Long Island Personal Injury Lawyer

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Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at Chopra & Nocerino with over 17 years of experience representing injured individuals in New York. Sameer has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements. He has a proven track record of holding large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords accountable.

Sameer has received numerous accolades, including being featured on the 2025 cover of Nations Top 100 Attorneys and named the 2025 Honoree of the Year by the Ronald McDonald House Charity. He was selected by Forbes Advisor as a Top Attorney in Personal Injury for New York (2024-2026) and has been listed in Super Lawyers from 2020-2025 amongst other notable achievements and awards.

Content Last Updated: November 18, 2025

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When injured in an accident, figuring out how to move forward can be confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. Luckily, you have many options—including hiring the best injury attorneys on Long Island. Our leading personal injury law firm is located in Garden City, NY, and we are ready to fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

Para servir mejor a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, ofrecemos servicios en español.

Why Hire the Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers From Chopra & Nocerino?

We will fight for you against insurance companies, gathering evidence and fielding settlement negotiations so you don’t have to. We have decades of combined experience handling countless cases like yours, and we know exactly what we need to do to win. If the insurer wants to play tough, we’re not afraid to go to trial and deliver a legal knockout.

Just as we fight relentlessly for our clients, we also dedicate ourselves to giving back by partnering with charities and community programs to help those in need.

Our Awards and Recognitions

Our attorneys have received numerous awards and accolades recognizing the high quality of our services, including:

Forbes Advisor: Featured Partner for top legal qualifications and client service
Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Lawyers
Attorney of the Year (2021 and 2024) by Top 100 Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Super Lawyers

Our personal injury lawyers have deep roots on Long Island. Many of us live here and know the ins and outs of the local legal system:

Christine Duchatellier

Attorney Christine Duchatellier attended SUNY Stony Brook for her undergraduate studies.

Pavlo Pavlatos

Attorney Pavlo Pavlatos earned his law degree from the Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Alex Nocerino

As a founding partner of Chopra & Nocerino, Alex Nocerino has earned a reputation as one of New York’s most tenacious and compassionate personal injury trial attorneys.

Sameer Chopra

Sameer Chopra, the co-founder and managing partner of Chopra & Nocerino, Injury & Accident Attorneys

Proven Personal Injury Case Results

Our Long Island personal injury lawyers have won hundreds of millions in high-value case results for our clients. Our unparalleled success in handling personal injury cases sets us apart from other firms:

$4.7 million settlement – We obtained this settlement right before trial. Scaffolding collapsed on our client, who worked in construction. He fell and sustained catastrophic neck and back injuries requiring spine surgery.
$3.65 million settlement – Our client was involved in a chain-reaction car accident and required fusion spine surgery.
$2.25 million settlement – We obtained this settlement during trial. Our 33-year-old client was a passenger in a vehicle hit by a commercial truck. Their injuries required 2-level disc replacement surgery.
$1.92 million settlement – Our client was 72 years old and rear-ended in Suffolk County. His pre-existing spine condition was aggravated by the accident. The case was settled during trial.
$1.44 million settlement – Our client was injured when his car was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Suffolk County.
$1.25 million settlement – Recovered for a 37-year-old pedestrian who was struck in a crosswalk in Nassau County. She suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and required an open-reduction internal fixation surgery on her left leg.

Our Client Testimonials

“Amazing team, very responsive, case was closed in a quick, timely fashion. Highly recommend!!! It was a pleasure working with Mr. Chopra & Mr. Ma!”

– Shauna S

“I would like to thank Chopra & Nocerino for the positive outcome of my lawsuit. They were very compassionate and professional. I would definitely recommend them.”

– Charlotte Wilcox

“As a business woman for 45 years, I understand the quality and intelligence of professional people. That’s why I highly highly recommend Chopra and Nocerino to anyone who had an accident and is looking for the best attorney to represent them.”

-Nancy Donin

“Great lawyers, very knowledgeable and respectful, definitely make you feel welcomed. Happy to have them on my team.”

-Ang

Our Office Location

Chopra & Nocerino is conveniently located in Garden City, New York. Our office is situated at 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 107, Garden City, NY 11530.

