Garden City, NY (March 8, 2026) — A midday collision on Cathedral Avenue left two people hospitalized and a 27-year-old man facing criminal charges on Friday. Garden City Police and fire crews responded to the scene around 12:00 p.m. following reports of a two-vehicle crash that resulted in a fire.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found both vehicles with extensive damage, with at least one car engulfed in flames. Both drivers were successfully removed from their vehicles and transported to a local hospital for treatment. While the exact severity of their injuries has not been disclosed, officials noted the damage to the vehicles was significant.
Following an on-scene investigation, police arrested one of the drivers, a 27-year-old male, and charged him with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Cathedral Avenue was closed for several hours as crews cleared the debris and investigated the mechanics of the crash.
DWI Auto Accident in New York
When a car accident involves a driver charged with DWI, the legal landscape changes significantly for the victims. In New York, the No-Fault insurance system typically covers the first $50,000 of medical expenses and lost wages. However, if a victim sustains a “serious injury”—which often includes fractures, permanent loss of a body organ or function, or any injury that limits daily activities for 90 out of the first 180 days—they have the right to sue the negligent driver for pain and suffering.
In cases involving intoxication, the criminal charge of DWI can be used as powerful evidence of negligence in a civil personal injury lawsuit. Furthermore, New York’s Dram Shop Act may come into play. If the 27-year-old driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant while visibly intoxicated prior to the noon crash, that establishment could potentially be held liable for the damages caused.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving a suspected drunk driver in Nassau County, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. Our New York auto accident attorneys are here to help you find the answers and the justice your family deserves.
