Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf HomeLong Island Car Accident Lawyer
When a crash causes serious injury or death, the stakes are too high to trust your case to just any attorney. These claims are aggressively defended, with insurance companies working to limit what they pay. You need trial lawyers prepared to take your case to verdict, backed by the resources and reputation of a renowned Manhattan law firm.
While many law firms are based on Long Island, not all are equipped to handle complex, high-value cases against well-funded defendants. Choosing Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf means having the best of both worlds: a deep understanding of the Long Island legal landscape, combined with the strength, resources, and nationally recognized trial attorneys of a top Manhattan law firm.
Our personal injury attorneys handle catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases and has secured some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York. With more than a century of experience, the attorneys are prepared to pursue full compensation in even the most complex cases.
Call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation or contact the firm online to speak directly with a team ready to take your case as far as it needs to go.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Long Island Car Accident Case? Trial-Ready Attorneys Who Maximize Case ValueInsurance companies evaluate cases based on risk. When they know your attorneys are prepared to take a case to verdict and have a proven record of doing so, they are far more likely to offer full and fair compensation. The Long Island crash attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf are nationally recognized trial lawyers who handle complex, high-stakes cases.
The Strength of a Manhattan Firm, Applied to Long Island CasesWhile many firms limit their practice to Long Island, serious injury and wrongful death cases often require greater resources, deeper litigation experience, and access to top experts. The firm brings the full strength of a leading Manhattan-based practice to cases litigated in Nassau County Supreme Court and Suffolk County Supreme Court, while maintaining a deep understanding of the local legal landscape.
Proven Results in High-Value CasesThe firm has secured some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York, including multi-million and record-setting recoveries in motor vehicle accident cases. This track record reflects a consistent ability to handle the most serious claims and achieve meaningful results for clients.
Resources to Take on Complex and Contested Cases
From accident reconstruction and forensic analysis to medical experts and economic loss specialists, complex cases demand significant investment and preparation. The firm has the resources to build powerful cases and pursue them through trial when necessary.
Focused Representation for Serious Injury and Wrongful DeathNot every case requires this level of representation, but when injuries are catastrophic or a life has been lost, experience matters. The firm focuses on serious cases where the outcome will have a lasting impact on the client and their family.
Our Long Island Car Accident Legal Services Include:Car accident cases in Nassau and Suffolk Counties are often complex, heavily defended, and fact-specific. Our attorneys handle every aspect of litigation from initial investigation through trial, including:
- Investigating serious and fatal car accidents
Immediate evidence preservation, witness interviews, and coordination with accident reconstruction experts. - Handling wrongful death claims
Representing families who have lost a loved one in a Long Island crash and pursuing full compensation under New York law. - Litigating catastrophic injury cases
Including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other life-altering harm. - DWI and impaired driving cases
Holding intoxicated drivers accountable and pursuing all available sources of recovery. - Multi-vehicle and complex liability crashes
Cases involving multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, or disputed fault. - Insurance coverage and bad faith disputes
Navigating UM/SUM claims, excess coverage, and situations where insurers attempt to minimize payouts. - Pedestrian and bicycle accident claims
Representing victims struck while crossing streets, in parking lots, or along Long Island roadways. - Truck, bus and other commercial vehicle accidents
Claims involving delivery trucks, buses, construction vehicles and other commercial fleets. - Trial preparation and courtroom litigation
Preparing every case as if it will go to trial because insurance companies know which firms are willing to take that step.
When a crash results in serious injury or death, the outcome of your case can depend on the law firm you choose. Contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.
Awards obtained in 2025 by our Long Island Car accident Attorneys- $1,650,000 settlement in Suffolk County on behalf of a 22-year-old man who was killed in a motor vehicle crash. At the time, the decedent was a passenger in the vehicle being driven by an intoxicated driver. He died at the scene, was unmarried and left no children.
- $1,425,000 settlement in Nassau County on behalf of a female pedestrian who was struck by a car that ran over her foot as she walked in a parking lot. She suffered a Lisfranc fracture crush injury of five toes and underwent skin grafting and pin insertion.
- $10,000,000 recovery for a woman who sustained catastrophic, life-altering injuries after being struck at the Hempstead bus terminal in Nassau County, resulting in bilateral leg amputations. The incident occurred in a high-traffic transit area where pedestrian safety measures, vehicle operation, and site management protocols are critical.
- $3,025,000 recovery against Long Island Bus and the County of Nassau on behalf of a 9-year-old boy with Down syndrome who was being carried by his mother across a Hempstead intersection when a bus collided with an SUV that had run a red light. The impact caused fatal injuries to the child’s mother. Following trial, the bus driver and the municipal bus company were found liable, along with the SUV operator, and held responsible for the full judgment.
- $1,500,000 settlement in a Suffolk County truck accident case for a woman who sustained significant hand injuries when her vehicle was rear-ended by an asphalt truck. Investigation revealed that the collision was caused by brake failure resulting from the company’s failure to properly inspect and maintain the truck, establishing clear liability and leading to a substantial recovery.
- $1,425,000 award obtained for a hospital executive injured in Nassau County after being struck and run over by a vehicle while walking, resulting in a severe crush injury to the foot. The recovery reflects the significant impact of the injuries on mobility, daily function, and long-term quality of life.
- $1,200,000 verdict for a motorist injured on the Long Island Expressway when an adolescent dropped a pumpkin from an overpass, striking his vehicle and causing a herniated cervical disc. The case established liability for the reckless act, with the verdict reflecting the serious spinal injury and its lasting effects on the plaintiff’s health and daily life.
- What Types of Car Accidents Are Most Common on Long Island?
