Donald Maxwell, Liscent B. Maxwell Killed in Hempstead Ac...
Impairment cited in multi-car collision west of Exit 17; one critically injured
Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88, died Sunday in a six-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway in Hempstead, New York. Police said the crash occurred after a driver crossed the median. The crash happened near Exit 17 South in Nassau County.
Diana Kutateladze, 36, drove a 2020 Cadillac Escalade when she sideswiped a BMW around 10:13 p.m. The Escalade then crossed the center median into oncoming traffic. The Cadillac then hit several vehicles head-on, including a 2016 Toyota Highlander occupied by the Maxwells.
First responders found a debris field across multiple lanes. The Maxwells died at the scene. One other person was hospitalized in critical condition. Others involved in the crash had non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said they believe Kutateladze was driving under the influence. The crash remains under investigation.
The New York State Police are leading the investigation into the six-car collision. Diana Kutateladze, 36, of Oceanside, was arrested and faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. Investigators have identified speed and impairment as primary contributing factors in the event. Westbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway were closed for several hours Sunday night as collision reconstruction units processed the scene. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to contact Investigator Jeffrey Shillingford at 212-814-9597.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "What scares me about road safety is how alcohol-impaired deaths rose by a third in recent years. There's no excuse for it, as we've known for decades how impairment destroys a driver's ability to process hazards."
In the State of New York, families who have lost loved ones in collisions involving impaired or reckless driving may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These civil actions are separate from criminal proceedings and are intended to provide compensation for funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the loss of companionship. Seeking the guidance of a personal injury attorney can help families navigate the complexities of insurance claims and hold negligent parties accountable. Under New York law, there are strict statutes of limitations for filing such claims, making it imperative to consult with legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights.