Personal Injury Lawyer in Nassau County, New York

Personal Injury Attorney for Nassau County, NY

If you’ve been injured in Nassau County, understanding your legal options is critical. Sternberg Injury Law Firm can help guide you through the process while ensuring your rights are protected.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in Nassau County

Personal injury law in New York covers situations where someone is harmed due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. In Nassau County, these cases can involve car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and more.

Understanding the basics of personal injury law before pursuing a claim can help you protect your rights, comply with legal deadlines, and navigate local procedures. While the legal framework is set by New York State law, local courts, hospitals, and law enforcement practices in Nassau County can influence how a case proceeds.

Learning about the legal process, including how liability is determined and what types of damages may be available, can help you make informed decisions if you or a loved one suffers an injury.

Nassau County Accident Statistics and Common Risks

Nassau County experiences a range of traffic and personal injury incidents each year. According to preliminary 2025 data from the New York State ITSMR, there were 22,633 reported crashes in the county. Of these, 45 were fatal, 5,772 involved personal injuries, and 16,816 resulted in property damage.

Certain areas and roadways see higher volumes of accidents. For example, the Town of Hempstead recorded the most crashes among Nassau County towns. Common causes include speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, and pedestrian or bicycle collisions.

Accidents are not limited to vehicles. Slips, trips, and falls can occur in public spaces, commercial areas, and near local attractions or transit hubs. Key accident hotspots include major thoroughfares such as the Southern State Parkway, high-traffic intersections, and busy commercial corridors. Local hospitals and medical centers, like Nassau University Medical Center, often treat injuries resulting from these incidents.

Being aware of these trends can help residents and visitors understand the risks and the importance of timely legal guidance if an accident occurs.

How Fault and Liability are Determined in Nassau County

Determining fault after an accident in Nassau County typically requires a clear understanding of New York’s pure comparative negligence law. Under this rule, more than one party can share responsibility for an accident, and even individuals who are partially at fault may still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of liability.

For example, if a driver runs a red light along Hempstead Turnpike while another motorist fails to yield, both parties could share responsibility for a collision. Similarly, a pedestrian who slips on an uneven sidewalk near Nassau University Medical Center may still recover damages if the property owner neglected maintenance, even if the pedestrian’s actions contributed.

Accident investigations in Nassau County are often conducted by local law enforcement, including the Nassau County Police Department and municipal police in towns like Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and North Hempstead. Officers document crash scenes, collect statements, and prepare official reports that play a critical role in establishing liability.

Legal professionals in Nassau County can review police reports, consult accident reconstruction experts, and analyze evidence to ensure that injured individuals receive fair consideration under New York law. Understanding how fault is determined locally is essential for anyone pursuing a personal injury claim.

Statute of Limitations for Nassau County Personal Injury Claims

In New York State, the statute of Limitations, the time within which you must file a personal injury claim, varies depending on the type of injury. Most personal injury cases must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. Certain claims, such as medical malpractice, have shorter deadlines of 2 years and 6 months from the date of the malpractice or the end of continuous treatment.

In Nassau County, claims are typically filed in the Nassau County Supreme Court or the relevant town courts, such as those in Hempstead, Oyster Bay, or North Hempstead, depending on the case type and location of the incident. Filing within the statutory period is essential. Missing the deadline can prevent a claim from proceeding, regardless of its merits.

Understanding these deadlines is critical for anyone pursuing compensation. Early consultation with a legal professional can help ensure that necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time, preserving your right to seek damages for injuries, lost wages, or other losses.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident in Nassau County

If you are involved in an accident in Nassau County, taking the right steps immediately can affect the outcome of a personal injury claim.

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 or emergency services if needed. Even if injuries appear minor, get medical care promptly as some symptoms may not show right away.

Document the Scene

Take photos of vehicles, property, and the surrounding area. Note road conditions, weather, and traffic signals. Collect contact information from witnesses, other drivers, or anyone involved.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Do not make statements that could imply responsibility. Admissions at the scene may complicate claims later.

Notify Authorities

Report the accident to local law enforcement. In Nassau County, accidents are often handled by town police departments, such as Hempstead, Oyster Bay, or North Hempstead Police Departments, who will document the scene and issue official reports.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Reaching out to a Nassau County personal injury attorney early can help guide you through legal procedures, protect your rights, and provide assistance with insurance claims. Acting promptly increases the likelihood of preserving evidence and receiving fair compensation.

