According to New York State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. when a 2016 Acura struck the toddler in a parking lot inside the park. Emergency responders transported the child to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where the child was pronounced dead.
Authorities reported that the driver of the Acura immediately called 911, remained at the scene, and cooperated fully with investigators. Police have classified the collision as a tragic accident, and no criminal charges are expected.
Parking Lot Accidents Pose Unique Dangers for Children
While parking lots may seem like low-speed environments, they present serious hazards—particularly to young children, who can be difficult for drivers to see due to their height and unpredictable movements. Even momentary lapses in attention or misjudged distances can result in devastating outcomes.
At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our New York car accident lawyers have handled numerous cases involving parking lot and pedestrian collisions, including those where children were the victims. These cases often require a careful investigation into:
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Driver attentiveness and speed
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Parking lot design and visibility
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Potential safety failures, such as lack of signage, speed bumps, or marked pedestrian pathways
Broader Context: Multiple Fatal Accidents on Long Island the Same Day
The Belmont Lake State Park tragedy was one of two deadly crashes reported on Long Island on Sunday. In East Meadow, about 10 miles west, a 55-year-old man lost his life in a two-car collision at the intersection of Salisbury Park Drive and Carman Avenue. Three others suffered minor injuries in that crash.
Legal Rights and Next Steps for Families
When a fatal accident occurs—whether in a parking lot, on a roadway, or in a recreational space—families may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim to hold negligent parties accountable. Even in cases where no criminal charges are filed, civil liability may still exist.
Our attorneys have decades of experience representing families who have lost loved ones in vehicle-related accidents across New York. We work tirelessly to uncover all contributing factors, from driver behavior to unsafe property conditions, and to fight for the justice and financial recovery families deserve.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, contact our New York car accident lawyers at 212-943-1090 for a free, confidential consultation.