Sentencing was set for May 15 in the case of a 48-year-old man from Patchogue who entered a guilty plea to manslaughter on Feb. 20. In 2013, he was under the influence of several types of drugs while driving a motor vehicle in Sayville and crashing into another vehicle that was occupied by two people.
One of the occupants of the other vehicle was killed, and the other occupant was seriously injured in the accident, according to the Suffolk district attorney. He also stated that the accused is expected to be sentenced to 21 years in prison at the time of sentencing.
The fatal crash took place on Montauk Highway in January 2013 when the defendant was high on morphine, PCP and other drugs. Prosecutors stated that he crashed head-on into the other vehicle, which was being driven by an 82-year-old man from West Islip. The elderly man’s passenger, a 79-year-old woman from Oakdale, suffered serious injuries in the collision.
When people are seriously injured or lose a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, the physical and emotional pain can seem unbearable. On top of that, the financial issues that can result from an accident could leave individuals in serious need of help pursuing compensation. Through the filing of a wrongful death claim, the family of the deceased might seek compensation that could include final expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship and loss of income. A personal injury attorney could help surviving family members by preparing a viable wrongful death case and representing them in court or negotiating an out-of-court settlement when applicable.
Source: Medford Patch, “Patchogue Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Fatal 2013 Crash,” Ryan Bonner, Feb. 20, 2015
