Scott K. Berberian Killed in Stafford Car Accident
Patrick J. Hastings charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI
Scott K. Berberian, 56, of Syracuse, was killed in a car accident Friday night on Interstate 90 eastbound in the town of Stafford, according to state police. Patrick J. Hastings, 67, of Churchville, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and other traffic offenses. Investigators said a 2024 BMW X6 struck the rear of a 2017 GMC pickup truck, which was driving in the same direction. The impact caused the pickup to overturn, ejecting Berberian, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Hastings was not injured in the collision. He showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests, troopers said. Hastings later provided a breath sample measuring 0.08% blood alcohol content. Hastings was taken to the Genesee County Jail for arraignment. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash camera footage is asked to contact state police at 585-344-6200.
The charges against Patrick J. Hastings, including second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, indicate a serious criminal prosecution is underway. Vehicular manslaughter in New York State typically requires proof that a defendant caused the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition. The reported blood alcohol content of 0.08% meets the legal threshold for intoxication, strengthening the prosecution's case. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal noted that "Losing someone at a busy intersection leaves a hole in a family that never heals. What most people miss is that left-turn crashes account for over twenty percent of all fatal intersection accidents, according to federal data."
Beyond criminal liability, the incident also opens avenues for significant civil litigation. The family of Scott K. Berberian could pursue a wrongful death claim against Hastings, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, pain and suffering, and other damages. Establishing civil liability would likely hinge on proving negligence, which is strongly suggested by the DWI charge and the nature of the rear-end collision. In New York, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Given the ongoing criminal investigation by the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office, critical evidence such as accident reconstruction reports, toxicology results, and witness statements will be meticulously gathered, which will be vital for both criminal and civil proceedings.
For the victim's family, immediate steps are crucial. Consulting with an attorney focusing on personal injury and wrongful death cases is paramount to understand their legal rights and options. An attorney can help preserve evidence, such as vehicle data recorders, and navigate the complexities of both the criminal investigation and potential civil claims. Documenting all related expenses and emotional impacts will also be important for any potential civil action. The ongoing nature of the investigation means that additional details may emerge, further shaping the legal landscape for both the accused and the victim's family.
Under N.Y. EPTL § 5-4.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New York applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral expenses, and the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.