Hurt in a Car Accident on Long Island? You Deserve Justice & Full Compensation
Car accidents can lead to distressing outcomes that can have a lasting impact on your life. If another driver’s negligence caused your car accident and injuries, you shouldn’t have to be responsible for paying for your losses.
You could recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more with the help of a Long Island car accident lawyer.
Contact a Car accident attorney on long island today!
Why You Need a Long Island Car Accident Attorney
A Long Island car accident lawyer from our firm can help car accident victims like you pursue the financial recovery you may need.
An experienced car accident attorney from our law firm can tell you what damages you may qualify for and represent your interests through every step of a car accident claim or lawsuit.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault System
New York follows a no-fault auto insurance framework that governs how motor vehicle accident claims are handled across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Under this system, your own insurance carrier is responsible for covering certain immediate expenses—such as medical treatment and a portion of lost income—without regard to who caused the collision.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
New York is among a limited number of states that apply a no-fault insurance model. In practical terms, this means injured drivers and passengers initially turn to their own automobile insurance policy for compensation, even when another party is responsible for the accident.
State law requires all New York motorists to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pursuant to Insurance Law § 5102. PIP benefits are designed to pay for necessary medical care, partial wage replacement, and essential household services, up to the limits of the policy.
One of the primary advantages of PIP coverage is speed. Benefits are available promptly, allowing injured individuals to access financial support during recovery without having to establish fault or wait for liability determinations.
That said, PIP coverage is limited in scope. It applies only to basic economic losses and does not account for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or the long-term effects of a serious injury. When accident-related costs exceed available PIP benefits, pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier may be necessary to seek additional compensation.
I want to give my deepest appreciation to Rosenberg & Gluck, especially my attorney Gary and his entire team. From the first day I walked into their office, they treated me with respect, honesty, and real professionalism. Gary took the time to explain every step of the process, answered every question I had, and always made sure I understood my rights and my options. What stood out the most was how patient, consistent, and dedicated Gary was. He never rushed me, never left me in the dark, and always checked in to make sure I was okay — not just with the case, but personally as well. His team worked behind the scenes just as hard: quick phone calls, clear paperwork, and updates without me having to chase anyone down. They fought for me from beginning to end and made sure I received the best outcome possible. You can tell when a law office actually cares about their clients, and Rosenberg & Gluck proved that every step of the way. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and truly on your side, I highly recommend Gary and the entire Rosenberg & Gluck team. Thank you for everything — you helped bring peace and clarity during a stressful time, and I’m grateful for the way you handled my case.
Kelvin M.
Insurance Companies Don’t Work for You
Insurance companies will deploy every tactic they have to ensure injury victims get the minimum amount of compensation, if any. Their business model is fundamentally built around minimizing payouts while maximizing premium revenue. That incentive structure directly shapes how claims are evaluated, delayed, reduced, or denied.
- Understanding New York’s No-Fault System
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
- Insurance Companies Don’t Work for You
- Is it worth getting an attorney after a car accident?
- Economic Damages From Car Accidents
- Non-Economic Damages From Car Accidents
- Compensation Available if You Lost a Loved One in a Car Crash
- How We Can Help You
- Our Results for Past Clients
- Proving Negligence
- Common Forms of Negligence That May Have Caused Your Car Accident Injuries
- We Use Many Sources of Evidence for Your Car Accident Case
- What You Should Know About Reporting a Car Accident in New York
Recoverable Compensation You Could Seek After a Car Accident
Your injuries from a car accident on Long Island are not the only costly losses you may face. You may be eligible to seek several forms of damages in a car accident case, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Is it worth getting an attorney after a car accident?
Dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic injuries from a car crash is only one of many challenges people face. Economic and non-economic damages often accompany auto accident events.
In other words, many hidden costs can make it difficult for people to return to their everyday lives.
Economic Damages From Car Accidents
Economic damages are basically those quantifiable losses that people are forced to endure during their recovery process. These can include direct losses from unplanned expenses like medical bills, or more indirect lost opportunities such as missing time at work.
