Injured in the Hamptons?

Summer in the Hamptons means beach days, backyard barbecues, and weekend escapes from the city. But with the seasonal influx of visitors comes a rise in personal injury cases — from car accidents on Montauk Highway to slip-and-falls at crowded restaurants or short-term rentals.

We sat down with James and Stephen Vlahadamis, founding attorneys at Vlahadamis Law, to answer some of the most common questions about personal injury law in the Hamptons — and what you should do if you’re injured while visiting.

Q: What types of personal injury cases do you see most often in the Hamptons during the summer?

Stephen: We definitely see an uptick in car accidents, especially on the main roads like Route 27. There are also a lot of pedestrian injuries, bike crashes, and unfortunately, boating accidents. With so many homes being rented out, we also see premises liability cases — like people getting injured at unsafe properties or Airbnbs.

James: Add to that the occasional dog bite or even pool-related injuries. When you mix high foot traffic, unfamiliar environments, and vacation mode, accidents are bound to happen.

Q: What should someone do if they’re injured while staying at a short-term rental like an Airbnb?

James: First, get medical attention. Then document the scene — take photos of what caused the injury, whether it’s a broken step or a slippery floor. Notify the property host or management immediately.

Stephen: And call a lawyer. Liability in these cases can be tricky. Sometimes it’s the homeowner’s fault, sometimes the property manager’s, and sometimes there’s a third party involved. You want someone who understands how to sort that out.

Q: How soon should someone contact a lawyer after an accident?

James: As soon as possible. The sooner we’re involved, the better we can preserve evidence, track down witnesses, and make sure you’re documenting everything the right way.

Stephen: Waiting too long can weaken your case. We offer free consultations, so there’s no downside to reaching out early.

Q: Why is it helpful to hire a local attorney for an accident in the Hamptons?

Stephen: We know the courts, we know the insurance adjusters, and we know the neighborhoods. That local experience matters — especially when time is tight during the summer season.

James: We also know how to move quickly. We’ve represented clients injured at rental homes, restaurants, beaches — you name it.

Q: What’s one thing most people don’t know about personal injury cases in the Hamptons?

James: Most people don’t realize that the property owner’s insurance often covers injuries at a rental. You’re not necessarily suing the host — you’re filing a claim with their policy.

Stephen: And a lot of people think it has to be a huge, dramatic injury to be worth pursuing. That’s not true. If you’ve suffered medical expenses, missed work, or long-term pain, we want to hear from you.

Q: Can someone from out of state still file a personal injury claim in New York?

Stephen: Absolutely. If the injury happened here — whether in East Hampton, Montauk, or anywhere else in New York — you have the right to pursue a claim in this state.

James: We work with visitors from all over. You don’t need to be a New York resident to get justice in a New York court.

Q: What makes personal injury cases in the Hamptons different from other parts of New York?

James: The seasonal traffic is a big one. You’ve got thousands of drivers unfamiliar with local roads, which leads to more accidents. There’s also a high volume of rentals, which means more potential for unsafe property conditions.

Stephen: Plus, many visitors wait too long to act, thinking they’ll “deal with it when they get back home.” That can really hurt their case. We’re here and ready to help right away.

Q: What if someone is partially at fault — for example, they tripped while texting or crossed a street mid-block?

Stephen: Great question. New York is a pure comparative negligence state. That means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages — the amount may just be reduced based on your share of the blame.

James: So don’t assume you have no case. Let us assess it first.