Raimondo Law Firm wins $950K for Long Island crash victim

The Raimondo Law Firm secured a $950,000 settlement for a Long Island driver seriously injured in a left-turn collision in Suffolk County. The case highlights how New York fault rules and early medical and legal steps can affect recovery after a serious crash.

Why it matters: - A $950,000 settlement can help cover the cost of multiple surgeries, permanent hardware implantation and long-term pain after a serious crash. - The case also underscores how left-turn collisions can trigger major injury claims under New York law.

What happened: - The Raimondo Law Firm secured a $950,000 settlement for a Long Island client injured when a left-turning driver struck the client while the client was traveling through a green light. - The crash caused injuries to the neck, low back and knee. - The injuries required several surgical procedures and permanent hardware placement. - The firm said the case involved allegations that the defendant failed to yield the right of way, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to make the left turn safely at a controlled intersection.

The details: - Attorney Michael A. Raimondo said the settlement reflects the multiple surgeries, permanent hardware implantation and physical pain and suffering tied to the crash. - New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1141 requires left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard. - A left-turning driver is typically presumed at fault in a collision, but that presumption does not apply in every case. - A turning driver may be only partly at fault, or not at fault, if the oncoming vehicle was speeding or reckless, ran a red light or stop sign, changed lanes suddenly, or was impaired or distracted. - New York adopted a modified comparative negligence rule effective for cases filed on or after May 26, 2026. - Under that rule, fault can be assigned proportionally to both drivers. - A driver may sue for injuries only if the driver shares less fault than the other driver. - A driver found 51% responsible for an accident cannot sue for pain and suffering.

Between the lines: - Left-turn crashes remain one of the most common and serious collision types on Long Island because the turning vehicle and oncoming traffic often have a large speed difference. - The settlement shows how injury cases can hinge on both liability and the long-term medical consequences of a crash. - The firm is also using the case to reinforce a broader message about documenting collisions quickly and avoiding early fault admissions.

What's next: - The Raimondo Law Firm advises drivers involved in collisions in Suffolk or Nassau County to move to safety if possible, call 911, photograph the scene, collect witness information and get a full medical evaluation. - The firm also advises drivers not to discuss fault at the scene, to be cautious with insurance adjusters and to avoid signing an early settlement without attorney review. - Michael A. Raimondo said consulting an attorney as early as possible is crucial because the steps taken after a crash can affect compensation. - The Raimondo Law Firm says it handles car accidents, catastrophic injuries, premises liability, malpractice and other personal injury claims across Long Island, and that it is available 24/7 in English and Spanish. - The firm can be reached through its website.

The bottom line: - For serious left-turn crash victims, fast medical care and early legal action can shape both fault and the size of the recovery.