Teen Arrested After Causing DUI Crash on Long Island
Sometimes, accidents are truly accidental – and it is difficult to blame anyone for the resulting injuries. In other situations, crashes are clearly caused by negligent individuals – such as drunk or distracted drivers. A recent example of this occurred on Long Island when a teenager was arrested for causing a fatal crash while intoxicated. How can you pursue justice and compensation after losing a loved one to a crash like this? Could a Manhasset injury lawyer help?
Long Island Teen Driver Accused of Killing Motorcyclist While Drunk
In April of 2025, authorities in Long Island reported that they had arrested a teen for causing the death of a motorcyclist. The teen was allegedly driving drunk when he struck and killed the rider in Nassau County. The teen has already pleaded not guilty, and he remains behind bars.
Police say that the teen driver initially moved into the left-hand-turn lane at an intersection before changing his mind and veering back into the right lane. He then tried to cut across the entire highway to make a right-hand turn, colliding with a man riding a three-wheeled Slingshot motorcycle. The rider was killed in the collision, and his female passenger was also seriously injured.
After the initial collision, the motorcycle flew into a Kia SUV carrying several children. This secondary impact failed to cause any injuries. The 19-year-old driver of the first vehicle was hospitalized after the crash, and so was his 30-year-old male passenger.
The teen is now facing charges of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, and DWI. If convicted, the teen will face a lengthy prison sentence. It is also worth noting that even though the defendant is a teenager, he is still a legal adult – and he’ll face the full brunt of legal penalties.
Do Criminal Charges Lead to Compensation for DUI Crashes?
Sometimes, defendants must pay restitution to victims after being convicted of their crimes – and this may apply to fatal DUIs. However, it makes more sense to pursue compensation through civil courts. These are separate, wrongful death lawsuits that may provide compensation for funeral costs, missed future earnings, unpaid medical bills, grief, and other damages. Speak with a lawyer for more information about this course of action.
Key Takeaways
- A fatal DUI crash could lead to a wrongful death lawsuit in Long Island
- A wrongful death lawsuit can help a family pay for funeral expenses
- Even if a negligent driver escapes criminal charges, you can still file a civil claim
Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Manhasset Help Me?
An auto accident lawyer in Manhasset may be able to help you pursue compensation after losing a loved one to a fatal DUI crash. These legal professionals understand how life-altering a fatal crash can be, and they can guide you toward justice and compensation. To learn more about the next steps in this process, contact Cohan Law, PLLC today.
Sources:
nydailynews.com/2025/04/21/long-island-teenager-drunk-car-crash-killed-motorcycle/
longisland.news12.com/police-teen-faces-slew-of-charges-in-fatal-massapequa-dwi-pileup-crash
