Suing for a Strip Mall Accident in Manhasset
Strip malls are deceptively dangerous places, and Long Island residents continue to suffer injuries in these locations. Whether you’re walking in a parking lot or sitting in a restaurant, you face all kinds of dangers from negligent drivers. What happens after a strip mall accident in Manhasset? Can you sue the person responsible to recover compensation for your damages? These are questions you might want to ask a Long Island personal injury lawyer.
Long Island Woman Sentenced to Six Months in Jail After Killing Man in Strip Mall
In July of 2024, CBS reported that a woman had received just six months behind bars after fatally striking a man with her car. The incident occurred in a Long Island strip mall parking lot. First, the woman struck the man while reversing suddenly out of a parking spot. Next, she put her car into drive and ran over the victim a second time.
It took 14 months for prosecutors to even charge her with a crime. Initially, this was viewed as an “accident” – even though the woman clearly ran over the victim twice. She also claimed that the collision was caused by a mechanical issue with her car, despite investigators finding nothing wrong with her vehicle.
The judge also claimed that this woman received “special treatment” from local police because they knew her on a personal level. Despite getting an inconclusive breathalyzer result, they failed to get a warrant for another test.
This incident highlights the growing number of strip mall incidents in Long Island. Just a few weeks prior, an allegedly drunk individual drove straight into a nail salon at another Long Island strip mall, killing and injuring numerous people inside.
This incident also illustrates how ineffective the criminal justice system can be. After a negligent driver runs over someone twice and kills them, they may receive an extremely light sentence of just six months.
A grieving family may wish to explore additional penalties in civil court. Although a lawsuit can never lead to incarceration, it can force them to pay considerable financial penalties to the family. For example, a driver might escape with just a six-month penalty for a fatal accident. However, they may be forced to pay the surviving family members millions of dollars after a successful wrongful death lawsuit in Long Island.
Key Takeaways
- Strip mall accidents are on the rise in Long Island
- Criminal consequences are often light – even for fatal auto accidents
- Civil lawsuits can ensure further consequences for negligent drivers
Find an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in Manhasset
Cohan Law, PLLC can assist injured pedestrians after strip mall accidents in Manhasset. We know how dangerous these locations can be, and we can guide you toward fair compensation. Each case is different, and it makes sense to discuss your unique circumstances during a consultation with us. Reach out to our New York personal injury lawyers today to get started with an action plan.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/newyork/news/kathleen-donnelly-sentencing/
cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-video-shows-deadly-long-island-nail-salon-crash/
