New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogDeadly Belt Parkway Crash in Queens Raises Alarming Questions About Reckless Driving
As Queens car accident lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation reckless driving can bring to families and communities. The recent fiery crash on the Belt Parkway that killed 24-year-old driver Noah Thompson and his 22-year-old passenger Jewel Perez is a heartbreaking reminder of just how deadly these incidents can be — especially when speed, alcohol, and failure to wear seat belts may be involved.
According to reports, Thompson was driving a BMW eastbound on the Belt Parkway around 6 a.m. on Saturday when he lost control near the Cross Bay Boulevard exit in Howard Beach. He slammed into a concrete divider, causing the vehicle to go airborne, land on the opposite side of the highway, strike two other cars — a Honda CR-V and a red Hyundai — and burst into flames. Tragically, neither Thompson nor Perez survived their injuries. Three other passengers in the BMW miraculously escaped with minor injuries.
At the time of the crash, none of the BMW occupants were wearing seat belts. Police sources have indicated that authorities were seeking a warrant to test Thompson’s blood for alcohol before he died.
Jewel Perez leaves behind two young children, ages 3 and 1. Her family describes her as a loving, energetic young woman who had overcome a decade in foster care and was working toward a career in the medical field. Her brother, a nurse, shared that she had recently expressed interest in becoming a nursing assistant — inspired by his own path.
While the investigation is ongoing, the circumstances surrounding the crash raise significant concerns about driver responsibility, the role of speeding and possible intoxication, and the importance of proper restraint use. When drivers make negligent choices, the consequences can be catastrophic — not only for their own lives but for passengers, bystanders, and other road users.
As attorneys representing crash victims throughout Queens, we urge drivers — especially young motorists — to understand the risks and legal consequences of reckless or impaired driving. Speeding, not wearing a seat belt, or getting behind the wheel under the influence puts everyone on the road in danger.
If you or someone you love was injured in a Queens car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex cases involving driver negligence, high-speed collisions, and catastrophic injuries. We also have extensive experience representing victims in scooter and bicycle crashes, which often involve the same corridors where these devastating car accidents occur.
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