Summary
The deadly Brentwood collision on May 11, 2025, killed 62-year-old rider Jose Morales when his Kawasaki Ninja struck a left-turning Honda Accord at 5th Avenue and Candlewood Road. Suffolk County Police say the 18-year-old Accord driver failed to yield, and both vehicles were impounded for safety inspections. Detectives with the Third Squad are gathering evidence—speed, sightlines, and signage—and have appealed for dash-cam or phone video from witnesses. No impairment is suspected; the focus remains on right-of-way laws under New York VTL 1141. This incident underscores the need for heightened rider vigilance and driver awareness as warmer weather brings more bikes to Long Island roads.
Crash Overview
On Sunday, May 11, at 11:58 a.m., Morales rode southbound on 5th Avenue when the crash occurred. The 18-year-old driver, northbound in a 2007 Honda Accord, attempted a left turn into a parking lot near Candlewood Road. Their paths intersected, and the Accord struck Morales’s 2005 Kawasaki Ninja head-on. Morales, of Bay Shore, was pronounced dead at the scene; the driver walked away uninjured.
Police Investigation
Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives immediately impounded both vehicles for mechanical and safety checks. Investigators have confirmed no signs of alcohol or drugs in the Accord driver, focusing instead on traffic violations. The department is reviewing speed data from onboard computers, skid-mark measurements, and the timing of brake activation. Authorities are also examining whether existing signage, lighting, or road markings contributed to poor visibility.
Witness Accounts & Environmental Factors
Detectives have asked anyone with dash-cam or cell phone footage to come forward by calling 631-854-8352. Early reports hint at clear skies and dry pavement, pointing away from weather as a cause. Some locals note that foliage near Candlewood Road may obscure northbound sightlines, a factor investigators are verifying. Others question whether faded lane markings need repainting to guide left-turning vehicles safely.
Traffic Law & Fault Determination
Under New York VTL 1141, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when making left turns unless a protected turn signal is present. Police say the Accord driver breached this duty, making her liable unless mitigating evidence arises. Riders must also maintain control and stay within speed limits; any excessive speed by Morales could factor into comparative negligence. Legal experts expect the final crash report—available in 7–10 business days—to clarify speed and timing data.
Expert Opinions & Insurance Implications
Crash analysts warn that proving fault hinges on combining police data with witness videos and expert recreations. Insurance adjusters will scrutinize left-turn protocols, road conditions, and Morales’s actions to assign liability percentages. Riders should photograph accident scenes immediately and collect witness contacts to support claims. Consulting a lawyer experienced in motorcycle collisions can help navigate complex comparative-fault statutes.
Preventive Measures & Rider Takeaways
Defensive riding means anticipating left turns by keeping speed moderate and scanning side roads. High-visibility gear and auxiliary lighting improve detection by turning drivers. Advocacy for clearer signage, trimmed foliage, and refreshed lane markings can bolster safety along 5th Avenue and similar corridors. Above all, both riders and drivers must respect right-of-way laws to prevent future tragedies.
