Survivor Files Lawsuit In Limo Crash That Killed 4 On Long Island

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A survivor of a crash on Long Island that killed four women when their limousine collided with a pickup truck has sued both drivers and the companies involved.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday by an attorney for 24-year-old Olga Lipets. The Brooklyn woman is seeking unspecified damages for the injuries she suffered in the July 18 crash in Cutchogue.

The limo was struck by the pickup while making a U-turn after a tour of the area's wine country.

Attorney Jason Paris said Lipets has undergone surgery for multiple fractures.

"She unfortunately has her jaw wired shut as a result of her broken jaw, in addition to her leg injuries," Paris told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "Even with her jaw wired shut you can see that she is a wonderful young girl who is lucky to be alive."

Lipets, who is pursuing her masters degree in speech pathology communication, has not been able to attend graduate school since the crash, Paris said.

"She is an emotional wreck, as well as a physical wreck, but she is working on getting better," Paris said.

The lawsuit names the pickup truck driver, the company he co-owns, the limo driver and his employer as defendants. Paris said he is also exploring the involvement of the local municipalities due to negligent roadway design.

"What we're hoping to accomplish is to obtain some measure of justice," Paris said.

The pickup driver, Steven Romeo, has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge.

None of the defendants returned Hall's calls for comment.

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