Erin Applebaum hurt in five-vehicle crash on Veterans Memorial Highway

Rear-end accident triggered chain reaction and vehicle fire, police say

March 24, 2026 | Smithtown, NY

A serious five-vehicle collision unfolded on Veterans Memorial Highway in Smithtown, New York, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including three children. 

The incident, reported by Suffolk County Police, occurred just before 6 p.m. on March 24.

Erin Applebaum, 43, and five others, including three children, were injured after a five-vehicle chain-reaction crash on Veterans Memorial Highway in Smithtown.

What Happened in the Crash?

The crash began when an eastbound 2025 Mazda CX-30 rear-ended a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander that was stopped in the left turn lane at Ledgewood Drive. This initial hit set off a chain reaction:

• The Outlander then collided with a Tesla.
• The Tesla struck a Toyota Camry.
• The Camry hit a Mazda CX-5.

Following the collisions, the Mazda CX-30 burst into flames, with the fire spreading to the Tesla. Emergency responders from the Smithtown Fire Department quickly arrived to extinguish the blaze.

Key details of the incident include:

• Location: Veterans Memorial Highway at Ledgewood Drive, Smithtown, NY
• Date and Time: March 24, around 5:55 p.m.
• Vehicles Involved: 2025 Mazda CX-30, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, Tesla, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5
• Injuries: Six people were injured, including three children, all non-life-threatening, but some serious injuries
• Response: Smithtown Fire Department and Suffolk County Police, one victim transported by helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital
• Investigation: All vehicles impounded for safety inspections, public urged to contact Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad with information

Who Was Affected?

Among the injured:

• Erin Applebaum, 43, of Hauppauge, driving the Outlander, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Her daughters, aged 9 and 12, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
• The 60-year-old male driver of the Mazda CX-30, from Glendale, was seriously injured.
• The Tesla driver and her 8-year-old son received injuries described as non-life-threatening.

All six victims were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.

Why Do Chain-Reaction Crashes Occur?

Chain-reaction crashes like this often stem from factors such as sudden stops, distracted driving, or high traffic volumes. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), rear-end collisions account for nearly 30% of all traffic accidents in the U.S., with multi-vehicle incidents increasing injury risks.

This table highlights common contributors, underscoring the need for vigilant driving on busy routes like Veterans Memorial Highway.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations following multi-vehicle crashes to ensure accountability and support for those affected.

“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.

She noted that in cases such as this, it's important to have an independent investigation conducted sooner rather than later to better preserve any evidence.

“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash. A lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process,” said Bond.

Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:

• Independent investigations preserve critical evidence before it degrades.
• Legal representation aids in securing fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Insurance reviews are essential, as companies may undervalue claims in complex incidents.

Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. That's where an attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

In cases such as this, pursuing claims can help address the full scope of impacts from such accidents.

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