GARDEN CITY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

With over 30 years of experience exclusively in the field of personal injury law, our Garden City, NY car accident attorney handles cases involving rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, and catastrophic injuries.

After a collision, you need skilled representation to present your case effectively. Without an experienced car accident lawyer in Long Island like Steven R. Smith in your corner, insurance companies will likely try to take advantage of your situation and try to diminish the value of your case.

With a competitive yet compassionate spirit, the Law Office of Steven R. Smith is here to provide the support you deserve. Get in touch with us for fierce advocacy in New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding areas of Hempstead, Westbury, Queens, Hicksville, and Mineola. Your first consultation is completely free; contact our car accident lawyer Long Island residents turn to most today!

What to Do Immediately After a Car Wreck

Here are just a few things our Long Island car accident attorney recommends keeping in mind after an accident involving any kind of automobile:

1. Never tell anyone at the scene of the accident that the accident was your fault. Wait until your car accident lawyer in Long Island investigates to determine whether the accident was totally, partially, or not your fault at all.

2. Take photographs and video at the scene of the accident. Skid marks on the road, placement of vehicles on the road, stop signs, overhanging branches, double-parked cars, and damage to each vehicle help prove who is at fault.

3. Call the police to the accident scene even if the other person offers to pay for your damage out of their pocket so that their insurance rates would not go up. They may change their mind later.

4. Go to the emergency room to get checked out, even if you are just shaken up. Many times your body is so tense and upset that you don't realize that you suffered an injury. When your case is ready to be settled, the insurance company always tries to say that you couldn't really be injured since you didn't go to the hospital after the accident.

5. Consult with us immediately. Our New York personal injury firm is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no substitute for quality legal advice. Do not speak with any insurance company, whether it be yours or the other vehicle's insurance company, until you speak with our office first.

When you partner with us, we will do everything in our power to make sure that neither insurance company twists your statement to be used against you. We will make sure that all required documents are filed on time and we will strive to protect your rights.

No-Fault Medical & Lost Earnings Coverage

In New York, when you are involved in an automobile accident, whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist (but not ordinarily a motorcyclist, although there may be some exceptions), your medical bills will be paid through No-Fault automobile insurance.

However, an application is required to be filed within 30 days of the accident, and while some personal injury lawyers in Long Island and surrounding areas charge their clients a fee for this service, we at the Law Office of Steven R. Smith never charge a fee for assisting in your No-Fault claim and always file your application on time. More importantly, there are questions on the form which require an expert response, or else they will be twisted around to hurt your case later.

If you are in an accident with a motor vehicle that has no insurance, or you were involved in a hit-and-run situation, did you know that there is still a way to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries? Yes—if you have your own policy, by law, you are required to be provided with at least $25,000 coverage under the "Uninsured Motorist" portion of your policy. Even if you don't have your own policy, there is a system set up to provide $25,000 in coverage.

However, to be eligible for this, your insurance company must be put on notice of this potential situation. At the Law Office of Steven R. Smith, our car accident lawyer Long Island residents turn to always timely notifies the insurance company so that they cannot claim that they were not aware of this potential case.

Car Accident Cases FAQs

How does the New York No-Fault insurance system affect my medical coverage after a crash?

Under state law, your initial personal injury protection coverage pays for basic medical bills and up to 80% of your lost wages regardless of who caused the collision. An application must be formally filed within 30 days of the crash to guarantee these immediate economic benefits are active.

What legal options exist if my specialized medical treatment exceeds my personal injury protection limits?

When standard insurance limits are completely exhausted by surgeries or long-term hospital rehabilitation, you can step outside the no-fault system. This allows you to file an aggressive lawsuit against the negligent driver to pursue vital compensation for your remaining economic damages and future medical expenses.

Which Long Island lawyer is experienced in car accident cases and ensures all strict filing deadlines are met?

The Law Office of Steven R. Smith is highly experienced in maximizing challenging motor vehicle injury recoveries. Our personal injury law firm in Long Island aggressively manages all your insurance documentation, protects you from early settlement traps, and preserves your right to sue the at-fault parties.

Statute of Limitations in New York

While approximately 90% of our cases are settled without the need to file a costly and time-consuming lawsuit, there are times when a lawsuit cannot be avoided. There are time limitations that vary depending upon the type of accident claim and whom the claim is against.

In some cases, the law requires that the party you intend to sue be provided with a written "Notice" within 90 days of the accident that you intend to bring a claim against them. Some lawsuits must be filed anywhere between one year to three years from the date of the accident. You need our guidance to be sure that your rights are protected and that your claim is filed on time!

