Mitsubishi Outlander turned left and struck a woman crossing the intersection in Copiague
April 15, 2026 | Copiague, NY
An 85-year-old Lindenhurst resident, Rose Marie Schementi, sustained serious injuries Wednesday morning when a vehicle struck her while she crossed a busy intersection in Copiague.
Rose Marie Schementi, 85, was seriously injured after a Mitsubishi Outlander struck her while crossing Montauk Highway at South Strong Avenue in Copiague.
What Happened in the Copiague Pedestrian Crash?
The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. on April 15 along Montauk Highway at the S. Strong Avenue crossing. Schementi was walking from south to north when a 74-year-old local man driving a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander made a left turn onto eastbound Montauk Highway and collided with her.
- Victim Details: Rose Marie Schementi, 85, of Lindenhurst
- Location: Montauk Highway and South Strong Avenue, Copiague, NY
- Time: Shortly after 7:30 a.m., April 15
- Vehicle Involved: 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Driver: 74-year-old man from Copiague, arrested on a third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation charge and issued a desk appearance ticket
- Injuries: Serious, and Schementi was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital
- Investigation: Suffolk County Police Department seeking witnesses
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern on roadways nationwide. Common factors in such crashes include driver distraction, excessive speed, and failure to yield the right of way.
According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle incidents injured approximately 150,000 pedestrians in 2018 alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that pedestrians account for about 17% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.
Factor |
Contribution to Pedestrian Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Drivers not paying full attention, often due to phones or other diversions |
CDC |
Speeding |
Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase impact severity |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Failure to Yield |
Drivers not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Poor Visibility |
Low light or obstructed views at intersections |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crash Cases
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian incidents to establish liability and support claims for affected individuals.
"Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. "Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve."
- Right-of-Way Priority: In most instances, pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing an intersection or street, regardless of whether they are in a marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield to any pedestrian.
- Negligence Proof: Detailed analysis of accident scenes, including environmental factors, is crucial in cases such as this.
- Justice for Victims: Comprehensive reviews ensure accountability and fair outcomes for those impacted by motor vehicle crashes.
"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 with Bond Legal. "Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting expenses that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes."
In situations like the Copiague crash, affected parties may explore personal injury options pending official findings.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(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).