Driver of Tesla struck in multi-vehicle pileup at Ledgewood Drive
March 24, 2026 | Smithtown, NY
A serious chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles occurred in Smithtown, resulting in injuries to six individuals, including three children. The incident took place on Veterans Memorial Highway just before 6 p.m. on March 24.
Michelle Lewis, 43, and five others were hurt when a five-vehicle chain-reaction crash led to a vehicle fire on Veterans Memorial Highway in Smithtown.
Suffolk County Police reported that the collision 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 sequence of collisions: the Outlander struck a Tesla, which then hit a Toyota Camry, and the Camry collided with a Mazda CX-5.
The Mazda CX-30 subsequently caught fire, with flames spreading to the Tesla. Emergency responders from the Smithtown Fire Department quickly arrived to extinguish the blaze and ensure scene safety.
Key Details of the Crash
- Date and Time: March 24, just before 6 p.m.
- Location: Veterans Memorial Highway at Ledgewood Drive, Smithtown, NY
- Vehicles Involved: 2025 Mazda CX-30, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, Tesla, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5
- Initial Cause: Rear-end collision due to a stopped vehicle in the turn lane
- Additional Incident: Vehicle fire spreading between the Mazda CX-30 and the Tesla
Injuries and Medical Response
Six people were injured in the crash and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. One individual was airlifted for treatment.
- Michelle Lewis, 43, of Hauppauge, driving the Tesla, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Her 8-year-old son was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 43-year-old female driver of the Outlander from Hauppauge sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
- The 60-year-old male driver of the initial Mazda from Glendale also received serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
- Three children were among the injured, highlighting the vulnerability of young passengers in such accidents.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the crash to contact the Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad.
Why Do Chain-Reaction Crashes Occur on Highways Like Veterans Memorial?
Chain-reaction crashes often stem from factors such as sudden stops, tailgating, or distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for nearly 30% of all traffic accidents in the U.S.
Common Causes of Chain-Reaction Crashes |
Statistics (NHTSA Data) |
Prevention Tips |
|---|
Tailgating and Following Too Closely |
29% of rear-end crashes |
Maintain a 3-second following distance |
Sudden Braking or Stops |
25% of multi-vehicle incidents |
Use signals and check mirrors frequently |
Distracted Driving |
8% of all crashes involve distraction |
Avoid phone use while driving |
Adverse Weather or Road Conditions |
15% increase in wet conditions |
Reduce speed in rain or fog |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2023 data.
Legal Insights on Multi-Vehicle Crash Investigations
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in multi-vehicle incidents to determine liability and support affected parties.
“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.
In cases such as this, conducting an independent investigation promptly helps preserve evidence.
- Key Takeaways:
- Review police reports alongside independent analyses for a comprehensive understanding.
- Hire specialists to evaluate contributing factors like driver behavior or vehicle conditions.
- Background checks on drivers can reveal patterns that influence fault determination.
- Early action preserves witness statements and physical evidence.
“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," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. "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.”
For those impacted, pursuing claims may involve navigating complex insurance processes, where professional guidance ensures fair compensation.
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(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).