Four People Die in Car Crash on the LIE

The Long Island Expressway in Mannorville was the site of a devastating accident around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept 6, 2020. Carmelo Pinales lost control of his vehicle while traveling on the eastbound LIE past exit 68. His Subaru Outback went airborne, crossing the medium and crashing into a BMW and Honda traveling in the westbound lanes.

Accident Injuries and Deaths in the Long Island Car Accident

According to Long Island News 12, Pinales, age 28 of Hicksville, died at the scene. His 27-year old sister Patricia Pinales of Westbury who was a passenger in his car also died at the scene. Emergency personnel transported Pinales’ 10-year old son, Christopher to Stony Brook University Hospital. His son was in critical condition and later died as well. Fortunately, the other two passengers in the Subaru, 21-year old Winnifer Garcia and Patricia Pinales’ three-year old daughter survived and were treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 2014 Honda driver of Northport, 29-year old Scott Martella also died at the crash site. His finance Shelbi Thurau survived and received treatment at a hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The BMW driver, Marvin Tenzer, age 73 and his three other Westhampton passengers were hospitalized and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Establishing Fault in an Accident

Police are investigating the accident and believe speed was possibly a factor. They saw no evidence that Pinales was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They also said that given the circumstances, it was unlikely that the two westbound vehicles had an opportunity to avoid the accident.

Under New York law, victims of car accidents involving serious injuries or death or costs greater than $50,000 can seek compensation for damages through a lawsuit.

Do You Have a Case?

Our attorneys at Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP, have extensive decades of experience handling car accident cases. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case.