, I suffered an injury that required a six-hour knee surgery and ended my college lacrosse career, with a recovery that took years. Several years later, 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
Getting Your Medical Bills Paid
New York State is a no fault state. That means that all car insurance policies that are issued in New York must include no fault coverage. No fault coverage allows for the payment of all medical bills related to your case. It will also reimburse you up to two thousand dollars a month for lost wages and pay for some other accident related expenses. The way the system is set up is that the vehicle that you are occupying at the time of your car accident will be responsible for paying your no fault benefits. It doesn’t matter whose fault the accident was, it is always the host vehicle that pays the no fault benefits.
The key to getting your medical bills paid by the no fault carrier is submitting a properly completed no fault application to the correct insurance carrier within thirty days of your car crash. This deadline is important to comply with because if not received in time the insurance carrier can deny your claim leaving you saddled with all of the medical bills.
Our Patchogue car collision lawyers always handle all insurance paperwork and phone calls free of charge. We will file your application for no fault benefits for you and follow up with your medical providers to make sure they bill the proper carrier. We do this free of any charge so that you can concentrate on your medical treatment.
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”
You May Be Entitled To More Than Just No Fault Benefits Following A Car Accident
While no fault benefits will pay for your medical bills, some lost wages and some out of pocket expenses, it won’t compensate you for what you are going through as a result of your accident. And if you have been seriously injured as a result of someone else’s negligent driving, you are entitled to more than just no fault benefits. The law allows you to make a claim following a serious injury in a car accident for your pain and suffering and other unreimbursed accident expenses.
Pain and suffering is a fairly general term. But it is meant to cover a variety of losses, such as mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. But it also includes some less common repercussions of a car collision injury. For example, if you can’t play with your children because of your injuries or you can’t participate in your regular past times like jogging or golf, you may be able to receive compensation for those losses. Only a skilled car crash lawyer can fully evaluate all of the losses you suffer from an injury and their value. That’s why it’s best to always meet with a Patchogue car crash lawyer to discuss your case in detail.
How Is Fault Determined In A Car Wreck
Ultimately the determination of fault in a car collision is decided by a jury in a court of law. But obviously most cases are resolved without a trial. That is because there is often agreement reached between the insurance carrier and the involved parties as to the fault of the parties prior to a court proceeding. This is usually done early on in the process by reviewing the police accident report and speaking to the drivers.
While an insurance company determination is not binding in a trial, it is usually best to have that initial investigation resolved in your favor by the insurance carrier. It is often difficult to get a carrier to reverse its position with respect to fault later on in the claims process. That’s why it is always best to engage the services of an experienced Patchogue car accident attorney early on in the process. An attorney can make sure your position is properly considered by the responsible party’s insurance company so that they don’t try and get out of accepting responsibility for their driver’s driving error.
Also, should an insurance company have already decided against you in its investigation, you always have the option of pursuing your case in court. So, just because you’ve been told you’re at fault by them, don’t believe it. Always speak to an experienced car crash lawyer to get their take on your case.
Who Pays If I Receive A Settlement?
Many people feel as though pursuing a claim for their injuries somehow makes them a bad or greedy person and that they are causing financial ruin to the responsible party. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that all drivers are covered by insurance policies that they have previously purchased from large multibillion dollar companies.
It is these companies that are responsible for paying you when you suffer an injury. It is also those companies that make large profits from issuing their policies. Further, they never return their client’s money for the premiums paid, should a claim not be filed. In essence, when you decide to not file a claim out of a sense of good will you are only preserving the at fault party’s insurance carrier’s profits.
Steps Following A Car Crash
- Contact the police and obtain a report
- Take pictures of the accident location
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Report your accident to your car insurance carrier
- Do not speak to the at fault party’s car insurance carrier
- Call an experienced Patchogue car accident lawyer
THE DANGERS OF DRIVING IN PATCHOGUE
Patchogue has some of the most dangerous roads in all of Suffolk County. Poor lighting, high speed limits, congestion and pedestrian traffic lead to Patchogue seeing it’s fair share of car accidents. Among the most dangerous roads in Patchogue are the following:
- Route 112
- North Ocean Avenue
- Sunrise Highway
- Montauk Highway
- Sills Road
- North Dunton Avenue
If you regularly operate a vehicle in and around the Patchogue area it is important to always be vigilant. For more information on accident data in Suffolk County please visit the NHTSA’s website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Patchogue?
Call 911, seek medical attention, exchange information, take photos, and contact a car accident attorney right away.
Do I need a lawyer after a minor car accident in Patchogue?
Even for minor accidents, consulting a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you’re not undercompensated by insurers.
Who is liable in a Patchogue car accident case?
Liability depends on who was negligent—this could be another driver, a commercial entity, or even a government agency.
What if I were a passenger in a Patchogue car accident?
You can usually file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance and potentially recover through your own PIP coverage.
Can I sue if I was hit by a drunk driver in Patchogue?
Yes. You may be entitled to compensation beyond insurance coverage, especially in cases of gross negligence.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Patchogue?
You generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit and two years for wrongful death cases.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault in the accident?
Yes. New York's pure comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages even if you're partially to blame.
How much is my Patchogue car accident claim worth?
That depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the strength of the liability evidence.
What should I not say to insurance companies after a crash?
Avoid admitting fault or discussing injuries without legal counsel. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
How long does it take to resolve a Patchogue car accident case?
Some resolve in a few months, while serious or contested cases may take over a year, especially if litigation is involved.
legal memberships & awards
