Key Takeaway
Injured in a Long Island Expressway car accident? Learn about LIE dangers, common causes of crashes, and how personal injury attorneys help victims navigate claims.
This article is part of our ongoing car accidents coverage, with 82 published articles analyzing car accidents issues across New York State. Attorney Jason Tenenbaum brings 24+ years of hands-on experience to this analysis, drawing from his work on more than 1,000 appeals, over 100,000 no-fault cases, and recovery of over $100 million for clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. For personalized legal advice about how these principles apply to your specific situation, contact our Long Island office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation.
Driving the Long Island Expressway (LIE) feels like an extreme sport most days. The stop-and-go traffic, unpredictable lane changes, and daredevils treating speed limits as optional turn every commute into a gamble. Long Island Expressway accidents happen far too often—and when they do, lives change in an instant. That’s when having an experienced personal injury attorney becomes critical. Firms like The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. specialize in turning chaos into clarity for crash victims.
A Highway Designed for Speed—But Not Safety
Stretching 70 miles across New York, the LIE has been moving cars since the 1950s. What started as an efficient route now struggles under the weight of modern traffic. Despite safety improvements—like Governor Hochul’s $7 million plan to fix dangerous intersections—the road remains hazardous. You can check current traffic conditions to plan your route accordingly.
No amount of construction can eliminate human error. Distracted or aggressive drivers create risks no asphalt can mitigate.
What Makes the LIE So Dangerous?
- Sheer Volume: Half a million vehicles crowd the road daily. More cars mean more collisions.
- Reckless Behavior: Tailgating, erratic lane changes, and outright road rage turn commutes into nightmares.
- Unforgiving Conditions: Winter brings black ice, summer brings construction zones, and year-round, visibility can vanish in seconds.
Even minor incidents escalate quickly when traffic flows at highway speeds. A tap on the brakes can trigger a chain reaction with devastating results. The IIHS provides detailed information on common causes of car accidents.
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After the Crash: More Than Just Repairs
Imagine getting rear-ended during rush hour. Your head snaps forward—whiplash takes hold before you even process what happened. Suddenly, you’re juggling doctor visits, missed work, and repair bills. Then the insurance adjuster calls with a laughable offer. Now what?
Injuries That Linger
- Spinal and soft tissue damage
- Fractures requiring surgery
- Concussions with long-term effects
- Anxiety or PTSD from the trauma
The financial impact hits harder than the collision itself. Medical expenses snowball, and lost income strains households. Pursuing legal action isn’t about greed—it’s about stability when life gets upended.
How Personal Injury Law Works for You
This area of law exists to hold negligent parties accountable. Whether it’s a drunk driver or a government agency ignoring hazardous road design, victims have rights.
What Attorneys Actually Do
- Build Evidence: Police reports, witness accounts, and traffic camera footage create an irrefutable record.
- Battle Insurers: Companies prioritize profits; lawyers prioritize fair compensation.
- Prepare for Court: If settlements stall, a compelling case persuades judges and juries.
Here’s something many don’t realize: Lane splitting—when motorcyclists weave between lanes—is illegal in New York but still causes preventable wrecks. Proving fault in these cases takes skill, which is where experience matters. The DMV provides more information on motorcycle safety.
Why Jason Tenenbaum’s Firm Gets Results
This isn’t a generic law office. With decades focused on New York personal injury cases, they’ve handled countless LIE collisions and know how insurers operate.
Their Difference-Makers
- Genuine Attention: No assembly-line approach. Each case gets customized strategy.
- Specialist Network: They collaborate with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to strengthen claims.
- No Recovery, No Fee: You don’t pay unless they win your case.
Take one example: A bicyclist struck by a distracted driver on an LIE service road received a significant settlement after the team proved the motorist was texting. That’s the kind of thorough advocacy that changes outcomes.
Time Is Your Enemy After an Accident
Delays hurt your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and strict filing deadlines loom.
Your Next Steps:
- Get medical attention immediately—some injuries surface days later.
- Collect proof: photos, witness info, and all medical records.
