Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Long Island, NY

If you’ve been hurt in an accident on Long Island, you’re probably dealing with more than just the physical pain. Medical bills are stacking up. You may have missed weeks of work already, and the insurance company keeps calling with questions you’re not sure how to answer.

At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP, we’ve spent more than 75 years representing people in exactly this situation. Our firm has recovered more than $200 million for clients across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater New York area. We handle every type of personal injury claim, and we do it on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win. If you need a personal injury lawyer Long Island, NY residents trust, contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson for Personal Injury in Long Island, NY?

Decades of Local Experience in Long Island Courts

Founding Partner Martin Schiowitz co-founded this firm in 1978 and has spent more than 50 years practicing personal injury law in New York. He has tried cases across Nassau and Suffolk County courthouses and has a deep understanding of how local judges and defense attorneys operate. Martin earned his J.D. from New York Law School in 1972 and is a peer-selected Super Lawyer, a distinction awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in the field.

Partner Jeremy Schiowitz has over 16 years of experience litigating injury claims across Long Island and New York City. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School in 2003 and is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey. Jeremy has been named a Super Lawyer every year from 2014 through 2025, was recognized as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in New York by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys in 2015, and was selected for the Top One Percent by the NADC. He is also known for arguing a landmark appellate case that changed liability law for train platform accidents in New York City.

A Record That Speaks for Itself

Our Long Island personal injury attorneys have helped clients recover more than $200 million in verdicts and settlements. That includes multimillion-dollar outcomes in car accident cases, premises liability claims, construction site injuries, and medical malpractice matters. We have the resources to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to offer a fair number, and defense attorneys know it.

No Fees Unless We Recover for You

We take personal injury cases on contingency. That means you don’t pay a single dollar unless we get you a result. No hourly billing, no retainers, no hidden costs. A free consultation with our firm is exactly that. We will review the facts, give you an honest assessment of your claim, and explain what contingency fees look like in practice.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I couldn’t be more grateful for Jeremy’s exceptional legal expertise. He navigated my personal injury case with precision, dedication, and ultimately secured a favorable outcome. Jeremy’s professionalism, clear communication, and unwavering support made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a reliable and results-driven lawyer. Thank you Jeremy, for your outstanding service and representation!!” — Mario Finlayson

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Long Island

We represent injured people across a wide range of accident types throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Every case is different, but our approach stays the same: investigate thoroughly, build the strongest claim possible, and fight for a full recovery.

• Car accidents. Rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, highway pileups, and every other kind of motor vehicle wreck. We handle the insurance claim, gather evidence, and pursue full compensation for injuries and property damage.
• Truck accidents. Commercial vehicle crashes often involve catastrophic injuries. We investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and carrier liability to hold trucking companies accountable.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders on Long Island face disproportionate risk on crowded roads. We counter the bias adjusters often bring to motorcycle claims and fight for what our clients deserve.
• Pedestrian accidents. Being struck by a vehicle while walking can cause life-altering injuries. We help pedestrians pursue claims against negligent drivers and, where applicable, property owners.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists on Long Island are vulnerable to distracted and aggressive drivers. We pursue claims that account for the full scope of physical and financial harm.
• Slip and fall injuries. Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions can be held liable for fall injuries in stores, parking lots, sidewalks, and residential buildings.
• Construction accidents. Falls from scaffolding, crane incidents, falling objects, and other jobsite injuries. New York’s scaffolding law provides strong protections for injured workers.
• Wrongful death. When a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence, we help families pursue the compensation they need to move forward.
• Bus accidents. Public transit and private bus crashes involve complex liability questions. We identify every responsible party and pursue the maximum recovery.
• Nursing home abuse. Neglect and abuse in care facilities cause preventable suffering. Our attorneys investigate facility records and hold negligent providers accountable, including cases involving bedsore injuries.
• Rideshare accidents. Crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services create layered insurance coverage issues that require experienced handling.

New York Legal Requirements for Personal Injury

New York has specific rules that directly affect your ability to file a personal injury claim and how much you can recover. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding these laws can cost you your case entirely.

Under CPLR § 214, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. That is the CPLR § 214-a. Claims against a city, county, or government agency in New York require you to file a notice of claim within just 90 days of the incident.

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you were 20% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 20%.

