Thousands of Long Islanders risk their lives daily at some of New York State’s deadliest intersections. A comprehensive investigation by Newsday uncovered shocking data: 72 serious-injury and fatal crashes occurred at just five intersections between 2014 and 2023.
The Human Cost of Dangerous Intersections
These statistics represent shattered families. Steven Klenofsky, 67, died while walking to the LIRR station after dropping his car at a mechanic. A driver struck him at Old Country Road and Broadway in Hicksville. Dale Coolbaugh, 63, lost his life crossing Sunrise Highway at Straight Path on his e-bike. These victims had names, families, and futures cut short by preventable tragedies.
The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum understands that behind every statistic lies a family struggling with medical bills, lost income, and immeasurable grief. Personal injury law exists to help these families rebuild their lives and hold negligent parties accountable.
The Five Most Dangerous Intersections on Long Island
Newsday’s analysis of state Department of Transportation data identified these deadly crossroads:
1. Straight Path and Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
- 426 total crashes (2014-2023)
- 3 deaths, 14 serious injuries
- Most dangerous intersection on Long Island with 17 serious-injury and fatal crashes
2. Nicolls Road and State Route 347, Stony Brook
- 586 crashes total
- 1 death, 13 serious injuries
- Traffic jams regularly delay emergency vehicles
3. Old Country Road and Broadway, Hicksville
- 521 crashes
- 2 deaths, 11 serious injuries
- Spans 24 lanes including turn lanes
4. Veterans Memorial Highway and Old Nichols Road, Islandia
- 423 crashes
- 2 deaths, 12 serious injuries
- Vehicles converge from multiple directions creating chaos
5. North Franklin Street and Jackson Street, Hempstead
- 183 crashes
- 2 deaths, 12 serious injuries
- Second-highest pedestrian crash rate on Long Island
How Personal Injury Law Protects Accident Victims
Personal injury law provides a legal framework for accident victims to recover damages from those whose negligence caused their injuries. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum helps clients understand and exercise these rights through every step of the legal process.
Key Legal Concepts in Intersection Accidents
Negligence: Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road. Breaching this duty—through speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals—creates liability for resulting injuries.
Premises Liability: Government entities responsible for road design and maintenance can face liability when dangerous conditions cause accidents. The Newsday investigation provides powerful evidence that authorities knew about these deadly intersections yet failed to act promptly.
Comparative Fault: New York follows pure comparative negligence rules. Even if partially at fault, victims can recover damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum fights to minimize any fault assigned to clients and maximize their recovery.
How The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum Can Help
Immediate Investigation
Time destroys evidence. The firm dispatches investigators to accident scenes, photographs conditions, secures surveillance footage, and interviews witnesses before memories fade or evidence disappears.
Medical Documentation
Proper documentation of injuries forms the foundation of any personal injury case. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum works with medical professionals to document all injuries, project future treatment needs, and calculate lifetime care costs.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. They often pressure victims to accept quick settlements far below actual damages. The firm handles all insurance communications, protecting clients from tactics designed to devalue their claims.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Intersection accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Beyond the other driver, the firm investigates whether road design flaws, inadequate maintenance, defective vehicle parts, or employer negligence contributed to the crash.
Fighting Government Entities
Claims against municipalities require special expertise. Strict notice requirements and sovereign immunity defenses make these cases particularly challenging. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum knows how to handle government liability cases and meet all procedural requirements.
Building Your Personal Injury Case
Several factors strengthen intersection accident claims:
1. Establishing a Pattern
Newsday’s data proves authorities knew these intersections kill and maim regularly. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum uses this history to demonstrate that government entities ignored known dangers.
2. Expert Testimony
The firm works with accident reconstruction specialists, traffic engineers, and medical experts who explain how crashes occurred and document injury severity.
3. Calculating True Damages
Beyond immediate medical bills, the firm calculates future medical needs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of life enjoyment. Insurance companies hope victims don’t understand their cases’ true value.
After an Intersection Accident: Why Legal Help Matters
Accident victims face immediate challenges:
- Medical providers demand payment while insurance companies delay
- Employers pressure injured workers to return before they’re ready
- Evidence disappears as skid marks fade and witnesses move away
- Insurance adjusters push lowball settlements before victims understand their rights
- Government claim deadlines pass while victims focus on recovery
The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum handles these pressures while clients focus on healing.
Common Injuries from Intersection Crashes
The firm has represented clients suffering:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures requiring surgery
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death
Each injury type requires specific legal strategies and damage calculations. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum has experience with all major injury categories.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Initial Consultation: The firm offers free case evaluations to assess claims and explain options.
Investigation Phase: Gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building the liability case.
Demand and Negotiation: Presenting documented damages and negotiating with insurance companies.
Litigation if Necessary: Filing lawsuits when insurers refuse fair settlements. The firm prepares every case for trial, giving clients maximum leverage in negotiations.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights
Newsday’s investigation exposes a crisis affecting thousands of Long Island families. Ana Maria Solano de Neuman died at North Franklin and Jackson streets. The immigrant widow from El Salvador had no family here to demand justice at her killer’s sentencing.
Frank Pearson, a former state DOT engineer, told Newsday: “The difference between a serious injury and a minor injury can be a matter of seconds.” The difference between fair compensation and financial ruin can be having the right legal representation.
The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum stands ready to be your voice, your advocate, and your path to justice.