- Immediate Medical bills (incurred after an accident): these can include the cost of emergency room care, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, surgery, ambulatory services, physical therapy, and/or medications.
- Future/ongoing medical bills: Serious automobile accident injuries do not get fixed in one or two visits to the doctor. They often require many months of ongoing care which can get very expensive.
- Lost wages: ongoing medical care and visits to the doctor can really throw off a work schedule. Not being able to work due to injury or incapacitation also leads to loss of wages or even job loss.
- Reduced earning capacity: It is not uncommon for people to experience life altering changes as the result of a car accident. If you’re hurt to the point where you cannot work, you may be forced to take other jobs that are less gainful.
Non-Economic Damages From Car Accidents
You could seek a recovery for:
- Pain and suffering, if your car accident caused you serious physical pain and other hardships
- Mental anguish, for the psychological challenges you could be dealing with after a crash
However, every auto accident case is different, and you may need to meet certain criteria to seek some forms of damages. A car accident lawyer can help you understand all forms of compensation available to you after a collision.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now, and one of our car accident lawyers will get back with you.
Compensation Available if You Lost a Loved One in a Car Crash
Like auto accidents, no personal injury case is simple to handle on your own, let alone when you’re dealing with a loss.
A car accident attorney from our law firm can handle every aspect of a wrongful death case for you and help you recover damages.
This may also include economic and non-economic losses, such as:
- Medical costs required by your loved one
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of future income and support
- Pain and suffering of your loved one before passing
How can the Long Island attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP help my case?
Our attorneys practice exclusively in the area of personal injury law and wrongful death, with a focus on personal service and delivering the highest caliber of legal service.
How We Can Help You
We will typically begin your case as an insurance claim, but we may advise taking some car accident cases to court if necessary. During the legal process, you can expect us to:
- Determine your recoverable damages
- Gather compelling evidence of your losses and the other driver’s negligence by reviewing the police report, medical records, and other evidence
- Handle all communications with parties in your case
- Negotiate the best possible settlement
- Advise you on settlement offers
- Litigate on your behalf
- File any necessary paperwork
- Protect your legal rights at every turn
We Will Handle the Most Complicated Aspect of Your Long Island Personal Injury Claim
Our car accident lawyers are known for handling cases ranging from routine to the most complex. While some car crash cases on Long Island may appear to be more straightforward than others, any injury case can come with a host of complications such as:
- A denial or challenge to your claim: The insurance company may try to claim that your injuries aren’t as serious as they are. The insurance company could also argue that a gap in your care timeline translates to you making your injuries worse.
- Lowball settlement offers: You may receive unfairly low offers from even your own insurance provider that may not cover the full range of your bills and losses.
- Arguments that you are at fault: Even when the other driver seemed negligent, you may face unfair accusations of fault or partial liability. We can gather evidence from Long Island car accidents to show the facts in the case and protect your rights.
- Multi-party liability or uncertain liability: You may not realize that more than one driver or entity could be responsible for your losses. You could also leave a great deal of money on the table if you do not take appropriate action.
We know that you and your family may be going through a great deal as you cope with the loss of income, medical bills, and the struggle to regain your health.
Rosenberg and Gluck are an awesome law firm who takes the time to listen and advise how the process works and places your trust in their knowledge and experience in them as they guide you through the claim process. They fight for the highest settlement without surrendering to the other sides demands.
Michael Brandt
As your attorneys, we will deal with the insurance company. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys will take care of all the legal aspects of your case while you concentrate on getting well.
Why Choose Our Lawyers to Handle Your Injury Case?
At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, our team of personal injury lawyers has decades of experience working to assist victims of others’ negligence on Long Island. If you choose to work with our team, you can rest assured that:
- We offer a free consultation so that you can learn your legal options.
- We work based on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about upfront fees.
- We can visit you at home or in a hospital if you are unable to travel to us. We can also schedule virtual meetings.