New York is also a no-fault insurance state. After a car accident, your own insurance covers initial medical bills and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection benefits, regardless of who caused the crash. But to step outside no-fault and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you must show that your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d). That threshold includes fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, and other qualifying conditions.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Long Island Personal Injury Cases?

If you’ve been injured on Long Island because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover several categories of damages. The total value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence.

Economic damages cover the financial losses you can document with bills, receipts, and records. Medical expenses are usually the largest component, and they include emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care your doctors anticipate you’ll need. Lost wages are another significant factor, both what you’ve already missed and what you may lose going forward if your injuries affect your earning capacity. Other economic losses include out-of-pocket costs for things like home modifications, transportation to medical appointments, and household help you now require.

Non-economic damages compensate for harm that doesn’t come with a receipt. Pain and suffering is the most well-known category, and it accounts for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life that follow a serious injury. These damages are harder to quantify, but they often represent a substantial portion of a personal injury settlement or verdict. A Long Island injury attorney can help calculate what your non-economic damages are worth based on the specifics of your situation.

Punitive damages are less common. New York courts may award them when the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious, going beyond ordinary negligence. According to the New York CPLR, these damages exist to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter others from acting the same way. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Long Island can evaluate whether punitive damages apply to your case.

What Steps Should I Take After an Accident on Long Island?

The actions you take in the hours and days after an accident on Long Island can significantly affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. Here are ten steps we recommend to our clients:

1. Move to safety. If you can move without worsening your injuries, get out of the flow of traffic or away from any ongoing hazard.
2. Call 911. Request police and an ambulance, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries like internal bleeding or brain injuries don’t present symptoms immediately.
3. Get medical attention. Let the paramedics evaluate you. Go to the hospital or urgent care the same day. This creates the medical documentation you will need later.
4. Document the scene. Take photographs of the accident location, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Record video if possible.
5. Exchange information. Get names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from all drivers involved. Note the make, model, and color of every vehicle.
6. Collect witness information. If anyone saw what happened, get their name and phone number. Witness accounts can be critical when liability is disputed.
7. Do not admit fault. Anything you say at the scene can be used against you. Cooperate with police, but don’t apologize or speculate about what happened.
8. Report the accident to your insurer. New York’s no-fault system requires timely notification. File the claim, but be careful about giving recorded statements before speaking with a lawyer.
9. Keep records of everything. Save medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and notes about how your injuries affect your daily routine.
10. Contact a personal injury attorney. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your claim will be. An injury lawyer on Long Island can handle negotiations with insurers and preserve evidence while you focus on your recovery.

Personal Injury Statistics on Long Island

Long Island’s roads are some of the most dangerous in New York State. A 2024 report from the NYS Comptroller’s office found that motor vehicle fatalities in New York rose 25.8% from 2019 to 2022, reaching the highest level in a decade with 1,175 deaths statewide. Long Island led the state in absolute numbers: Suffolk County reported 164 traffic deaths and Nassau County had 81 in 2022.

According to NHTSA data, approximately one-in-three fatal crashes in New York involve speeding, and another one-in-three involve a driver above the legal blood alcohol limit. The Comptroller’s report also noted a 45% increase in fatalities involving impaired drivers from 2019 to 2022. The NHTSA crash statistics database confirms these trends are consistent with national patterns, though New York’s fatality increase outpaced the national average during this period.

On a typical day, Long Island sees an average of 83 fatal or injury-causing motor vehicle crashes. The Tri-State Transportation Campaign has identified Jericho Turnpike, also known as Middle Country Road and State Route 25, as one of the most dangerous roads in the entire tri-state area. The Southern State Parkway carries over 200,000 vehicles daily and sees thousands of crashes each year, with a stretch between exits 13 and 19 carrying a particularly grim reputation.

Data from the New York DMV and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee show that despite improvements in vehicle safety technology and a decline in total miles driven, crashes that do occur tend to be more severe than in prior years. Distracted driving, aggressive driving, and infrastructure that wasn’t designed for current traffic volumes are primary contributing factors. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States, and Long Island is no exception to that pattern.

Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney on Long Island?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fees come out of the recovery we obtain for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York?

Three years from the date of the accident for most personal injury cases. Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years and six months. Claims against government entities require a notice of claim within 90 days.

What is the average settlement for a personal injury case on Long Island?

