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On May 14, 2025, tragedy struck on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester County, resulting in the loss of a young life and leaving a community searching for answers.
According to reports from LoHud and the New York State Police, a single-vehicle crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. near the Stevens Avenue overpass in Mount Pleasant, not far from the Hawthorne Circle. The driver, identified as 20-year-old Samuel Cordero from the Bronx, was killed in the crash. He was alone in the vehicle when it veered off the road and struck a tree. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, including whether speed, distraction, or other factors may have played a role.
A Reminder of the Dangers on the Taconic
The Taconic State Parkway—while scenic—has long been known as one of New York’s most dangerous roads. Winding curves, narrow shoulders, and high traffic volumes make it particularly treacherous in Westchester County, especially during off-peak hours when speed and visibility become bigger risk factors.
As a personal injury trial lawyer with over 35 years of experience, I’ve represented families across White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens who have suffered due to serious and fatal auto collisions—many occurring on roads like the Taconic that were never built for today’s vehicle volume and speed.
What Families Should Know After a Fatal Crash
When a loved one is lost in a motor vehicle accident, families are left grieving and confused. But while the investigation is ongoing, there are critical steps that must be taken early to protect your rights and future options:
- Preserve Evidence – Skid marks, vehicle debris, traffic camera footage, and witness statements can all disappear quickly. An experienced attorney can act fast to secure this.
- Get a Private Investigation – Not all official investigations uncover the full truth. If another vehicle was involved or if road conditions played a role, we work with top accident reconstruction experts to uncover it.
- Consider a Wrongful Death Claim – If someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident—whether it be a reckless driver, defective roadway, or manufacturer defect—the family may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.
At the Law Offices of Norman Gershon, we’ve secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for accident victims and their families. This includes:
- $16.5 million for a bus collision victim suffering spinal fractures
- $5.4 million for a car crash involving spinal fusion
- $2.5 million right here in Westchester County for an intersection collision with cervical disc injury
Westchester and NYC Families Trust Norman Gershon
From White Plains to Mount Vernon, and from the Taconic Parkway to the Major Deegan Expressway, our firm is recognized for relentless courtroom advocacy and personalized attention. We don’t just build cases — we build relationships. Clients often come to us during the darkest moments of their lives, and we’re proud to stand by their side, delivering real results.
Here’s what one client had to say:
“I don’t think that there’s any trial lawyer out there that is as dedicated and as committed to his clients as Norman. He’s detail-oriented, compassionate, and a real fighter in court. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of my case.”
— Z.B., New York
Call Us Today — Free Consultation for Families Affected by the Taconic Crash
If your family has been affected by a fatal or serious car accident—whether on the Taconic Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway, or any road in Westchester, the Bronx, or New York City—you don’t have to face this alone.
Put 35 years of trial experience to work for your family. We’ll walk you through your options, explain your rights, and if we take your case, you don’t pay us unless we win.
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