Our Long Island law office is in Garden City. Garden City is a vibrant community located in Nassau County. Our office is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

How Our Long Island Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You

At Chopra & Nocerino, we stand up for our clients because you deserve to be seen and heard. Insurers, defendants, and juries need to understand the full impact of your injuries, and our personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly to ensure you receive every penny you’re owed. No one should carry the burden of someone else’s negligence—and we make sure you don’t.

We know English is not everyone’s first language, and we’re committed to making clients feel understood and supported. That’s why we’re proud to have a diverse team ready to communicate with you in multiple languages, including:

English
Spanish
Greek
Italian
French
Mandarin Chinese
Cantonese
Haitian Creole
Hindi
Urdu
Punjabi

Common Accident Injuries in Long Island

Accidents on Long Island can have life-changing consequences, whether from a car accident, a construction incident, or slip and fall. Victims often face painful and serious injuries, such as:

Back and spine injuries
Broken bones
Burns
Concussions
Cuts and lacerations
Disfigurement
Pain
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

At Chopra & Nocerino, we understand that serious injuries can have lasting medical and financial impacts on victims and their families. Many injuries require surgery, ongoing treatment, and physical therapy to recover. In some cases, full recovery may not be possible. This can affect your ability to work, earn income, and enjoy daily life as you once did.

When these unexpected expenses arise after an accident, keeping detailed records of your medical care is essential. Save copies of all medical records, bills, and other documents related to your injuries. Your Long Island personal injury attorney will use this evidence to build a strong case and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Types of Long Island Personal Injury Claims We Handle

Accidents Involving Vehicles

Fatal auto accidents in New York have skyrocketed since 2019, reaching a decade-long high in 2022. That year, roughly 20 percent of the state’s vehicle crashes took place on Long Island, resulting in more than 20,000 injuries and 228 fatalities. If you or a loved one is hurt in a crash, our Long Island personal injury attorneys will cut through the nonsense to get you the compensation you deserve. We handle all kinds of auto accident cases, including:

Accidents Involving Premises Liability

When property owners fail to protect lawful visitors from hazards, you could be the one who pays the price. If you’re hurt on Long Island because of a property owner’s carelessness, our premises liability lawyers can help you fight for compensation. Premises liability cases often involve:

Slip and falls
Roof collapses
Scaffolding collapses
Dog bites
Fires
Dangerous stairwells, elevators, and escalators
Poor security and surveillance

Other Types of Long Island Personal Injury Claims

Because the scenarios that can give rise to accidents are virtually unlimited, personal injury is a diverse practice area. Fortunately, our dedicated attorneys have the skills and resources to handle even the most complex cases. Other types of claims we have handled include:

Long Island Personal Injury FAQs

WHAT DOES THE MONEY FROM A PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT COVER?

A personal injury settlement can compensate you for the monetary, physical, and emotional impact of your injury. Costs like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are considered economic damages. Non-economic damages are more subjective and include emotional distress, pain, suffering, lowered quality of life, and other intangible harms commonly experienced by injury victims.

If the at-fault party engaged in particularly egregious misbehavior, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Though awarded more rarely, these damages are intended to punish defendants and deter future misconduct.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER ON LONG ISLAND?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing up front. Instead, we’ll charge a pre-negotiated percentage of the compensation you receive through your case. You’ll know what to expect right from the beginning. Ultimately, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.

WHAT ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS ROADS ON LONG ISLAND?

Sadly, Long Island’s roadways are some of the deadliest in the state. According to CBS News, five of them alone have seen over 60 deaths in just five years. Pedestrians and bikers made up nearly half of the victims. These roads include:

Hempstead Turnpike (Route 24) running from eastern Queens through Nassau County.
Jericho Turnpike/Middle Country Road (Route 25) running along Long Island’s North Shore.
Route 25A, an alternate route to the Jericho Turnpike that runs closer to the shore.
Sunrise Highway (Route 27) stretching from Brooklyn to Long Island’s easternmost point along the South Shore.
Suffolk County Route 80 (Montauk Highway), an eastern stretch of Route 27.

