Founding Attorney
How might evidence of falsified records by the auto repair company impact the civil cases?
One year ago, on October 6th, tragedy struck a New York town when a stretch limousine carrying 17 passengers drove through an intersection and struck a parked vehicle. The accident killed a total of 20 people, including the 17 passengers, the driver, and two bystanders. The crash drew national attention due to the tremendous loss of human life as well as the concerning circumstances surrounding the cause of the collision. It is now considered the deadliest transportation-related disaster within the U.S. since 2009. Now, new evidence is emerging that suggests the auto company servicing the vehicle may be at least partly to blame for the accident.
Determining Who is to Blame for the Limo Crash
Initial investigations into the crash revealed that pre-existing issues with the limo, driver, and limousine company all lead to the incident. Investigators discovered that the limo had failed two inspections due to brake issues. The state ordered the limo out of service, but limo owner Nauman Hussain continued to rent out the vehicle, knowing the dangers it posed. Hussain is now facing criminal charges for criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter.
During Hussain’s trial, evidence emerged that Mavis Discount Tire shop may have played a role in the collision. The manager of Mavis at the time of the accident, Virgil Park, informed prosecutors that he purchased a brake master cylinder for the limo in May 2018. However, the part was never installed, even though an invoice showed it had. Park said the part was instead returned, despite records showing otherwise.
Now, Hussain’s lawyers are claiming that the tire shop should be responsible for the crash. Mavis has defended itself by stating the vehicle was on the road more than 1,000 miles after it was serviced, and Hussain acted to remove the DOT sticker indicating the limo should stay off the road
This conflict being addressed in the criminal trial will likely impact the results of wrongful death actions filed against Hussain and potentially the tire company as well. At least three victims’ families are suing the tire company so far. Other lawsuits are likely to file, should more evidence as to Mavis’ wrongdoing emerge.