- Are Drunk Driving (DWI) Accidents More Serious Legally?
- Do I Still Have a Case if I Was Partially at Fault?
- How Do Serious Injury Laws Affect My Case in New York?
- What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Long Island Car Accident Case?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Long Island, NY?
- Why Are Long Island Car Accident Cases Often Heavily Defended?
- Do Most Long Island Car Accident Cases Settle or Go to Trial?
- What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident on Long Island?
The most common crashes on Long Island include:
- Rear-end collisions in heavy commuter traffic
- Intersection (T-bone) crashes caused by failure to yield or red-light violations
- Sideswipe accidents on multi-lane parkways
- Single-vehicle crashes, often involving speed or loss of control
While these crashes occur frequently, the severity of injuries and the legal complexity varies significantly depending on how the accident happened.
Yes. DWI crashes are often among the most serious and highest-value cases.
Long Island, particularly Suffolk County, has historically recorded some of the highest numbers of alcohol-related crash fatalities in New York State. These cases frequently involve:
- High-speed collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Single-vehicle impacts with fixed objects
From a litigation standpoint, DWI cases can involve:
- Punitive damages (to punish reckless conduct)
- Dram shop claims against bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol
- Stronger liability arguments due to criminal conduct
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule.
This means:
- You can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
Example:
If you are found 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, making early legal involvement critical.
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means:
- Your initial medical bills and lost wages are covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- You can only file a lawsuit if you meet the “serious injury” threshold
This includes:
- Fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent limitation of use
- Significant limitation of a body function
- Death
Establishing a “serious injury” is often one of the most heavily litigated issues in Long Island cases.
Depending on the facts, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
In DWI and other reckless cases, additional damages may be available.
In most cases:
- 3 years from the date of the accident (personal injury)
- 2 years for wrongful death
However, if a municipality is involved (for example, a crash involving a county vehicle), you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Car accident cases on Long Island, particularly those involving serious injury or death, are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies and defense attorneys approach these claims aggressively from the outset because of the significant financial exposure involved.
Several factors make these cases especially contentious:
1. High-value claims involving catastrophic injuries
Long Island sees a significant number of crashes involving high speeds, parkways, and DWI-related collisions, which often result in life-altering injuries. When damages are substantial, insurers are far more likely to invest heavily in defending the case.
2. Disputed liability in multi-vehicle crashes
Rear-end collisions may seem simple, but many Long Island crashes involve multiple vehicles, chain reactions, or conflicting accounts. Defense teams frequently attempt to:
- Shift blame to another driver
- Argue comparative fault
- Minimize their insured’s responsibility
3. Immediate involvement of defense experts
Insurance carriers often retain experts early, including:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Biomechanical engineers
- Medical experts to challenge injury claims
These experts are used to contest how the crash occurred and whether the injuries were truly caused by the accident.
4. Attacks on the seriousness of injuries
Even when liability is clear, insurers frequently argue that:
- The injuries are not “serious” under New York law
- The condition is pre-existing or degenerative
- The treatment was excessive or unrelated
This is particularly common in cases involving spinal injuries, soft tissue damage, or delayed symptoms.
5. Surveillance and digital evidence
Defense teams increasingly rely on:
- Surveillance footage
- Social media activity
- Vehicle data (black box / event data recorders)
These tools are used to undermine credibility and reduce damages.
6. Trial risk drives defense strategy
On Long Island, juries have returned substantial verdicts in serious injury cases. Because of this, insurance companies often prepare cases as if they will go to trial, even when they ultimately settle.
Most Long Island car accident cases do settle but not quickly, and not without pressure.
The Reality: Settlement Often Comes LateWhile many cases resolve before trial, meaningful settlement discussions usually occur only after the case has been fully developed, including:
- Exchange of evidence (discovery)
- Depositions of parties and witnesses
- Independent medical examinations
- Motions challenging liability or injury claims
Insurance companies rarely offer full value early. Instead, they wait to see whether the legal team is prepared to take the case all the way to trial.
When Cases Are More Likely to Go to TrialSome cases are significantly more likely to proceed toward trial, including:
- DWI crashes involving reckless conduct
- Fatal accidents (wrongful death claims)
- Catastrophic injury cases (brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation)
- Cases with disputed liability
- Cases where insurers undervalue long-term damages
In these situations, insurers may refuse to make reasonable offers, forcing the case forward.
Why Trial Readiness MattersInsurance companies closely evaluate risk. If a law firm has a reputation for:
- Taking cases to verdict
- Securing substantial jury awards
- Investing in expert testimony and trial preparation
they are far more likely to offer a serious settlement.
Conversely, if a case is not positioned for trial, insurers may delay or reduce offers, knowing the pressure to settle increases over time.
The Strategic ApproachThe strongest Long Island cases are handled with a trial-first strategy, meaning:
- The case is prepared as if it will be tried before a jury
- Evidence is developed early and thoroughly
- Experts are retained to support liability and damages
- Negotiations are driven by demonstrated readiness, not urgency
To protect your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the accident to police
- Document the scene (photos, witnesses)
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
- Contact an attorney as early as possible
Early investigation is critical, especially in hit-and-run or DWI cases, where evidence can disappear quickly.
If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a Long Island car accident, the legal issues can quickly become complex, particularly in cases involving serious injury, disputed liability, or drunk driving.
Visit our New York Car Accident Lawyer page for more information on crash litigation in NY.
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a Manhattan-based law firm representing victims across Long Island, with nationally recognized trial attorneys and a long history of obtaining substantial verdicts and settlements in New York.
Call 212-943-1090 or contact our team of Long Island Auto Accident Attorneys by filling a form online for a free consultation.