WHAT COURTS ARE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS NORMALLY HANDLED ON LONG ISLAND?

Here is a list of Nassau and Suffolk County courts where your personal injury claim will likely be heard if it goes to trial.

Supreme Court, Nassau County
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3400

Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3800

Supreme Court, Suffolk County
Locations:

1 Court Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
400 Carleton Ave.
Central Islip, NY 11722
210 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 740-3850

Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court
320 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-1745

Proving Negligence in a Long Island Personal Injury Case

In personal injury cases, negligence happens when someone fails to act with reasonable care, and that carelessness causes harm to another person. To prove negligence in a Long Island case, four key elements must be established:

Duty of care: The defendant owed you a duty of care, which is a legal responsibility to act reasonably to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others.
Breach: The defendant failed to meet that obligation by acting, or failing to act, in a way a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
Causation: The defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries.
Damages: You suffered losses, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, because of the defendant’s breach.

When you become a client, our attorneys handle every aspect of your personal injury case. This includes collecting evidence, such as witness statements, reports, and expert testimony, to establish the defendant’s liability.

Can I Still Receive Compensation if I Share Fault for My Injuries?

Yes, you can still receive compensation even if you share responsibility for your injuries. New York follows a pure comparative negligence law, meaning you can recover damages if you are not 100 percent at fault.

Insurance companies or courts may determine that your injuries are partially your fault, even if someone else caused the incident that led to them. Under New York’s helmet law, you could be considered partly responsible for your injuries if you were not wearing a helmet. The portion of fault assigned to you is then used to reduce the compensation you can receive from the other party.

For example, if the total damages from an accident are $100,000 and you are found 40 percent at fault, you would be entitled to 60 percent of the damages, which is $60,000.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim on Long Island if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim on Long Island if you were partially at fault. In New York, contributory negligence by the injured party does not bar them from recovering damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in relation to your degree of responsibility or fault.

What is the Process for Personal Injury Lawsuits on Long Island?

In addition to seeking compensation through an insurance claim, you can potentially file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident. Though a lawsuit will be more complicated and drawn out than an insurance claim, it can also result in a much larger award. Because of the risks involved, it’s even more important to have our experienced Long Island accident attorneys protecting your rights.

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

When you first meet with our Long Island accident attorneys for an initial consultation, bring all relevant documents or evidence you have to support your claim. Pulling together evidence like insurance policies, accident reports, medical records, and correspondence early on will help your lawyer fully understand your circumstances and get a head-start building a strong claim.

2. Statute of Limitations

The New York personal injury statute of limitations is normally three years after the date you were injured. However, the deadline is shorter for some types of claims, such as wrongful death claims (two years) and medical malpractice claims (two and a half years). There may also be potential exceptions that apply to your case.

No matter what the filing deadline is for your case, it will be dismissed if you file late. To avoid this, contact us as soon as possible. Doing so will also give us time to investigate and build the strongest claim possible on your behalf.

3. Discovery and Investigation

A thorough investigation is vital to building a strong case. The more evidence we gather, the fewer holes the defense can poke in your claim. We’ll compile medical records and other important documents, conduct depositions with key witnesses, and work with experts to support your claim. In the “discovery” process, we will demand all available evidence from the opposing party.

4. Settlement Negotiations

Most cases are settled before a drawn-out legal battle in court. However, settlement negotiations sometimes continue right up until the day of trial. Our Long Island personal injury lawyers can put together a robust claim to give you the strongest advantage possible at the bargaining table. We will negotiate aggressively to secure the highest possible settlement for you.

5. Trial Process

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to trial. If this happens, you may have to appear in court and provide testimony. We will prepare you for the courtroom so you feel confident in handling the defense’s questions. A judge or jury will hear arguments from both sides and have the final say.

Stakes at trial are often high, and you could ultimately win a significant award. Again, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

6. Post-Trial: Appeals and Collecting Compensation

Even if you win your lawsuit, the defendant may appeal the verdict, which will extend the timeline of your case. However, if there’s no legal justification for changing the outcome, your victory will stand. Patience is key. You can count on us to power through the nonsense and work to collect the full and fair value of your damages.

