Long Island living is idyllic in many ways. You’re close to the hustle and bustle of the city–but not too close. And you’re never too far from the beach.
On a typical day on Long Island, there is an average of 83 fatal or injury-causing motor vehicle accidents across Nassau and Suffolk Counties combined. That’s a more impactful, evergreen number.
According to data compiled by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) and the NYS DMV:
- Nassau County averages roughly 10,800 to 11,000 fatal and personal injury (F&PI) crashes annually.
- Suffolk County, which has a larger landmass and population, routinely sees upwards of 18,000 to 19,000 F&PI crashes per year.
- Combined, the two counties consistently hover right around that 30,000 F&PI crash mark annually.
If you’ve suffered an injury on Long Island due to someone else’s negligence, it may be time to consider retaining an experienced injury attorney.
Our Long Island personal injury lawyer, Theodore A. Naima, has successfully represented thousands of injured victims and their loved ones over two decades.
He can guide you through the nuances of New York law and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
What Long Island Injury Victims Should Know in 2026
Medical inflation is directly impacting what personal injury cases are worth in 2026. Average bodily injury payouts have climbed to around $29,100 per injured person nationally, with bodily injury now making up more than half of all liability claims paid by insurers.
In New York, this means higher demands for future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering — but insurance companies are also pushing back harder than before.
Evidence like dashcam footage, witness memories, and electronic data disappears quickly — and insurance companies push for fast resolutions before the full extent of damages is known. This is why reaching out to an attorney early makes a measurable difference.
“Ted Naima has spent 25 years staying ahead of exactly these kinds of shifts. If you’ve been injured, a free call today costs nothing and can make everything clearer.”
Why Long Island Personal Injury Cases Are Different
Long Island sees some of the highest traffic accident rates in New York State, especially in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Roads like Southern State Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike are consistently identified as high-risk for crashes and fatalities.
Cases are typically filed in Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola or Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead — each with its own procedural requirements and local rules that can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Knowing which courthouse your case lands in — and how that court operates — matters.
New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance pays your medical bills up to a point — but to sue the person who hurt you, your injuries generally need to meet a legal threshold. Most people don’t know this distinction until it’s too late. New York’s no-fault law gives you just 30 days to file your NF-2 application after an accident. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your benefits, regardless of how serious your injuries are.
What to Do Right After an Accident on Long Island
Call 911 and get a police report filed — even for accidents that seem minor. The report is a key document in any future claim. Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel okay. Some injuries — especially soft tissue and head injuries — don’t show symptoms for days.
Take photos of everything: vehicles, the scene, road conditions, your injuries, and any signage nearby. Get the names and contact information of all witnesses before anyone leaves the scene.
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurers are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim. File your no-fault NF-2 application within 30 days — this is a hard deadline under New York law.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears fast, and the sooner your attorney is involved, the better your case is protected.
Cases Our Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers Handle
At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, we represent people who’ve been injured due to the negligence of others. We have extensive experience assisting clients with claims relating to:
- Medical malpractice,
- Car accidents,
- Motorcycle accidents,
- Construction accidents,
- Premises liability,
- Nursing home abuse,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Wrongful death,
- Trucking accidents,
- Pedestrian accidents, and
- Dog bites.
Our legal experience spans across these specific situations, and many others.
With 25+ years of trial experience, we know how to help accident victims pursue the compensation they need to help them recover from traumatic experiences and personal injuries.
Damages in Long Island, NY Personal Injury Cases
Following a serious accident, victims often experience debilitating injuries that may impact the rest of their lives.
By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, injured parties may be able to recover compensation for their accident-related expenses.
While every case is different, some of the most commonly awarded damages following a successful Long Island personal injury lawsuit include:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Past and future lost wages;
- Property damage;
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of the enjoyment of life; and
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement.
While these damages are available, accident victims must prove the existence and extent of these damages to get compensated.
Long Island personal injury lawyers can help injured parties identify the full extent of their economic and non-economic losses.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Long Island Personal Injury Case?
New York law requires accident victims to bring a claim for damages within a certain period of time.
Under New York Civil Practice & Rules § 214, an accident victim must bring a personal injury case within three years of the incident that caused their injury.
However, in some cases, state law provides for a shorter statute of limitations.
For example, medical malpractice cases must be filed within two-and-a-half years from the date when the patient discovers they may have a claim against a medical provider.
There are also other exceptions to the general three-year statute of limitations, and the applicable statute of limitations is not always clear-cut.
By consulting with a personal injury lawyer, Long Island accident victims can dete
How a Personal Injury Lawyer on Long Island Can Help
When you sustain a serious injury in an accident, having a Long Island personal injury lawyer on your side is essential. From day one, our attorneys manage every aspect of your case, including:
- Gathering evidence from the scene,
- Following up with potential witnesses,
- Negotiating with the defendant or their insurance company,
- Making timely case filings, and
- Preparing your case for trial if necessary.
Our goal is to provide thorough, one-on-one service to every client to make sure we understand their needs. From there, we tirelessly fight for their wellbeing, keeping them informed every step of the way.
What Working with Ted Naima Actually Looks Like
When you first call our office, you’ll speak directly with Ted. He listens to what happened, asks about your injuries, and tells you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.
If we move forward, Ted handles everything so you don’t have to, and building the documented case that gets you the best possible outcome.
Most clients reach us during one of the most stressful moments of their lives. Our job is to take the legal burden completely off your plate so you can focus on recovering.
Cities and Counties We Serve Within Long Island, NY
- Huntington, NY
- Garden City, NY
- Suffolk County, NY
- Mineola, NY
- Freeport, NY
- Hicksville, NY
- Valley Stream, NY
Have Questions About Your Claim? Contact Us Today
No matter what types of injuries you have, our Long Island personal injury attorney can review your case and provide you with your legal options.
At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, we have over 25 years of experience assisting clients with their personal injury claims and questions.
FAQ Section
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim on Long Island?
In New York, you generally have 3 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Medical malpractice cases have a shorter window of 2.5 years. There are also exceptions that can shorten or extend these deadlines. If you were injured by a government vehicle or on government property, you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Does New York no-fault insurance mean I can’t sue?
Not necessarily. New York’s no-fault system covers your basic medical bills regardless of who caused the accident — but if your injuries are serious enough (scarring, fracture, significant limitation of a body part, or 90 days of disability), you can step outside no-fault and pursue a claim against the person responsible.
How much does a Long Island personal injury lawyer cost?
At the Law Offices of Theodore Naima, there are no upfront fees. The firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless and until your case is won or settled. You can speak with Ted for free with no obligation.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault — your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation with attorney Ted Naima, give us a call at(516) 280-7311 or contact us online.
The information provided on this page speaks in general terms. Of course, there are often exceptions that apply in certain situations. For a complete list of all exceptions please consult the Consolidated Laws of New York. Attorney Naima is also happy to answer any questions you have about your injuries or ability to pursue a claim against the responsible party.