Semi Causes 35-Vehicle Pile-Up on Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County, New York

A semi-truck driver was recently accused of causing a fiery pile-up that killed one person and injured at least 33 others on the Long Island Expressway near the William Floyd Parkway. The crash reportedly involved almost three dozen automobiles and occurred about 70 miles east of New York City. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, 42-year-old Raymond Simoneau was headed east in a big rig that was carrying debris from Hurricane Sandy away from the coast when he struck more than one vehicle and caused a chain reaction of other collisions. Three vehicles, including the tractor-trailer, purportedly caught fire as a result of the accident. One car was allegedly burned beyond recognition.

Although Simoneau was reportedly unhurt in the incident, a 68-year-old woman from Blue Point, Long Island was killed. Following the crash, emergency responders purportedly transported 33 motorists and passengers to three local area hospitals for treatment. According to an accident witness, Danny Gershonowitz, the first police officers who arrived at the scene of the accident asked bystanders to leave immediately due to concerns that the tractor-trailer might explode.

The exact cause of the deadly incident is currently under investigation and no charges have been filed against Simoneau. Because it is not clear what caused Simoneau to lose control of his truck, investigators are reportedly attempting to reconstruct the tragic collision. Police Deputy Inspector Kevin Fallon stated weather did not appear to have played a role in the fatal accident as it occurred on a bright, sunny afternoon.

If you were injured in a collision with a semi, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost benefits and wages, pain, suffering, and any disability that resulted from the accident. If you lost a close relative in a crash with a tractor-trailer, you may also be eligible to recover the costs associated with your loved one's funeral as well as other damages. Because the amount of time you have during which to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in New York is limited, you should contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible after any injury accident.

At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our capable Long Island personal injury lawyers are available to help clients who were hurt by the negligent driver of a semi or other motor vehicle receive the compensation they deserve based upon their overall injuries. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our committed attorneys represent individuals located in both New York and New Jersey. To discuss your case with a caring accident lawyer today, do not hesitate to call Korngut Paleudis LLC at (212) 835-6768 in New York City. You may also contact our experienced attorneys through the law firm's website.

Additional Resources:

Truck causes NY traffic pileup; 1 dead, 33 hurt, by the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal

Long Island Expressway reopens in both directions following fiery 35-vehicle pileup in Shirley that left one dead and 33 injured, by Vera Chinese, New York Daily News