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
100% PLAINTIFF FOCUSED — NEVER INSURANCE COMPANIES
We fight exclusively for injured people, delivering real results for members of our community.
Suffolk County Car Accident Lawyers
Over 25 Years of Experience with Serious Car Accident Claims
After a car accident in Suffolk County, people are often dealing with more than just injuries. Medical appointments, vehicle repairs, missed work, and constant calls from insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming. At Palermo Law, we help injured drivers and passengers protect their rights from the very beginning. For over 25 years, we have represented people hurt in serious car accidents throughout Suffolk County, handling the legal and insurance issues, including no-fault forms, wage verification, and insurance disputes, so our clients can focus on their recovery.
We handle Suffolk County car accident cases every day, from initial no-fault filings through negotiation and litigation when necessary. Our firm approaches each case with three clear priorities:
- We reduce stress by handling all insurance paperwork and communications so our clients can focus on recovery.
- We stay on top of claims, deadlines, and record gathering to keep cases moving and avoid unnecessary delays.
- We prepare every case with the goal of obtaining the full compensation our clients are legally entitled to recover.
With more than $75 million recovered for injured clients and regular experience in Suffolk County courts, we understand how these cases move from start to finish and how to manage them effectively.
Our Approach to Handling Car Accident Cases in Suffolk County
Free, No-Obligation Consultations
Every consultation is free and comes with no obligation. We have six convenient office locations across Suffolk County, including Hauppauge, Huntington, Babylon, Patchogue, Riverhead, and East Hampton. When needed, we can also meet clients at their home or another convenient location.
No Legal Fees Unless We Win
We represent Suffolk County car accident clients on a contingency fee basis. There is no legal fee unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
We Handle All Insurance Paperwork and Communications
From the beginning, we take over all insurance paperwork and communications at no cost to our clients. This includes dealing with insurance adjusters, filing required forms, and managing deadlines so clients do not have to. Clients are kept informed at every stage of the case and can speak directly with their legal team when questions arise.
Team-Based Representation With Direct Attorney Oversight
Every car accident case is assigned a dedicated team that includes a paralegal and an associate attorney, and lead attorney, Steven Palermo. Clients are not passed between call centers or rotated through anonymous case managers. Each case benefits from more than 25 years of litigation experience in Suffolk County courts.
Thorough Case Preparation and Trial-Ready Representation
We build each Suffolk County car accident case carefully by gathering evidence, securing medical records, documenting injuries, and establishing liability. We pursue the full compensation our clients are legally entitled to recover. Insurance carriers recognize our firm as prepared to litigate cases when fair resolutions are not offered.
“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
$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
You Don’t Have To Navigate
a Complicated Claim Alone
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Suffolk County
Car accidents in Suffolk County often occur due to congestion, aging infrastructure, and heavily traveled roadways. At Palermo Law, we represent clients injured in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents, including the following.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents in Suffolk County, particularly on congested roadways such as the Long Island Expressway, Montauk Highway, Route 110, and Middle Country Road. Stop-and-go traffic and distracted driving frequently lead to these collisions, which often involve multiple insurance carriers, liability disputes, and serious neck, back, and spinal injuries.
Left-Turn and Intersection Accidents
Many serious accidents occur at busy Suffolk County intersections. Much of the county’s roadway system was designed decades ago and was not built to handle today’s traffic volume, creating recurring liability issues at high-traffic intersections. Short turn signals, limited sight lines, and aggressive driving often contribute to left-turn crashes that result in significant injuries.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents commonly happen on multi-lane roads where drivers change lanes quickly or fail to check blind spots. These collisions are often caused by distracted driving and aggressive merging, especially during peak commuting hours.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in Suffolk County villages with heavy foot traffic, including Huntington, Patchogue, Babylon, and Riverhead. Poorly marked crosswalks, limited visibility, and driver inattention frequently contribute to these incidents, which often result in severe injuries.
Bicycle and Scooter Accidents
As more people use bicycles and scooters for transportation throughout Suffolk County, accidents involving motor vehicles have increased. Sharing the road can be challenging on narrow or crowded streets, and drivers who fail to yield or who are distracted often cause these crashes.
How We Help Get Medical Bills and Lost Wages Paid After a Suffolk County Car Accident
After a car accident, concerns about medical bills and missed work can add stress during an already difficult time. In New York, most car accident cases are handled through the no-fault insurance system. No-fault benefits are typically paid by the insurance carrier for the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident, regardless of who caused the crash.
No-fault coverage can pay for medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket expenses, but strict rules apply. One of the most important is the 30-day deadline to file a no-fault application. Missing this deadline can put benefits at risk. At Palermo Law, we file all no-fault paperwork and applications for our Suffolk County car accident clients to help protect coverage from the start.
We identify coverage issues early and address no-fault disputes before they interrupt medical treatment or lost wage benefits. When insurance companies require independent medical examinations, known as IMEs, we coordinate appointments, review reports, and address improper requests or conclusions that are not supported by the medical records.
