A suspected drunk driver caused a six-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway in Hempstead, New York, that killed two people and injured several others, according to New York State Police. The collision occurred around 10:15 p.m. near Exit 17S and shut down the highway for hours. Authorities say a 36-year-old woman from Oceanside was allegedly drunk and speeding when she lost control of her Cadillac Escalade after sideswiping a BMW in the left lane. Her SUV crossed the center median and struck oncoming traffic, hitting a Toyota Highlander head-on. Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88, who were riding in the Highlander, were pronounced dead at the scene. Ten people and six vehicles were involved, and at least one other person was left in critical condition.
The driver was hospitalized and faces charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated. State police have asked anyone with video or information about the crash to come forward while the investigation continues.
While the criminal case will seek to punish the driver, it does not compensate the victims' families for their losses. A separate civil claim is how survivors can recover money for funeral costs, medical bills, lost income, and the loss of a loved one. The two cases run on different tracks, and the outcome of one does not decide the other. New York also allows added damages in some drunk driving cases because the conduct goes well beyond ordinary carelessness.
In the aftermath of a fatal wreck, evidence fades quickly. Vehicle data, video, and witness accounts are strongest right away, and some of it can disappear if no one acts to preserve it. New York sets firm deadlines for injury and wrongful death cases, so families who wait too long can lose the right to recover at all. Attorneys often help people hurt by drunk drivers on local roads gather that proof before it is gone and handle insurance calls so families can focus on their loved ones.
For families seeking legal guidance, Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman has served Rockland County from its New City office for more than 50 years and has recovered over $500 million for clients in injury and accident cases. Founding attorney Barry S. Kantrowitz holds an AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating, the highest mark for legal skill and ethics. When a family loses someone in a crash, the firm reviews police reports, scene evidence, and medical records, then builds a clear case for who should answer for it. If a loss came from another driver's negligence, there may be grounds to file a wrongful death claim.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of holding reckless drivers accountable. For the families of Donald and Liscent Maxwell, the criminal charges against the driver are just one part of the story. A civil lawsuit can provide the financial resources needed to move forward while also sending a message that such behavior will not be tolerated. As the investigation continues, the victims' family may find some measure of justice through the civil court system.