Following these steps carefully helps ensure that you are prepared to pursue a personal injury claim effectively while focusing on recovery.

What to Expect During a Personal Injury Case in Nassau County

A personal injury case in Nassau County typically follows a structured legal process governed by New York law and local court procedures. Understanding what happens at each stage can help set realistic expectations.

Case Evaluation and Investigation

After an injury, relevant information is gathered, including accident reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. In Nassau County cases, this often involves obtaining police reports from town or county departments and records from local medical providers.

Establishing Liability and Damages

The facts are reviewed to determine fault and assess the impact of the injury. This includes examining how the accident occurred, whether negligence was involved, and how the injuries affected daily activities, work, and long-term health.

Filing an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit

Many cases begin with an insurance claim. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed in the appropriate Nassau County court. Deadlines and procedural rules must be followed carefully at this stage.

Negotiation and Potential Settlement

Insurance carriers may engage in settlement discussions after reviewing the claim. Negotiations are based on medical costs, lost income, and the severity of the injuries. Some cases resolve at this stage, while others continue.

Litigation and Trial, If Necessary

If a settlement is not reached, the case may proceed through discovery, motion practice, and potentially trial. Nassau County personal injury trials are conducted under New York State court rules and may involve testimony from medical and other expert witnesses.

Throughout the process, attention to documentation, deadlines, and local court procedures plays a critical role in how a case progresses.

Common Personal Injury Cases in Nassau County

Personal injury incidents in Nassau County arise from a wide range of everyday activities and infrastructure conditions. While each case is fact-specific, certain types of accidents occur more frequently due to traffic volume, population density, commercial development, and public spaces throughout the county.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes account for a significant portion of personal injury claims in Nassau County. Collisions frequently occur along major parkways, arterial roads, and commuter routes, particularly during peak travel hours. These cases often involve questions of driver negligence, unsafe lane changes, speeding, or distracted driving.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable near transit hubs, shopping corridors, and intersections without adequate traffic controls. Injuries in these cases are often severe due to the lack of physical protection, and liability may involve drivers, municipalities, or multiple parties depending on road design and traffic conditions.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Falls commonly occur on commercial properties, apartment complexes, sidewalks, and public facilities. These cases typically involve hazardous conditions such as uneven walking surfaces, poor lighting, or weather-related hazards that were not properly addressed.

Premises Liability and Property Hazards

Injuries may also result from unsafe conditions on private or public property, including falling objects, structural defects, or inadequate security. Responsibility often depends on who controlled the property and whether the hazard was known or should have been addressed.

Medical Malpractice and Healthcare Negligence

Nassau County is home to several major hospitals and healthcare providers. Errors involving misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or improper treatment can lead to serious, long-term injuries. These cases require detailed medical and legal analysis and are governed by specific procedural rules under New York law.

Workplace Accidents and Construction Injuries

Construction sites, industrial facilities, and service-sector workplaces present ongoing injury risks. While many workplace injuries are handled through workers’ compensation, certain cases may involve third-party liability claims.

Wrongful Death Cases

In the most serious situations, accidents result in fatal injuries. Wrongful death claims may arise from traffic collisions, unsafe premises, medical negligence, or workplace incidents, and they involve distinct legal considerations for surviving family members.

About Nassau County, New York

Nassau County, located on Long Island just east of New York City, offers a mix of suburban comfort and coastal beauty. It’s known for its historic towns, scenic parks, and easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Manhattan. The county features a wide range of attractions, from shopping and dining in areas like Garden City to relaxing along the shores of Jones Beach. With a strong focus on community, education, and culture, Nassau is a hub of activity year-round. As of January 2026, the population of Nassau County is approximately 1,395,800.

Nassau Areas We Service

The Sternberg Injury Law Firm has personal injury attorneys ready to help victims in:

Get in Touch with the Sternberg Injury Law Firm

If you were injured in Nassau County, you may have the right to pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, especially while dealing with medical treatment and recovery. A personal injury lawyer can help explain your options and guide you through the legal process.

Sternberg Injury Law Firm can assist individuals injured in Nassau County with evaluating their claims, gathering evidence, and communicating with insurance companies or other involved parties. If you’d like to see examples of prior outcomes, you can view settlement compensation secured by our attorneys.

Whether your injury involved a motor vehicle collision or a fall caused by unsafe property conditions, legal guidance can help you understand potential next steps. Contact Sternberg Injury Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and discuss your situation.