A Woodmere man has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in a 2023 drunk-driving crash on Peninsula Boulevard in Rockville Centre that killed his 28-year-old cousin and seriously injured a 32-year-old woman, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office as reported by Patch and LongIsland.com. For families coping with a loss like this, a Nassau County wrongful death lawyer can explain how New York’s civil justice system works alongside the criminal case. Our thoughts are with the family of Merlin Lopez and with everyone hurt in this crash.
What Happened in the Rockville Centre Crash
According to prosecutors, at about 4:23 a.m. on September 17, 2023, Brian Antonio Lopez Cruz, now 23, was driving a 2010 Nissan Altima southbound on Peninsula Boulevard with two passengers. Prosecutors said he was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree on the western shoulder.
His cousin, Merlin Lopez, 28, was killed. A 32-year-old woman riding in the car suffered a fractured pelvis, fractured ribs and a perforated colon, and required extensive surgery, according to the DA’s office as reported by LongIsland.com. The driver was also seriously injured.
Investigators said the driver had spent several hours at a Hempstead bar before the crash, and hospital blood testing taken less than an hour afterward showed a blood alcohol content of .13%, above New York’s .08% legal limit. He was arrested by Nassau County Police detectives in August 2025 and has now pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault and driving while intoxicated per se. He is due back in court for sentencing on December 2, 2026. Prosecutors recommended 7 to 21 years in prison, per Patch.
“When we say that drinking and driving ruins lives, we are not speaking in hypotheticals,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
Drunk Driving Crashes: A Preventable Tragedy
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes in the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2024, about 30% of all traffic fatalities, or one person every 44 minutes.
Late-night and early-morning hours, high speeds and roadside hazards such as trees and poles make these crashes especially dangerous. Passengers are often the most vulnerable: they have no control over the vehicle, and many trust a friend or family member to get them home safely.
Your Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Crash in New York
A criminal case is brought by the state to punish the offender. It does not compensate the people who were hurt or the family members left behind. That requires a separate civil claim. Working with a Nassau County wrongful death lawyer or personal injury attorney can help families understand options such as these:
- Wrongful death claims. Under New York law, the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate may bring a wrongful death action. These claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death, and shorter notice deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved.
- Injured passenger claims. Passengers hurt in a crash may be able to pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance, including the driver of the car they were riding in. A passenger injury lawyer can review every available policy.
- No-Fault benefits and the serious injury threshold. New York’s No-Fault system generally covers up to $50,000 in basic economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. To sue for pain and suffering, an injured person must generally meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d), which includes injuries such as fractures and significant limitations of use.
- Dram shop claims. New York’s Dram Shop Act (General Obligations Law § 11-101, together with Alcoholic Beverage Control Law § 65) may allow people injured by an intoxicated driver to seek damages from a business that unlawfully sold alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. Whether dram shop law in New York applies depends on the specific facts of each case.
- Time limits. Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years, and claims against municipalities generally require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Speaking with a lawyer early protects these rights.
A guilty plea in a criminal case may also be relevant evidence in a related civil case. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can explain how a conviction may affect a family’s claim. We recently covered another Nassau County case, a DWI conviction in Hicksville.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
- Get medical care right away. Internal injuries, such as the abdominal and pelvic injuries reported in this crash, may not be obvious at first.
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. Note the officers’ names and the report number.
- Preserve evidence. Keep photos, medical records, receipts and the names of witnesses. If you know where the driver was drinking, write it down.
- Apply for No-Fault benefits promptly. New York No-Fault applications are generally due within 30 days of the crash.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers before you understand your rights.
- Contact a DWI accident lawyer to protect deadlines and identify every source of recovery.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents families and injured people across Long Island and New York City, from our offices in Melville and Manhattan. As a Long Island wrongful death lawyer team and trial firm, we investigate drunk driving crashes thoroughly, gathering police reports, toxicology results, witness statements and evidence about where a driver was served, and we work with families with compassion during an extremely difficult time.
Learn more about our practice areas, review our case results, or read what our clients say. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
If you lost a loved one or were injured by a drunk driver, contact a Nassau County wrongful death lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win. Contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a drunk driving accident lawyer?
As soon as possible. Evidence such as surveillance video and bar receipts can disappear quickly, and New York claims have strict deadlines, including a 30-day No-Fault application window and, for wrongful death, generally two years from the date of death.
Can a passenger sue the driver of the car they were riding in?
Generally, yes. In New York, an injured passenger may bring a claim against the driver of their own vehicle, as well as any other at-fault driver. A passenger injury lawyer can review the insurance coverage that may be available.
What is dram shop law in New York?
New York’s Dram Shop Act may allow people injured by an intoxicated person to seek damages from a bar, restaurant or other business that unlawfully sold alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated. These claims depend heavily on the facts and evidence.
Does a criminal conviction mean a civil case is automatic?
No. Criminal and civil cases are separate. A DWI accident lawyer must still file a civil claim, prove damages and pursue insurance or other sources of compensation, though a conviction can be important evidence.
Conclusion
The guilty plea in the Rockville Centre crash is a painful reminder of how a single decision to drive impaired can change many lives. If your family is facing a similar loss, a Nassau County wrongful death lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can help you understand your rights. Contact us online or visit our FAQs to learn more.
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.