- Contact The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. at 516-750-0595 or email intake@jtnylaw.com.
Crashes don’t play fair, but your legal team should. Don’t settle for an insurer’s first offer—partner with attorneys who know how to secure what you deserve.
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For more information on LIE car accidents, check out our video below
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Legal Context
Why This Matters for Your Case
Personal injury law in New York is governed by a complex web of statutes, case law, and procedural rules that differ from most other states. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years under CPLR 214(5), but claims against municipalities require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Motor vehicle accident victims must meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law §5102(d) before they can recover pain and suffering damages.
The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum has recovered over $100 million for injured clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. With 24+ years of trial and appellate experience, more than 1,000 appeals written, and 2,353+ published legal articles, Jason Tenenbaum provides the authoritative legal analysis that practitioners and injury victims need to understand their rights.
This article reflects real courtroom experience and a deep understanding of how New York courts actually evaluate personal injury claims — from the initial filing through discovery, summary judgment, trial, and appeal.
About This Topic
Car Accident Law in New York
Car accidents in New York involve both no-fault insurance claims for immediate medical coverage and potential third-party lawsuits for pain and suffering — but only if the injured person meets the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law 5102(d). Understanding the interplay between first-party benefits and third-party litigation, police reports, comparative fault rules, and damages calculations is critical. These articles analyze the legal issues that arise in New York car accident cases across Long Island and NYC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in New York?
Call 911, seek medical attention, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and report the accident to your insurer within 30 days. File a no-fault application (NF-2) promptly to preserve your benefits, and consult an attorney before giving recorded statements to any insurance company.
Can I sue the other driver after a car accident in New York?
Yes, but only if you meet the "serious injury" threshold under Insurance Law §5102(d). This requires showing a significant injury such as a fracture, permanent limitation of use, or significant disfigurement. If you meet this threshold, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost wages beyond no-fault limits.
How does comparative fault work in New York car accident cases?
New York follows pure comparative negligence (CPLR §1411), meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — so if you were 30% responsible, you receive 70% of the total damages. This makes it critical to have strong evidence of the other party's negligence.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident under CPLR 214(5). Medical malpractice claims must be filed within two and a half years under CPLR 214-a. Claims against a municipality require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Missing these deadlines typically bars your claim entirely, which is why consulting with an attorney promptly is essential.
What damages can I recover in a New York personal injury case?
In New York personal injury cases, you may recover economic damages (past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium). New York does not cap personal injury damages in most cases, but for motor vehicle accidents, you must meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law §5102(d) to recover non-economic damages.
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About the Author
Jason Tenenbaum, Esq.
Jason Tenenbaum is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., headquartered at 326 Walt Whitman Road, Suite C, Huntington Station, New York 11746. With over 24 years of experience since founding the firm in 2002, Jason has written more than 1,000 appeals, handled over 100,000 no-fault insurance cases, and recovered over $100 million for clients across Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. He is one of the few attorneys in the state who both writes his own appellate briefs and tries his own cases.
Jason is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan state courts, as well as multiple federal courts. His 2,353+ published legal articles analyzing New York case law, procedural developments, and litigation strategy make him one of the most prolific legal commentators in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Disclaimer: This article is published by the Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. The legal principles discussed may not apply to your specific situation, and the law may have changed since this article was last updated.
New York law varies by jurisdiction — court decisions in one Appellate Division department may not be followed in another, and local court rules in Nassau County Supreme Court differ from those in Suffolk County Supreme Court, Kings County Civil Court, or Queens County Supreme Court. The Appellate Division, Second Department (which covers Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island) and the Appellate Term (which hears appeals from lower courts) each have distinct procedural requirements and precedents that affect litigation strategy.
If you need legal help with a car accidents matter, contact our office at (516) 750-0595 for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Long Island (Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton), Nassau County (Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Great Neck, Manhasset, Freeport, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, Westbury, Hicksville, Massapequa), Suffolk County (Hauppauge, Deer Park, Bay Shore, Central Islip, Patchogue, Brentwood), Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.