Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.

Articles Tagged with Long Island Car Accident Lawyer

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Officer Patricia Espinosa Case: Criminal Sentencing Marks One Step as Civil Lawsuit Seeks Accountability from All Responsible PartiesThe criminal sentencing of the driver responsible for the death of Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa represents an important milestone in the pursuit of justice. But for Officer Espinosa’s family, the legal process is far from over.

On July 20, 2026, Matthew Smith, who was 20 years old at the time of the crash, was sentenced to 7 1/3 to 22 years in prison for causing the fatal drunk driving collision that claimed Officer Espinosa’s life. The sentence brings closure to the criminal prosecution, but a separate civil wrongful death lawsuit continues against the businesses and individuals alleged to have unlawfully provided alcohol to the underage driver in the hours leading up to the crash.

The civil case raises an important question that extends beyond one driver’s criminal conduct: Who else bears responsibility when an entirely preventable tragedy occurs?

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Espinosa-Visual-with-Flag-2The family of Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Nassau County Supreme Court against multiple Long Island businesses, a social host, and the underage drunk driver responsible for the fatal Long Island car accident that claimed her life.

The lawsuit alleges that several bars, restaurants, and a liquor store illegally sold or served alcohol to Matthew Smith, who was only 20 years old, before the January 31, 2026 crash. In addition to pursuing claims against Smith, the lawsuit seeks to hold every party accountable whose alleged unlawful conduct contributed to this preventable tragedy.

The case serves as a reminder that under New York law, liability for a serious drunk driving accident may extend beyond the impaired driver. Businesses and individuals who illegally provide alcohol to underage persons may also be held legally responsible when their actions contribute to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

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