GARDEN CITY PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming not only physically, but also mentally and financially. You should be focusing on healing properly from your injuries, not stressing over medical bills or a battle with your insurance company. Let our experienced Garden City, NY personal injury lawyer take the lead in your fight for compensation.

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we are driven by our desire to help you seek the compensation you need to overcome your injury. Whether we are able to secure a fair settlement via negotiations, or we need to take your case to trial, we’ll stop at nothing to fight for a favorable result. Our competitive spirit is the driving force behind everything we do.

For dedicated representation, reach out to Steven R. Smith today to schedule a free consultation. We're proud to serve clients in Long Island, Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, Mineola, and across the state of New York.

Why Experience Matters in Personal Injury Cases

Having spent decades representing cases of personal injury, our Garden City personal injury attorney is prepared to guide you through the legal process toward the outcome you deserve. It is likely that the insurance provider is failing to offer you proper compensation for an injury caused by a car accident, slip and fall, or another related incident.

At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we don’t back down from a challenge. In fact, we thrive under pressure. Steven R. Smith began his career working in insurance defense, which gives our firm insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims and where they may try to limit payouts. We use that knowledge to build strong cases and present clear, well-supported demands for compensation.

Results That Make a Difference

Our case results reflect the level of preparation and attention we bring to every case. For example, we secured a $2.2 million settlement for a 36-year-old motorcyclist who suffered multiple fractures, including injuries to his leg, hand, and ribs that required surgery and prevented him from returning to work as a police officer.

In another matter, we obtained a $500,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on ice in a poorly maintained parking lot, suffering an ankle fracture that required two surgeries and led to early retirement. These outcomes show how careful case development and strong advocacy can lead to meaningful compensation for our clients.

We understand that every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. However, they do demonstrate our commitment to preparing each case thoroughly and pursuing the best possible result based on the facts. At our firm, we do not shy away from difficult cases. We are ready to take on challenging claims and stand firm when insurance companies push back.

What Clients Are Saying

"Steven Smith is an excellent attorney who I have and will continue to recommend. He is honest and always available to answer questions. His office took care of every detail of my case with optimal results. I highly recommend this firm."

-Christine M.

Read a full list of reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Accidents happen. We’ll be here when they do. Since 2000, our team has represented clients suffering from:

• Car accidents

• Bicycle accidents

• Truck and bus accidents

• Motorcycle accidents

• Slips, trips and falls

• Medical malpractice

• Neck and back injuries

• Dog bites

• Injuries to children

• Work-related accidents

• Construction site accidents

• Scaffold/ladder accidents

• Accidents caused by dangerous property

• Accidents caused by defective products

• Broken bones/fractures

• Wrongful death

• Paralysis

• Brain damage

• Other bodily injuries

After an accident, reach out to our experienced Garden City injury attorney. We want to help you hold them accountable and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Available Damages for New York Personal Injuries

Under New York law, there are strict time limitations from the date of your accident to begin a case of personal injury and start seeking compensation. The amount of compensation—or damages—you’re able to recover will vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.

There are two key types of damages you may be able to pursue: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can be quantified and are typically easier to prove when seeking compensation. They are meant to reimburse claimants for things like:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Therapy costs

• Property damages

• Lost wages

• Loss of earning capacity

• Funeral costs (in the case of wrongful death)

Non-Economic Damages

Not every loss you suffer during an accident can be quantified. Non-economic damages are awarded to cover things that can’t be reimbursed dollar-for-dollar, including:

• Physical pain and suffering

• Mental anguish

• Decreased quality of life as a result of your injuries

• Physical impairment or disfigurement

• Loss of consortium

Personal Injury FAQs

If you were hurt because of someone else’s actions, you likely have questions about your rights and next steps. At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we work with injured clients throughout Garden City and the surrounding areas. Below are answers to common questions we hear from people considering a personal injury claim.

What is the hardest injury to prove?

Some of the most difficult injuries to prove are those that are not always visible on scans or tests. Soft tissue injuries, chronic pain conditions, and certain head injuries can fall into this category. Insurance companies may question how serious these injuries are or whether they were caused by the incident at all. Detailed medical records, consistent treatment, and clear documentation of how your life has changed are important.

When you work with our Garden City personal injury lawyer, you can rely on us to help gather and present the right information, so your claim is taken seriously.

What evidence do you need for an injury claim?

Strong claims rely on clear and organized evidence. This can include accident reports, photos or video of the scene, witness statements, medical records, and bills related to your treatment. In some cases, expert opinions may also help explain how the injury occurred and how it affects you. Keeping a journal about your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine can also be useful.

Our client-recommended attorney can help you identify what is most relevant and build a clear picture of what happened.

How can I tell that my injury is severe?

An injury may be considered severe if it requires ongoing treatment, causes lasting pain, limits your ability to work, or affects your daily activities. If you need surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care, that is also a sign the injury is serious.

Even if symptoms seem minor at first, they can worsen over time, so it's important to get medical care as soon as possible and follow your provider’s recommendations. This not only benefits your health, but also creates a record for your injury claim that shows the full extent of your condition.

Could my claim be denied? Why?

Yes, claims can be denied for several reasons. An insurance company may argue that the injury was pre-existing, that there is not enough proof of what happened, or that you were partly responsible for the incident. Missing deadlines or failing to follow medical advice can also affect your claim.

If your claim is denied, it does not always mean the case is over. There may be options to appeal or present additional evidence. Our Garden City personal injury attorney can review what happened and explain your options moving forward.

When should I contact an attorney?

It is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you've been hurt in an accident. Early guidance can help you avoid mistakes, protect important evidence, and deal with insurance companies more effectively. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather records or locate witnesses. Speaking with your accident attorney early on also helps you understand deadlines that apply to your case and what to expect as it moves forward.

Get Guidance Backed by Experience

You do not have to handle this process on your own. At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, we're here to listen to your story and explain your options in clear terms. If you were injured and have questions about your next steps, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.