“I can’t say enough great things about Chopra & Nocerino! They fought tirelessly for me and secured a settlement far beyond what I ever expected. What truly impressed me was their keen attention to detail—while my doctors initially treated two injuries as separate, the firm was able to prove they were connected, significantly increasing my settlement.

Their communication was outstanding throughout the entire process, always keeping me informed and addressing every concern. Alex Nocerino truly fought for me every step of the way” Even when the case seemed like it would drag on forever, they never backed down and kept pushing for the best outcome.

Thanks to their dedication and expertise, I got the justice I deserved. If you need a personal injury lawyer who will go above and beyond, I highly recommend Chopra & Nocerino!”

– Lou Levinson

Compensation Available in a Long Island Personal Injury Claim

We help injured clients pursue compensatory damages—the financial recovery meant to make up for losses caused by another person’s negligence. These damages are divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages cover tangible, measurable losses, such as:

Future care
Lost wages
Medical bills
Medications
Rehabilitation costs
Other out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages address the more personal, intangible losses that do not have a set dollar value, including:

Disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of quality of life
Pain and suffering

If an injured person dies from their injuries, their surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This allows them to seek both economic and non-economic compensation for losses such as funeral expenses, mental anguish, and loss of companionship or consortium.

At Chopra & Nocerino, we thoroughly investigate the full, long-term value of your claim so you can recover what you truly deserve rather than settle for the insurance company’s initial offer.

Long Island-Specific Considerations in Personal Injury Cases

Local Laws and Regulations – Individuals with junior learner permits cannot drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Portions of the Long Island Expressway have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes requiring at least three passengers per vehicle to legally drive on them.
Tourism and Seasonal Accidents – Even if you come to Long Island to visit its quaint communities, admire historic homes, or enjoy the oceanfront views, accidents can happen. If you are injured on vacation, we can help you navigate the legal obstacles faced by out-of-state visitors, including varying insurance laws.
Transportation Infrastructure – Long Island has a high population density and outdated, poorly designed, and often crumbling infrastructure. As a result, its roadways are heavily congested, leading to frequent crashes.

Consult Our Personal Injury Attorneys on Long Island

If you were injured in an accident on Long Island, don’t wait to secure high-quality legal representation. The top-tier attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino are real New Yorkers who stop at nothing to defend our clients and their right to compensation.

“Words fall short of expressing how I feel upon learning of the positive outcome of my accident case. From the beginning, I placed my total trust in God and you. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Alex Nocerino and the entire team of the law firm Chopra Nocerino for their professionalism, commitment, perseverance, and human sensitivity, which were the keys to the success achieved. I will undoubtedly recommend them to anyone who needs someone who will take their accident cases seriously, honestly, and considerately. I am eternally grateful.”

– Jeannette

WE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM OF

Long Island Legal Services

VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS

$3.65 MILLION
REAR-END AUTO ACCIDENT
$3 MILLION
CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT
$2.25 MILLION
BICYCLE ACCIDENT
$1.5 MILLION
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
$1.3 MILLION
MTA BUS SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT
$1.25 MILLION
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
$1.25 MILLION
AUTO ACCIDENT – TAXI

TESTIMONIALS

I highly recommend this law firm. The attorneys and staff are professional, knowledgeable, very thorough and compassionate. They truly work hard to get the best outcome for their clients.

Deborah Cullum

Chopra & Nocerino LLP is a hallmark of a law firm, they are the best! They prioritize my needs and my concerns. They maintained open and transparent communication with me, and they are experts in their field.

Gem L.

Sameer Chopra and Alex Nocerino not only got a settlement that would ensure my daughters future and put ease on obstacles ahead, they also helped a single Mother regain a life with her daughter.

Keisha G.

I have so much gratitude for Alex Nocerino who was able to help me receive my full settlement amount after having issues with my previous lawyer. Alex was extremely patient, knowledgeable and professional.

Summer E.