Nassau County Car Accident Lawyer

Injuries Dictate Compensation for a Car Accident

The severity of your injury generally determines your “damages,” which means the financial compensation you receive for your losses. Some compensatory damages are economic (or “special”) – those that our lawyers can calculate based on your incurred expenses or money you have lost due to your injuries.

Other types of damages are non-economic (or “general”), and they comprise the less tangible losses you experience from your injuries.

Examples of Types of Special Damages

Economic damages after a car accident could include:

• Past and expected medical care costs
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Transportation
• Replacement services (assistance for household tasks you can no longer perform)

Examples of Types of General Damages

Non-economic damages from an auto crash could include:

• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

Know Your Right to Pursue a Wrongful Death Action

Any time someone’s negligence causes an unintended death, the victim’s family has the right to file a wrongful death case against the negligent party. Nassau County honors this right, but the State of New York limits the amount of time surviving family members have to take legal action. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in New York is generally two years, per EPT § 5-4.1.

Some examples of types of wrongful death damages include:

• Cost of burial or cremation
• Funeral expenses
• Medical costs incurred while the victim was alive
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Loss of financial contribution

Why Our Law Firm Is a Smart Choice for Car Accident Victims

Our legal team has more than a century’s worth of collective experience. With our representation, our clients have received millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts:

• $1.5 million: When a rear-end collision led to our client’s lumbar fusion
• $1.3 million: When a wreck with a police car injured our client’s neck and back and fractured their nose
• $1.2 million: When a two-car crash caused a child passenger’s skull fracture
• $1 million: When a rear-end accident left our client with back and knee injuries

Law Firm Partners Handle Your Case

When you hire our firm, you hire our partners, Richard Jaffe and Stephen Cohen. They are who you work with—unlike other law firms that limit your access to only paralegals and secretaries.

Richard Jaffe brings unique knowledge to your car accident case. Jaffe is a trained EMT. His comprehension of serious injuries goes a long way toward understanding your losses and how to represent them to an insurance company or jury.

What We do to Recover Damages on Your Behalf

Nassau County car accident cases have many moving parts. Our lawyers manage all of them so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Whether your collision happened on the Southern State Parkway, also known as “Blood Alley,” or in the parking lot of Riverhead’s Tanger Outlet Center, we will untangle your case and set it straight on the path of compensation.

We Investigate Your Car Accident

Our attorneys know that a case is only as solid as its supporting evidence. When you hire our firm, we investigate to recover evidence that serves as the foundation of your claim:

• We go to the auto accident scene to gather evidence.
• We obtain the police accident report.
• We interview witnesses.
• We carefully analyze surveillance camera videos.
• We review photos taken of the scene and your injuries.

We Establish Liability

Often, the liable party in a car crash is another motorist. However, other parties could also be liable, depending on your case. Examples of liable parties common in auto crash cases include:

• Another road user
• Construction company
• Auto/parts manufacturer
• Government entity

Our lawyers will review the evidence from the investigation to determine fault and then consider whether the situation meets the criteria for negligence:

• Duty of care: Someone had a duty of care to take reasonable steps to keep you free from harm.
• Breach of duty: This person breached their duty of care.
• Causation: This violation of duty caused the car accident.
• Damages: You suffered general and special losses.

We Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Your legal team will calculate your losses, include them in a demand letter, and send it to the negligent party’s insurance company. This step initiates the negotiation of a settlement. Our lawyers have handled enough of these cases to know how insurers think and work. We will fight to get you a fair settlement.

We Represent You in Court

If the insurer does not agree to a fair settlement for your auto collision injuries, our lawyers will take your case to trial and litigate on your behalf.

The Statute of Limitations Restricts Your Time to Act

Everything that leads up to a lawsuit takes time. The State of New York imposes a deadline for filing a lawsuit in your case. According to CVP § 214, you usually have three years from the date of your car crash in which to take this legal action.

The sooner you hire our firm, the more time you give us to execute all the necessary steps to recover damages on your behalf before the statute of limitations expires in your case. Keep in mind that if you plan to sue the government, the deadline for filing your lawsuit is even shorter.

Our Nassau County Car Accident Lawyers Want to Hear From You

The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP is ready to listen with a sympathetic ear about your collision. Call us today for a free case evaluation: (866) 878-6774.

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• Car accident lawyer in Long Island
• Car accident lawyer in Queens, NY

FAQs About Car accidents in Nassau County, NY

What are most lawyer fees for a car accident?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you don’t need to pay anything upfront, which can be a major relief when dealing with unexpected medical bills and car repairs. However, you should review the attorney’s fee agreement carefully to understand whether other expenses—like court filing fees, medical records, or expert witness costs—are included or charged separately. At our firm, we ensure full transparency so clients know exactly what to expect.

Learn more: How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge in New York?

How do you get the best settlement from a car accident?

To maximize your settlement, document the accident thoroughly, seek immediate medical attention, and consult a qualified car accident lawyer early. Take photos of the crash scene, gather witness information, and request a copy of the police report. Don’t admit fault at the scene, and avoid posting anything related to the accident on social media. Let your attorney handle communication with the insurance company to avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim. These proactive steps strengthen your case and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

How much are most car accident settlements?

Settlement amounts vary. However, many range between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on injury severity and fault. Cases involving more severe injuries or clear liability often settle for more, especially if the injured party suffers long-term effects or loss of income. Additional factors like emotional trauma, vehicle damage, and the at-fault driver’s insurance limits also play a role. In severe cases, settlements can exceed six figures or lead to trial verdicts with even larger awards.

Learn more: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

How long do most car accident settlements take?

A simple case usually gets resolved in 3 to 6 months. However, complex claims can take more than a year. The duration of medical treatment influences the timeline, the clarity of fault, and whether negotiations drag. Insurance companies can also drag things out in order to force quick settlements. A good attorney will ensure your case proceeds, preventing delays and fighting for your right to full compensation.