What to Do if Your Family Member Is on Life Support After a Crash in Manhasset

At first, it might be encouraging to hear that your loved one has survived a serious crash in Manhasset. However, your optimism may fade after it becomes clear that your family member is completely incapacitated. There are few things more challenging than watching your loved one fight for survival while on life support in a hospital. How can you pursue legal action on their behalf?

 Long Island Police Officer Placed on Ventilator After High-Speed Crash 

Drivers in Long Island often become incapacitated after serious crashes. A recent example occurred in January of 2025, when a police officer was run off the Long Island expressway by a suspect. The high-speed pursuit led to a serious crash, and the police vehicle flipped several times before coming to a halt against a tree.

First responders say that it took them 30 minutes to extricate him from the mangled police cruiser, but they managed to transport him to a nearby hospital with vital signs still intact. He received a considerable amount of blood after bleeding heavily in the accident, and he was placed on a ventilator.

Reports say that the police officer is making progress, but that he remains in critical condition. It is likely that he will never be the same again. This same police officer was stabbed two years ago during a violent altercation with a different suspect. He also served with the National Guard and spent a year fighting in Afghanistan. Officials say that he is now struggling with “multiple major internal injuries” and additional injuries to his lower extremities.

Can You File a Lawsuit on Behalf of Your Incapacitated Family Member? 

Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of a family member who is incapacitated. Examples of incapacitation include severe brain damage, comas, and non-responsive individuals on ventilators. However, it is important to understand that only mental incapacitation allows you to sue on their behalf. They can file their own lawsuit if they are physically incapacitated.

Additional legal steps involving guardianships or powers of attorney may be required before the family can sue on the victim’s behalf. If there is a chance that the victim will regain their mental capacity to make decisions, it may be worth waiting to see whether they will recover before taking additional steps.

 Key Takeaways 

• Crash victims are often placed on ventilators or in medically-induced comas
• Families may be able to take legal action on behalf of incapacitated victims
• Additional legal steps may be required to gain financial/legal power of attorney

Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Manhasset Help Me? 

An experienced car accident lawyer in Manhasset may be able to help if your loved one is on life support after a crash. Cohan Law, PLLC understands that these situations can be both distressing and confusing for families, and we are here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn how to pursue legal action on your loved one’s behalf.

 Sources: 

nbcnewyork.com/long-island/brentwood-crash-puts-cop-in-hospital/6095961/

newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/suffolk-police-officer-injured-lie-crash-o4lejv24