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”
Key Deadlines in Suffolk County Car Accident Cases
After a car accident in Suffolk County, important deadlines can apply very quickly. Missing a deadline can affect benefits or even the right to pursue a claim. At Palermo Law, we track and handle these deadlines for our clients and regularly identify shorter deadlines that apply in cases involving government vehicles or public entities.
- No-Fault Insurance Application – 30 Days
In most New York car accidents, a no-fault application must be filed within 30 days of the crash. - Claims Against Municipal Entities – 90 Days
If a car accident involves a public bus, police vehicle, county vehicle, or other government-owned vehicle, a Notice of Claim generally must be filed within 90 days. - Lawsuits Against Municipal Entities – One Year and Ninety Days
Claims against municipalities are also subject to a shorter statute of limitations, typically one year and ninety days from the date of the accident. - Car Accident Lawsuits – Three Years
Most Suffolk County car accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the crash. - Wrongful Death Claims – Two Years
Wrongful death lawsuits are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death.
New York’s Serious Injury Threshold in Suffolk County Car Accident Cases
Under New York law, not every car accident injury automatically allows a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In many Suffolk County car accident cases, a person must meet the legal “serious injury” threshold to pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits. This can include fractures, permanent injuries, significant limitations of use, or injuries that prevent someone from performing their usual daily activities for an extended period of time.
Insurance companies often challenge whether an injury meets this threshold. At Palermo Law, we address this issue early in every Suffolk County car accident case. We obtain and review all medical records, including emergency room records, treating physician notes, physical therapy records, and diagnostic imaging such as MRIs and CT scans.
When needed, we consult with treating doctors and medical specialists to understand the full extent of the injuries and to obtain clear medical opinions that explain how those injuries meet New York’s serious injury requirements. By carefully developing the medical evidence, we help protect our clients’ claims and position their cases for fair compensation.
What Sets Palermo Law Apart as Suffolk County Car Accident Lawyers
We Understand What You Are Going Through
Our commitment to personal injury law is personal. Managing Partner Steven Palermo has been seriously injured himself, including in a car accident where he was rear-ended and pushed into oncoming traffic, causing severe injuries. He understands the pain, uncertainty, and frustration of dealing with insurance companies that question legitimate claims, and that firsthand experience shapes how we treat our clients and their cases.
We Take the Burden Off Your Shoulders
After a car accident, managing paperwork, deadlines, and insurance communications can be overwhelming. We handle those responsibilities so our clients can focus on their health and recovery.
Depth of Experience and Local Knowledge
Our legal team brings more than 75 years of combined experience handling car accident and personal injury cases. Managing Partner Steven Palermo is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and is a Top-Rated Avvo attorney, distinctions that reflect peer recognition and professional achievement. Our firm is also trusted by hundreds of former clients, with more than 400 five-star Google reviews.
Beyond credentials, we are in Suffolk County Supreme Court regularly and understand how car accident cases move from initial discovery through trial. That local, hands-on experience allows us to anticipate procedural issues, address insurance company tactics, and position cases effectively at every stage of the process.
Prepared to Go the Distance
We prepare every Suffolk County car accident case as if it will be tried, which strengthens negotiations and protects our clients if litigation becomes necessary.
Suffolk County Car Accident Case Results
While every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, the following examples reflect our experience handling serious car accident cases in Suffolk County and our commitment to thorough case preparation.
$3.2 Million – Child Injured by Commercial Truck
We secured a $3.2 million recovery for a child who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a commercial truck in Suffolk County. The recovery helped ensure continued medical treatment, therapy, and household support for the child and family during a difficult recovery.
$1.5 Million – Passenger Injured in Box Truck Collision
Our firm obtained $1.5 million for a young woman injured as a passenger when a box truck made an illegal left turn and struck the vehicle in which she was riding. She suffered significant back, neck, and head injuries. Through careful medical documentation and strategic negotiation, we secured compensation that helped her move forward, including covering medical needs and allowing her to continue her college education and plan for the future.
$1 Million – Drunk Driving Accident
We recovered $1 million for a Suffolk County woman injured by a drunk driver. This case involved serious injuries and required careful coordination of liability evidence, medical proof, and insurance coverage issues. The recovery provided financial stability and helped her better support herself and her family while focusing on healing and rebuilding her life.
These results reflect our trial-ready approach and our experience handling complex Suffolk County car accident claims from investigation through resolution.
Contact Our Suffolk County Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Suffolk County, you do not have to navigate the process alone. At Palermo Law, we are available to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.
All consultations are free and there is no obligation. With six convenient Suffolk County office locations in Hauppauge, Huntington, Babylon, Patchogue, Riverhead, and East Hampton, we make it easy to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. If you are unable to travel, we can also arrange to meet with you at your home or another convenient location.
We handle Suffolk County car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To speak with a Suffolk County car accident lawyer and learn how we can help protect your rights, contact Palermo Law today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
legal memberships & awards