- We will get your questions answered and keep you in the loop throughout your case.
Our Results for Past Clients
While we work hard to serve every one of our clients, the ultimate goal of our law offices is to seek the best possible compensation for you. Our track record includes:
- $25.4 million for a teen catastrophically injured in a car crash
- $2.5 million for a 16-year-old victim whose car crash was caused by multiple drivers
- $2.39 million for a worker who was injured in a collision after being rear-ended
- $370,000 for a 69-year-old man who was initially challenged in his case, as the defense claimed his aging process was responsible for his injuries
How Much Time Do I have To File a Car Accident Claim?
In injury cases, the statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file a lawsuit. Per New York law CPLR § 214, this is typically three years for personal injury cases.
For wrongful death cases, you generally have two years, per EPTL § 5-4.1. If you miss the deadline, you may no longer be able to seek fair compensation for your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, etc.
You should take steps to begin your case as soon as possible for this reason. Additionally, there are some situations which may shorten these time periods. You could have as little as 90 days to act.
Seeking legal help at the outset will give you and your attorney a head start in building strong evidence for your case.
Someone from our team will immediately work to preserve the evidence that may make the difference in proving fault and liability.
How Our Attorneys Build a Case Against an At- fault Driver on Long Island
If you or a loved one was involved in a car collision, you might have a legal case. If your injury was caused by actions directly from a negligent driver, you might have the right to file a claim or a personal injury lawsuit for the compensation you need.
Proving Negligence
The ability to collect compensation depends on whether or not the other driver was negligent. To prove negligence, you must be able to prove the following:
- Someone else had a duty of care to show you a reasonable level of safety.
- That party breached their duty of care.
- That breach caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.
Our Long Island personal injury attorneys can help. We fight for your right to retrieve the compensation you deserve. We hold wrongdoers accountable to prevent future negligence on the road that causes car accidents.
Common Forms of Negligence That May Have Caused Your Car Accident Injuries
On Long Island, highways are notorious for being dangerous places where accidents happen. Impatience on the roads can lead to impulsivity and poor decision-making.
Other forms of negligence, such as drunk or distracted driving, could have also caused your collision. You may have a right to seek compensation.
We must first establish how the other driver’s actions contributed to the car accident to move forward with a case. Here are some common forms of negligence that may lead to collisions:
- Inattention from the driver
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield to the right-of-way
- Failure to yield at stop sign/light
- Texting
- Drunk driving
- Unsafe lane change
- Illegal U-turn
- Weather conditions
- Roadway hazards
- Defective/faulty vehicle parts
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws
Your own negligence can contribute to a car accident. Your Long Island personal injury attorney will discuss your possible contribution to the collision upon your initial free case review.
If you or a loved one was involved in a car collision in New York, our personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP can help.
We Use Many Sources of Evidence for Your Car Accident Case
Our office may build evidence for your case from multiple sources because negligent drivers and their auto insurance providers often deny any responsibility for causing car accidents.
We gather eyewitness testimony and obtain police reports while investigating the evidence from the scene of car accidents.
If necessary, we work with computer animators and simulators to recreate the cause of a crash. Data and evidence recovered are also very useful for visual presentations to explain events to jurors.
We may also work with experts such as:
- Accident reconstructionist
- Skid mark analysts
- Surveyors
- And other specialists
We will take every step necessary to seek the compensation you deserve. If negotiations fail to arrive at a fair settlement on your behalf, you can rest assured, our attorneys are always prepared to present your case to a jury of your peers.
Six Things You Need To Do After A Car Accident
After a car crash, it’s understandable to feel confused about what to do. Here’s what to do after a crash to safeguard your personal health, protect your rights, and start the journey toward financial recovery:
- Stay on the scene. Never flee the scene. This could lead to criminal charges as well as a civil lawsuit against you. Instead, stay on scene until you’re sure everyone is okay and police have cleared you to go.
