Family of Patchogue man killed in Bethpage parkway crash plans to sue state
After the crash a petition was started to install a divider to separate lanes on the Bethpage State Parkway, garnering over 2,500 signatures.
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The family of a Patchogue man killed in a head-on crash on the Bethpage State Parkway plans to sue New York State, alleging officials failed to install critical safety barriers despite knowing the roadway was vulnerable to crossover collisions.
Police previously said 23-year-old Jordan Nasir St. Fort Colin was killed on the morning of June 12 when a vehicle crossed the median and entered oncoming traffic, striking his car as he traveled between Exits B1 and B2 on the parkway.
His parents have filed a notice of claim, a legal step that signals their intention to pursue a lawsuit, and are expected to file a wrongful death action against the state.
The family is seeking up to $50 million in damages, alleging the state was negligent in maintaining the roadway and allowed dangerous conditions to persist despite knowing about them.
The notice of claim attests the state failed to install safety measures that could have prevented crossover crashes, including roadway barriers and a cable median barrier system. The filing also alleges the state had prior notice of similar collisions in the area but failed to make repairs or implement safety improvements to address it.
After the crash a petition was started to install a divider to separate lanes on the Bethpage State Parkway, garnering over 2,500 signatures.
Supporters of the petition have said a center barrier would prevent similar tragedies.
