New York State Snow State Of Emergency: Advice & Procedures from a Car Accident Lawyer in Nassau & Suffolk County (Also Serving NYC Boroughs)
- ilyass ouafiq
- Dec 26, 2025
- 4 min read
New York's Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she is declaring a State of Emergency for some counties in New York. Expect snow-related disaster state of emergency as a powerful winter storm moves through the region. Roads across Nassau and Suffolk counties—and the Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Bronx boroughs—can become hazardous within minutes.
If you’re injured in a snow or ice car accident or other car crash, this guide explains what the emergency means, how to drive safely, what to do after a collision, and how our Long Island car accident lawyers can help.
What the NYS Snow State of Emergency Means for Drivers ?
A state snow emergency enables faster plowing, towing, and coordination across New York State agencies. It doesn’t automatically impose a travel ban; any restrictions are announced separately by your NY state or your local officials. Conditions can deteriorate quickly with heavy bands, strong winds, blowing snow, and black ice. Always check local alerts before driving and postpone non-essential trips if possible to keep yourself, your family and others safe on the road.
Safe Winter Driving: Dos and Don’ts:
Slow drive to conditions: Leave 6–8 seconds of following distance on snow or ice.
Clear the vehicle: Remove all snow/ice from roof, hood, lights, and windows. Also don't drive behind vehicles covered in snow.
Yield to plows and emergency vehicles: Don’t pass plows; untreated lanes can be slick.
Watch visibility traps: Snowbanks at intersections and spray from other vehicles reduce sight lines.
If you skid: steer in the direction of the skid and brake gently—don’t jerk the wheel. Moto break/downshift as needed.
What To Do After a Snow or Ice Crash
Safety and 911
Move to a safe shoulder if the vehicle is drivable. Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
Document the Scene
Photograph vehicle damage, the road surface, snow/ice, plow lines, lane markings, signals, and lighting. Moreover, capture skid marks and debris if visible.
Exchange Information and Identify Witnesses
Exchange license/insurance details and get names and phone numbers for witnesses.
Seek Same-Day Medical Care
Prompt evaluation links injuries to the crash and protects New York No-Fault deadlines.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Before Insurers
We handle No-Fault applications, property damage, recorded statements, and injury claims so you can focus on recovery.
Free Consultation.
Who Do We Help? Areas we serve : Nassau, Suffolk County, NYC and all of NYS
Nassau County (Priority Response)
Garden City, Massapequa, Mineola, Hempstead, Levittown, Westbury, Uniondale, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre.
Suffolk County (Priority Response)
Babylon, Islip, Huntington, Brentwood, Smithtown, Deer Park, Patchogue, Riverhead.
Queens
Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, Forest Hills, Bayside.
Brooklyn
Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Williamsburg, Bushwick, Flatbush.
Manhattan
Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, Harlem, Inwood.
Bronx
Fordham, Throgs Neck, Pelham Bay, Riverdale, Mott Haven.
We also serve all of New York State such as:
Westchester & Lower Hudson Valley
White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Mount Kisco, Ossining Rockland: New City, Spring Valley, Nyack, Orange: Middletown, Newburgh, Dutchess: Poughkeepsie, Putnam: Carmel, Ulster: Kingston
Capital Region (Albany Area)
Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Colonie, Guilderland, Latham, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs
Western New York (Buffalo & Niagara)
Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Hamburg, Lockport
Finger Lakes (Rochester & Surrounding)
Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Henrietta, Pittsford, Brighton, Webster, Fairport, Canandaigua, Geneva
Central New York (Syracuse & Utica)
Syracuse, Liverpool, Clay, Cicero, DeWitt, Fayetteville • Utica, Rome, New Hartford
Southern Tier
Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Elmira, Olean, Hornell
North Country & Adirondacks
Plattsburgh, Watertown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Ticonderoga
Mohawk Valley
Amsterdam, Gloversville, Herkimer, Ilion, Little Falls
Catskills
Woodstock, Phoenicia, Ellenville, Monticello, Liberty
Injured in a snow-related car accident or other snow related crash?
NYS Liability in Snow & Ice Car Accident Collisions: What Can Decide Your Case?
Speed for Conditions and Following Distance
Even below the posted limit, unsafe speed for visibility or traction can be negligence. Tailgating on slick roads often drives fault.
Vehicle Condition and Visibility
Bald tires, worn wipers, broken lights, and uncleared windows can shift liability and undermine insurance defenses.
Evidence That Matters in Winter Cases
We move fast to preserve plow and salting logs, traffic or dash-cam video, 911 audio, intersection timing data, and nearby business footage.
Pedestrian and Multi-Vehicle Crashes
Chain-reaction impacts and visibility issues require early investigation and coordinated witness outreach.
FAQs for Long Island, NYC and NYS Drivers During New York State of Emergency Snow Conditions
Does a snow emergency ban driving in Nassau or Suffolk?
Not automatically. A snow emergency speeds storm response; any travel restrictions are announced separately by your New York state/county/local officials. Check your local alerts before you go.
Am I automatically at fault if I slid on ice?
Not necessarily. Driving in ice/snow Liability can involve speed for conditions, following distance, tire condition, lighting, and visibility and roadway maintenance (plowing) and timing.
Can you help if I live in New York State but not near your office in Garden City or Massapequa?
Yes. We handle Long Island, NYC and all of NYS car accident cases, coordinate venue, obtain police and medical records, and manage both No-Fault and bodily injury claims.
Check the areas our car accident and colision lawyers serve above
Free Case Consultation: Long Island, NYC & all of NYS Car Accident Lawyers
Injured in a snow-related crash in Long Island's Nassau, Suffolk or Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or the Bronx? Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Alter for a free consultation. We prioritize Long Island cases during storms, handle all insurance communications, and pursue full compensation while you recover.