- Notify the police by calling 9-1-1 if there are injured people or damage to the vehicles. You must stay on the scene until an officer tells you it’s okay to leave.
- Exchange information. If your crash involved another vehicle, you must stop and exchange names, license plate numbers, phone numbers, and insurance company information.
- Seek medical attention for injuries. See a doctor as soon as possible for crash-related injuries. Delaying medical care can result in insurers and jurors questioning the nature of your injuries and the extent of harm.
- File a report with authorities. In New York, you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident within ten days if the crash caused $1,000 in damages or more, per the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. Failure to report can lead to license suspension.
- Seek a case review with our team. We can help you understand your options and ensure that your right to seek compensation is protected.
What You Should Know About Reporting a Car Accident in New York
In New York State, the law obligates you to report your car crash involving personal injury or death to the police. The driver of the car that caused the injury must report what happened.
If the collision involved only property damage, the driver must report it if the damage exceeds $1,000 or if the other driver is not present on the scene.
In New York, drivers must file written collision reports within ten days of the crash. The driver must report a car crash “as soon as he or she is physically able.”
No specific rules dictate when this might be, but it’s safe to assume this means immediately (unless injuries render the driver incapable of making the call).
Car Collisions on Long Island are Common and Costly
With decades of experience supporting injury victims on Long Island, we have seen the devastating consequences of car crashes.
The roads in Suffolk and Nassau Counties are heavily traveled, and collisions are a common occurrence. Such incidents result in millions of dollars in property damage, serious injuries, and death.
We know that you may be facing substantial costs of your own after a crash—and we can help you make a recovery.
Car Accidents FAQs
What should I do after a car accident that wasn’t my fault?
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, get medical care first. Often, even if you feel fine initially, some injuries show up later. Call the police, if safe to do so take photos of the vehicles and the scene, and get the other driver’s insurance and the names of any witnesses. In New York, you must file a no-fault application with the insurer within 30 days, and you must file an MV-104 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was hurt or property damage exceeds $1,000. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster before you speak with a lawyer.
Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?
You may not need a lawyer for a minor car accident if no one was hurt and the only damage is to your car, since you can usually file a claim for property damage yourself. If you have pain, missed work, or needed treatment, a free consultation is worth it to see if you can pursue compensation for your injuries. New York has a serious injury threshold and no-fault rules which can limit what you recover. Injuries that seem minor at first, like neck, back, and head injuries, often turn out to be more serious.
I was a passenger in a car accident. Who do I sue?
As a passenger, you can usually bring a claim against any driver who caused the crash, including the driver of the car you were riding in. Your medical bills and lost wages are first paid through no-fault insurance, usually the policy on the vehicle you were in. If your injury meets New York’s serious injury threshold, you can also seek pain and suffering from the at-fault driver or drivers. Passengers are rarely found at fault, which often makes these claims strong. Different rules apply if your spouse was driving the car you were in. Your ability to bring a spousal claim is dependent on whether you had Supplemental Spousal Coverage on your insurance policy.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
In many cases, yes, especially if you were hurt. A car accident attorney handles the no-fault paperwork, proves the serious injury threshold, values future medical needs, and deals with the insurance company for you. At Rosenberg & Gluck, the consultation is free and we work on contingency, so there are no upfront costs.
Can I claim for anxiety or emotional distress after a car accident?
Yes, emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD can be part of a car accident claim. No-fault insurance can pay for counseling and therapy related to the crash. To recover money for emotional distress from the at-fault driver, you must establish that your claim qualifies under one of the statutory categories for serious injury. For example, under the Significant Limitation category, you must establish that your emotional injuries caused a significant impairment that severely alters your ability to function day to day. Records from a doctor or therapist are key evidence.
How do I know who is at fault in a car accident?
To tell who is at fault in a car accident, insurers and courts look at which driver failed to drive with reasonable care. Police reports, traffic laws, photos, vehicle damage, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and witness statements all help show what happened. Some situations create a strong presumption, such as a rear-end collision, where the rear driver is usually at fault. Additionally, violation of a Vehicle and Traffic Law also creates a presumption of negligence. New York uses a modified comparative negligence standard, so even if you share some blame, so long as you were not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover a reduced amount.
