On Friday, outside Woodward Parkway Elementary School in South Farmingdale, Peter Morris was killed moments after leaving a Veterans Day ceremony with his 9-year-old granddaughter. Witnesses say that Morris had just climbed into his car after taking pictures with his granddaughter when a stolen Nissan, driven by 24-year-old Randy Colon, slammed into him at full speed. The impact sent Morris’s vehicle onto the school lawn, smoking and mangled, as the driver fled on foot. Colon was later arrested, but Morris was pronounced dead at the scene. Morris’s daughter described him as a proud and joyful grandfather who “sat in the front with a big smile on his face the entire morning, telling everyone about his life, his children, and how proud he was to be there.” This tragedy has shaken the South Farmingdale community and raises important questions about how New York law addresses fatal crashes involving stolen vehicles and hit-and-run drivers.
Civil Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
If the driver of the stolen vehicle is identified and apprehended, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against that individual. The claim may seek damages for conscious pain and suffering, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Even if the driver lacks substantial assets, pursuing the claim preserves the family’s rights and may lead to restitution through other means.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and No-Fault Benefits
Because stolen-car drivers typically have no insurance coverage, victims often rely on their own uninsured motorist coverage. Every New York auto policy includes this protection, which can compensate for injuries or death caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. In fatal cases, this coverage may provide the only available recovery. Families must file claims promptly, as insurers impose strict reporting deadlines—often within 30 days for no-fault benefits and 90 days for UM claims.
Liability of the Vehicle Owner
Generally, when a vehicle is stolen and used without the owner’s consent, the owner is not held liable for resulting crashes. However, if the owner’s negligence made the theft foreseeable—for example, leaving keys in an unlocked vehicle—liability could potentially be argued. Each case must be examined individually.
Wrongful Death Claim in New York
In fatal cases like this one, the estate’s personal representative may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members. Compensation may include loss of financial support, medical and funeral expenses, and loss of parental guidance or companionship. Death automatically meets New York’s “serious injury” threshold, allowing the family to pursue full damages outside the no-fault system.
Preserving Evidence and Meeting Deadlines
Because time is critical, families should obtain and preserve the police accident report, notify all insurers immediately, collect witness statements, photos, and any available video footage, and avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel. Prompt legal representation ensures that all potential sources of recovery—from uninsured motorist benefits to wrongful death damages—are preserved and pursued correctly.
Why These Cases Are Especially Complex
Crashes involving stolen or hit-and-run vehicles often present unique legal hurdles. The at-fault driver may lack insurance or personal assets, the vehicle owner’s liability is limited by law, and the family must rely on their own insurance for compensation. Wrongful death litigation requires adherence to strict procedural rules, and evidence must be gathered quickly before memories fade or footage is lost. Because of these complications, victims and their families should speak with an experienced New York car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure every avenue for recovery is explored.
The death of Peter Morris—a proud veteran, father, and grandfather—is a heartbreaking reminder of how senseless acts can change lives in an instant. While nothing can undo the pain of this loss, New York law does provide paths for families to seek justice and accountability. If your loved one was injured or killed in a crash involving a stolen or hit-and-run vehicle, the attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have extensive experience handling complex and high-stakes motor vehicle cases across the state. Call 212-943-1090 to speak with a New York car accident lawyer and learn about your legal rights and options.
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