There is no meaningful “average.” Settlement amounts depend on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of the liability evidence. Our firm has recovered outcomes ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the case.

Can I still recover money if I was partly at fault?

Yes. New York uses pure comparative negligence, so even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover damages. Your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What qualifies as a “serious injury” under New York no-fault law?

The law defines serious injury as a fracture, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use or significant limitation of a body organ or member, or a medically determined injury that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.

How long does a personal injury case take on Long Island?

Timelines vary widely. A straightforward claim with clear liability might settle in several months. More complex cases involving disputed fault, severe injuries, or litigation can take one to three years or longer.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Almost never. Initial offers from insurance companies are typically far below the actual value of a claim. Adjusters are trained to close files quickly and cheaply. Having an injury attorney in Long Island, NY negotiate on your behalf usually results in a significantly higher recovery.

What if my medical bills exceed my settlement?

This is a real concern, and one we address early. We work to negotiate medical liens and outstanding balances as part of the overall resolution of your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries that develop over time. Consulting an attorney costs you nothing, and it protects your rights if your condition worsens.

What happens after a deposition in a personal injury case?

Depositions are part of the discovery process. After all depositions are complete, the case typically moves toward a settlement conference or trial preparation. Many cases settle during or shortly after the deposition phase.

Can I sue my employer if I’m injured at work?

Workers’ compensation is generally the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, if a third party caused your injury, such as a property owner, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, you may have a separate personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.

What evidence do I need for a personal injury claim?

Medical records, accident reports, photographs, witness statements, and documentation of lost wages are the foundation. We also work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals when necessary to strengthen a case.

Will my case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases in Long Island settle before trial. But having an attorney with trial experience matters, because insurance companies offer better settlements when they know the lawyer across the table is prepared to go to court.

What is the difference between a personal injury claim and a lawsuit?

A claim is the initial demand you make to the responsible party’s insurer. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, we file a lawsuit and pursue the case through the court system. Many cases that start as lawsuits still settle before reaching a jury.

How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer on Long Island?

Look at experience, results, and how the firm communicates with you. A firm that has handled cases like yours, has a track record of real outcomes, and treats you like a person rather than a file number is where you want to be.

Most Dangerous Locations for Accidents on Long Island

Certain roads and intersections on Long Island see a disproportionate number of serious and fatal crashes every year. Knowing where the highest-risk areas are won’t prevent every accident, but it can make you a more cautious driver.

The Southern State Parkway, originally built in 1927, was never designed for modern traffic volume. It carries over 200,000 vehicles per day and sees thousands of crashes annually. The stretch informally called “Blood Alley” between exits 13 and 19 is particularly dangerous. Oversized vehicles that don’t clear the low overpasses cause recurring incidents near exit 18.

The Long Island Expressway (I-495) has long been considered one of the most hazardous corridors in the region, with clusters of fatal crashes near the Sunken Meadow State Parkway interchange and the Holtsville area. Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue in East Meadow logs over 40 crashes per year. Jericho Turnpike and Route 110 in Huntington Station sees over 200 annual accidents. Sunrise Highway, particularly through West Islip and Bay Shore, is another high-risk corridor. Deer Park Avenue at Jericho Turnpike in Deer Park has also been the site of numerous serious collisions. The towns of Hempstead and Brookhaven consistently lead Long Island in total traffic fatalities.

What Are Important Local Resources for Long Island Personal Injury?

If you’ve been injured on Long Island, the following local resources may be helpful. We provide this list for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP.

• Nassau County Police Department — (516) 573-7000
• Suffolk County Police Department — (631) 852-6000
• NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island (Level 1 Trauma Center, Mineola) — (516) 663-0333
• Stony Brook University Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center, Stony Brook) — (631) 444-4000
• Good Samaritan University Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center, West Islip) — (631) 376-3000
• NYS Department of Health — Full directory of designated trauma centers across New York State
• New York State Courts — Information on Nassau and Suffolk County Supreme Courts, where most Long Island personal injury cases are filed

Contact Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson

If you or someone in your family has been injured on Long Island, we are ready to help. Our personal injury attorneys in Long Island, NY offer free consultations, and we don’t charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you. We make ourselves available to clients and respond promptly because we understand that waiting for answers adds stress to an already difficult situation. Contact us today to discuss your case.