How long does a car accident settlement take?
Most car accident claims take several months to two years to settle. A case with clear liability and a finished course of treatment can resolve faster, while a case that goes into litigation can take longer. It usually makes sense to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement, so the settlement covers your future care. It is important not to rush or settle your case prematurely. A lawyer can move the case forward by gathering records early and filing suit when the insurer will not offer a fair amount.
How long after a car accident can I make an injury claim?
In New York, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. Shorter deadlines also apply. You must file a no-fault application within 30 days. If a town, county, or other public entity was involved, you usually must serve a notice of claim within 90 days. Waiting can also make evidence harder to find, so it helps to speak with a lawyer soon after the crash.
Can I make a car accident claim without a police report?
Yes, you can still make a claim without a police report, but it is harder to prove what happened. In New York, you must report any crash with an injury to the police, and you must file an MV-104 with the DMV within 10 days when someone is hurt or damage is over $1,000. If police did not come to the scene, you can still file a report later. Photos, medical records, and witness statements can also support your claim. Further, a police report is required to pursue an Uninsured or Underinsured claim (UM/SUM) through your own insurance. If you are pursuing an MVAIC claim in the event of no other available auto coverage, a report must be made within 24 hours of the accident.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
Most car accident lawyers, including Rosenberg & Gluck, work on a contingency fee. That means you pay nothing upfront, and the fee comes out of the settlement or verdict only if we recover money for you. In New York, court rules limit contingency fees in personal injury cases, and one-third of the net recovery is standard. Our consultations are always free, so there is no risk to you.
Who pays for my rental car after an accident?
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should pay for a reasonable rental car while your car is being repaired or until the insurer pays for a total loss. We can investigate whether they have this coverage available to you. You can also use rental reimbursement coverage on your own policy if you have it, and your insurer may try to recover the cost later from the at-fault vehicle. New York no-fault insurance does not cover rental cars. It is important you keep all rental receipts.
What is the ‘serious injury’ threshold in New York?
New York’s serious injury threshold is a rule in Insurance Law Section 5102(d). You must meet it before you can sue a driver for pain and suffering after a car crash. Qualifying injuries include death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ or member and a permanent consequential limitation or significant limitation of use of a body function or system. Although New York no longer considers time out of work to meet threshold, we can use time out of work in order to support your qualification under one of the other serious injury categories. Medical proof is always required to establish your injuries.
How much is my car accident settlement worth?
The value of a car accident settlement depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, future care, and how the injury affects your daily life. Liability, the available insurance, and whether you meet the serious injury threshold also matter. There is no reliable average and no fee schedule depending upon the injury. Further, injuries affect people differently. Early settlement offers are often low, and a personal injury lawyer can estimate a fair range once your treatment and records are clearer.
What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
If the other driver has no insurance, your own no-fault coverage still pays your medical bills and lost wages, up to the policy limits. For pain and suffering, you can use the uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, which every New York auto policy must include. If you do not own a car, you may be covered through a relative’s policy you live with, or through MVAIC, New York’s fund for people hurt by uninsured drivers. Strict notice deadlines apply. If you are faced with injuries and the at-fault driver had no coverage or left the scene, contact our office to discuss your options.
How does New York’s no-fault insurance work after a crash?
No-fault insurance in New York means your own auto insurance pays your reasonable medical bills, 80 percent of lost wages up to $2,000 a month, and some other expenses, up to $50,000, no matter who caused the accident. You must file the no-fault application within 30 days. No-fault does not pay for pain and suffering or car damage, and you can only sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if you meet the serious injury threshold.
Contact Us for a No-Cost, No-Obligation Consultation
Call Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. today to speak with a Long Island car accident lawyer for free.
There is no obligation, and you could start the process of your case today. We can also assist clients in Spanish.
