A 79-year-old Central Islip woman was seriously injured on Sunday morning, October 25, 2026, when she was struck by a Jeep turning onto Suffolk Avenue in Central Islip, according to Long Island Life & Politics, which reported details released by Suffolk County Police. As a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer team, Chaikin Trial Group sees how a single moment at an intersection can change a family’s life. Below, we review what police have reported, why turning-vehicle crashes are so dangerous for people on foot, and what rights injured pedestrians have under New York law.
What Happened in Central Islip
According to the report, at about 7:35 a.m. on October 25, a 53-year-old Central Islip man was driving a 2021 Jeep Wrangler southbound on Hawthorne when he turned left onto Suffolk Avenue and struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a 79-year-old Central Islip resident, was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries. The driver was not hurt.
Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating, and the Jeep was impounded for a safety check. Police have not publicly announced any charges or a cause of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. We wish the injured woman a full recovery, and our thoughts are with her family.
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Why Turning-Vehicle Pedestrian Accidents Happen
Left turns are among the most dangerous moments for people crossing the street. Drivers turning left are often watching for a gap in oncoming traffic, and a pedestrian in the crosswalk can fall outside their attention, or be hidden behind the vehicle’s A-pillar. Early-morning light, wet leaves and shorter fall days can make visibility worse.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists a vehicle turning or merging into a pedestrian’s path without yielding as the first of the common pedestrian crash types, and reports that 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 were injured nationwide in 2024 — one pedestrian death every 74 minutes. NHTSA advises drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk. Older pedestrians are especially vulnerable, because the same impact can cause more severe injuries and a longer recovery.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Hit by Car in New York
If you or a loved one was a pedestrian hit by a car on Long Island, several New York rules shape what happens next. This is general information, not legal advice for any specific case:
- Drivers must yield and use due care. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law generally requires drivers to yield to pedestrians lawfully within a crosswalk and to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.
- No-Fault benefits cover pedestrians. Under New York’s No-Fault system, a pedestrian struck by a car can usually claim basic economic loss benefits — such as medical bills and a portion of lost wages — through the striking vehicle’s insurer or a household auto policy, regardless of who was at fault. No-Fault applications have short deadlines (generally 30 days), so act quickly.
- The serious injury threshold. To recover for pain and suffering beyond No-Fault, an injured person generally must show a “serious injury” as defined in New York Insurance Law §5102(d), such as a fracture, significant limitation of use of a body part, or an injury that prevents normal activities for 90 of the first 180 days.
- Comparative fault. New York follows pure comparative negligence, so compensation may be reduced — not barred — if an injured person is found partly at fault.
- Deadlines. The New York statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident, and two years for wrongful death claims. If a town, county or other public entity may be involved, a Notice of Claim is usually required within 90 days.
What To Do After Being Hit by a Car While Walking
- Get medical care right away and follow up, even if injuries seem minor at first. Head and internal injuries can be delayed.
- Get the police report number and the names of the investigating officers or squad.
- Preserve evidence: photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle and the intersection; names of witnesses; and nearby businesses or homes that may have video, which is often overwritten within days.
- File your No-Fault application on time and keep every medical bill and record of missed work.
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer about your options before deadlines pass.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group is a trial-focused Long Island personal injury law firm with offices in Melville and Manhattan. Our Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers help injured people and their families gather evidence, deal with No-Fault and liability insurers, and pursue full compensation for medical care, lost income and pain and suffering. When a crash proves fatal, our wrongful death lawyers guide families through the process with compassion. You can review our case results and client reviews, or see the communities we serve across Nassau, Suffolk and New York City.
Consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win. Contact us online to speak with our team.
FAQ: Suffolk County Pedestrian Accident Claims
Do I need a Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer if the driver’s insurance is paying my medical bills?
No-Fault benefits cover only certain economic losses up to policy limits. They do not pay for pain and suffering, and they may not cover all lost wages or future care. A pedestrian accident lawyer can evaluate whether your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold and whether a claim against the driver is available.
What compensation is available after a pedestrian accident?
Depending on the facts, an injured pedestrian may seek medical expenses, lost earnings, future care costs, and damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Every case is different, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in New York?
The New York statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years, but No-Fault applications are due much sooner (generally within 30 days), and claims involving a public entity usually require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
What if I was hit by a car while walking outside a crosswalk?
You may still have a claim. Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, a pedestrian’s share of fault reduces, but does not eliminate, the amount they can recover. See our FAQs for more.
Speak With a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
The Central Islip crash is a reminder of how vulnerable people on foot are, especially older neighbors walking in the early morning. If you or someone you love was injured, a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can explain your rights and help you take the next step. Contact us online for a free consultation — no fee unless we win.
Attorney Advertising. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.