Do I need a car accident lawyer if I wasn't seriously hurt?

It’s worth a free consultation. Some injuries — concussions, soft-tissue and spinal injuries — don’t show symptoms for days. A lawyer protects your right to compensation if your condition worsens and keeps you from accepting a lowball offer too early.

What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?

You may still recover through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is required on New York auto policies. We handle these claims regularly and pursue every available source of recovery.

Is New York a no-fault state for car accidents?

Yes. New York is a no-fault state, so your own insurance covers initial medical bills and lost earnings regardless of fault. But if you suffer a ‘serious injury’ under the law, you can step outside no-fault and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering. We assess whether your injuries qualify.

The insurance company already offered me a settlement — should I take it?

Talk to us first. Initial offers are typically far below what a claim is worth, and accepting usually waives your right to seek more later, even if your injuries worsen. We review offers at no cost.

How long does a car accident case take?

Simple claims can resolve in a few months; cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take a year or more, especially if litigation is needed. We push for the maximum recovery rather than the fastest check, and keep you updated throughout.

Accidents on the Northern State Parkway – How Dangerous is This Busy Commuter Route?

The Northern State Parkway spans 28.9 miles from the Queens Border to Hauppauge in Suffolk County. It’s one of Long Island’s primary commuter routes, carrying about 100,000 vehicles a day on a design that predates today’s safety standards. There is a high incidence of accidents on the Northern State Parkway, even when compared to a busier route like the nearby Long Island Expressway.

If you have been involved in an accident and injured on the Northern State Parkway, The Raimondo Law Firm is ready to review your case, identify who is at fault, and fight for fair compensation. If you simply drive on this route frequently and want to be safer, there are some simple tips you can follow to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

Key Takeaways

There were 51 fatal accidents and 60 deaths recorded on the Northern State Parkway between 2010 and 2024.
An older design and heavy commuter traffic increase the risk of being involved in an accident.
Talk to an accident attorney as soon as you are safe following an accident. The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash are crucial.

How Dangerous is the Northern State Parkway?

With 60 deaths and 51 fatal crashes reported between 2010 and 2024, the Northern State Parkway is one of the most dangerous major roads on Long Island.

Exit 32 (Post Avenue in North Hempstead) and Exit 25 (Lakeville Road in North Hempstead) are accident hotspots, although every section of the parkway can be considered high-risk.

This route is dangerous primarily because it was designed for a different era, although there are environmental and driver factors to consider.

Outdated road geometry increases the risk. The parkway was designed in the 1920s and 1930s, when cars were slower and smaller. It was primarily intended as a leisure parkway. It has sweeping curves and sudden blind crests. Modern highway speeds make the road especially dangerous in snow, fog, and rain.
The lanes are narrow, and the shoulders are minimal. This is a problem shared with the Southern State Parkway. The design gives drivers less room for error in emergencies.
Merge ramps are short and sudden. Drivers entering the parkway are forced to accelerate rapidly, which can create dangerous speed differentials with traffic already on the parkway.
Limited lighting contributes to the danger. Older sections lack the extensive overhead lighting that is common on more modern routes like the LIE. Poor visibility is a contributor to many crashes.

Increasing Your Personal Safety

Driving on any major roadway comes with a level of risk. Precautions you take can decrease the likelihood of being involved in a collision or single-vehicle accident.

Match your speed to the road’s narrow lanes. Even if you’re familiar with the parkway, narrow lanes leave no room for error.
Increase your following distance, especially during the 8 AM to 10 AM peak, when nose-to-tail collisions are more likely.
Take extra care at exits and merging onramps. Consider that other vehicles may slow down suddenly or enter the parkway at lower-than-expected speeds. This is a byproduct of the short ramps and older road design.
Follow all speed limits and signage. Slow down to suit the conditions, especially when it’s raining, snowing, or foggy.

When traveling at off-peak times, especially after 8 PM, you can consider taking the Long Island Expressway if it’s appropriate for where you need to be. The LIE is more consistently lit with a modern layout including wider lanes and straighter sections without blind curves and crests.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident

If you are involved in an accident on the Northern State Parkway, your first priority is to ensure you and your passengers are safe.

Move your vehicle to the shoulder if it’s safe to do so.
Seek immediate medical care for any injuries. Call 911 for emergency services.
Document the scene if it is safe to do so. Take pictures of any other involved vehicles (including license plates), road signs, tire marks, and property damage.
Talk to a Long Island accident attorney. An attorney will help to protect your rights, handle any of your legal obligations (like filing a report with the DMV), and can work to secure evidence quickly. This step is crucial for any potential injury claim against another driver.

Do not provide a statement or sign a release for an early settlement if another driver’s insurer contacts you. Have an accident attorney review any documents first and direct any communication through your attorney.

Proving who was at fault in an accident is vital because it affects whether you can sue another driver for pain and suffering. In New York, you can’t sue another driver if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident. An attorney can collect crucial evidence and engage accident reconstruction experts to prove who was at fault and protect your right to seek compensation.

Have You Been Injured on the Northern State Parkway?

If you have been in an accident and injured on the Northern State Parkway, The Raimondo Law Firm will review your case for free. Find out if you are entitled to compensation and learn what your claim is worth.

Reach out to a Long Island personal injury attorney at (631) 471-1222 today.