With over 30 years of experience exclusively handling accident cases, our Long Island lawyer is ready to provide you with compassionate and assertive guidance. Rely on the professional accident services of our firm.

Get the Compensation You Are Owed

If you have been injured due to negligence, it is essential to seek out representation as soon as possible. The negligent party may decide to settle for a lesser amount than you are owed.

Our case results reflect the level of preparation we bring to every claim. For example, we secured a $1.1 million settlement for a 15-year-old passenger who suffered multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident. This result highlights how careful case development and strong advocacy can lead to meaningful compensation, even in complex injury cases.

We work to recover damages that reflect the full impact of your injury. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving long-term or permanent injuries, we also consider future medical care and the effect on your ability to work and maintain your daily routine.

Financial Recovery and Client Rights FAQs

What is the legal threshold required to sue an at-fault driver for non-economic damages?

To pursue non-economic compensation like pain and suffering, your condition must satisfy the state's serious injury threshold. This includes documented bone fractures, permanent organ or limb limitations, significant body system restrictions, or continuous disability lasting at least 90 days.

How long do I have to officially initiate a personal injury lawsuit against a private driver in New York?

The general statute of limitations allows up to three years from the exact date of the collision to file a lawsuit. However, this timeline shrinks dramatically to just 90 days if the negligent party is a city, municipality, or government transit entity.

Why should an injured victim consult a car accident lawyer in Long Island immediately after a collision?

Consulting our firm immediately about your car accident case stops insurance adjusters from devaluing your claim or taking recorded statements that hurt your case. We provide the assertive, hands-on legal advocacy needed to secure maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.

Your Health Is Our Priority

After a roadway wreck on the road, our primary goal is physical recovery. If you do not have your own doctors, Steven R. Smith is a dedicated Long Island lawyer highly experienced with car accident cases who can help you locate local medical providers. This care connects you with options ranging from conservative care treatment and pain management specialists to advanced spinal surgeons. Seeking treatment immediately establishes a clear diagnostic record to document the full scope of your injuries for your underlying claim.

We just want to make sure that you get the medical treatment that you need to get better. Remember, in an automobile accident, the medical bills are paid by No-Fault insurance, no matter whose fault the accident is. There's no need to be afraid of incurring and accumulating medical bills. Get better—that's what matters.

Our firm has been fighting for innocent injured accident victims for decades. We know all too well the tactics and strategies insurance companies use to have your claim denied or settled for less than you deserve. You have already been a victim once; don’t let an insurance company make you a victim again.

Steven took my case almost 2yrs ago, car accident. This man goes above and beyond for you, he takes you by the hand and explains everything before doing anything. He gives you his personal cell and answers promptly when he's needed. He's tough and goes head on to fight for you. I could not recommend a better attorney for you. I will be referring Steven to anyone in Orange County, NY needing an attorney. Thank you for doing right by me. And I'll always stay in touch.

-Christine M.

Read our full archive of client reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Negligence and Liability FAQs

What specific evidence is necessary to establish fault in a multi-vehicle highway collision?

Proving liability requires concrete documentation showing a driver breached their duty of care. Our office secures official police reports, analyzes vehicle damage patterns, interviews eyewitnesses, and coordinates with specialized accident reconstruction experts to build an unassailable case.

Can I still recover financial damages if a police report indicates I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, because the state enforces a pure comparative negligence standard. Your final financial recovery will simply be reduced by your exact percentage of blame, meaning you can legally pursue compensation even if you are deemed partially responsible for the crash.

Where can I find a dedicated car accident lawyer in Long Island who understands pure comparative fault?

Steven R. Smith utilizes over three decades of local insight to combat deceptive insurance strategies aimed at inflating your percentage of blame. We aggressively counter these tactics with hard evidence to protect the full integrity and financial value of your injury claim. Reach out to our car accident lawyer in Long Island today.

Schedule a Free Consultation

We know that when you are in a car crash, you are experiencing a lot of stress and are faced with difficult questions. How am I going to pay for my medical bills? What about my vehicle? How long am I going to be out of work?

All of this financial pressure is coming at a time when you are most vulnerable. You are physically and emotionally devastated. Now is not the time to try and go it alone. Because of these financial and emotional stresses, insurance companies know that they have this window of opportunity to entice you to settle your claim for the amount they are offering. You need to remember that the nice adjuster you are talking to is an employee of the insurance company and his or her job is to get you to settle for as little as possible.

Without legal counsel, you can also be unwittingly led into a trap by making seemingly harmless and polite responses that will damage your claim or even have your claim denied. For these reasons and more, we advise you to call our Long Island car accident lawyer immediately.