Drinking and driving is always a mistake, and there are certain instances where the conduct is so egregious that it's shocking that the results were not more disastrous than they actually were.  Tragically, the events that unfolded on the Long Island Expressway recently were horrifying enough, as a suspected drunk driver drove the wrong way on the LIE for several miles before crashing the vehicle and killing the passenger.

According to reports, this fatal New York DUI accident occurred on Labor Day at approximately 4:45 a.m.  Juan Cruz was driving a friend home after a day together in his minivan.  He was driving the wrong way down the Long Island Expressway for approximately 10 miles at a high rate of speed.  He somehow avoided colliding with other vehicles, but he eventually crashed into a barrier on the LIE in Plainview.  Mauricio Visoso-Ornelas, 28, of Queens, was killed in the crash.

New York Car Accident Statistics

First, we'd like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed.  To be on the receiving end of this type of news from police is something that no one should ever have to experience.  In addition, this fatal LIE DUI crash will only add to the statistics regarding New York car accidents overall.  Every year, approximately 187,000 people are injured and more than 1,200 are killed in these occurrences.

New York DUI Accident Lawyers

It's possible that the family of the man who was killed could file a New York wrongful death lawsuit against the driver regardless of the criminal charges he faces.  If such a claim was successful, the family could be awarded damages that compensate them for funeral, medical and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship. 

If you have lost someone you love to a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully enforcing the legal rights of grieving families for nearly 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.