The families of the people who died and the survivors who were gravely injured in a 2015 limo crash in Cutchogue, NY received a $6.1 million settlement in October. The limousine was touring local wineries on July 18, 2015. While making a U-turn at Route 48 and Depot Lane, the limo was broadsided by a pickup truck.
The truck’s driver, Steven Romeo, pleaded guilty to driving while impaired by alcohol, a traffic infraction in 2017. The limo driver was initially charged with criminally negligent homicide, failure to yield the right of way and other charges but Justice Fernando Camacho dismissed the indictment.
Brittney Schulman, 23, and Lauren Baruch, 24, both of Smithtown, Stephanie Belli, 23, of Kings Park, and Amy Grabina, 23, of Commack, all lost their lives. Injured in the crash were Joelle M. DiMonte, 25, of Ellwood, Melissa Angela Crai, 23, of Scarsdale, Alicia Arundel, 24, of Setauket, and Olga Lipets, 24, of Brooklyn.
Last year, a New York State limousine task force put forth safety recommendations, but they have yet to be signed into law by Gov. Hochul. Key points included removing limos older than 10 years (or with more than 350,000 miles) from the road; more stringent equipment inspections; improved driver training and drug testing; pre-trip safety training for passengers; and enhanced side panel protection.
Source: Patch North Fork, NY
