Horrific Car Accident On Long Island Kills Elderly Driver
Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota is indicting Patchogue resident Thomas Herman with second- degree murder for the death of Sam Longo following a deadly auto collision. The horrific car accident on Long Island took place on January 13, when Herman got behind the wheel while high on a cocktail of drugs including morphine, PCP and Oxycodone. According to an article on NBC New York, the Patchogue man was driving at speeds between 80 and 100 mph on Montauk Highway, but was going against traffic in the eastbound lane. His SUV crashed into seven cars, including that of 82-year old Sam Longo, who was instantly killed.
Longo’s passenger and long-time friend suffered critical auto accident injuries including a fractured leg, sternum and ribs. Agnes Gilbert, 79, was so severely injured that she was given last rites at the scene of the crash. Commenting on the fatal car accident on Long Island, Spota said, “The black box we recovered from the SUV shows it was traveling at 87 mph at impact.” Sam Longo’s vehicle was pushed pack 70 feet from the force of the crash.
Reckless driver indicted on 24 counts, including murder
Last week, Herman was arraigned at the Suffolk Criminal Court in Central Islip on 24 different counts, including second-degree murder, which is often challenging to prove in drunk or impaired-driving cases. District Attorney Spota announced the second-degree murder charge during a press conference, saying the indictment was entirely justified due to Herman’s reckless actions. Surveillance video provided by the local DA clearly shows Herman’s SUV racing through traffic on the busy highway, hitting five cars but never stopping.
After the car accident, Herman purportedly asked officers for the latest score on an NFL playoff game he had been following. He may face a prison term of 25 years to life if convicted on the second-degree murder charge. Agnes Gilbert has partially recovered from her auto accident injuries and may testify during Herman’s trial.
Legal recourse available to car accident victims
The tragic car accident on Long Island is just one example of the life-altering consequences of such an event. Every year, thousands of innocent New Yorkers are seriously harmed through no fault of their own by reckless, negligent or impaired drivers. And many of those victims who survived their injuries and took legal action have been awarded substantial sums – in the millions of dollars – for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
New York personal injury lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident in any of the five boroughs including Long Island, Staten Island, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, The Sanders Firm is prepared to help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. Our trial attorneys have a proven track record of trying complex auto accident claims before juries, and we’re also well-versed in the state’s No-Fault laws and uninsured motorist coverage issues.
We bring more than 45 years of litigation and negotiation experience to the table and will aggressively pursue the maximum damages you may be entitled to for your injuries. To speak with a NY personal injury lawyer about your claim, call us toll-free for a free case evaluation: 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752).
