Shoreham, NY (May 12, 2026) – A three-vehicle crash left one person seriously injured Saturday morning, May 9, in Shoreham. The accident occurred on Route 25A near Defense Hill Road at approximately 9:32 a.m.
Jianhua Zhou, 45, of Flushing, was driving a 2014 Toyota Sienna eastbound on Route 25A when his vehicle rear-ended a 2010 Ford Transit. The impact forced the Ford off the road and into several trees near Defense Hill Road.
Zhou then continued eastbound and struck a westbound 2023 Ford. He was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the 2010 Ford, Lawrence Lederer, 36, of Miller Place, and his passenger, Bryan Wilson, 37, of Rocky Point, were not hurt. The driver of the 2023 Ford, Piotr Ratkiewicz, 57, of Port Jefferson, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
All three vehicles were impounded for a safety check. The Suffolk County police continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
Our thoughts remain with Jianhua Zhou and Piotr Ratkiewicz as they recover from their injuries.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in New York?
Not every crash requires legal representation, but in cases involving serious injuries, multiple vehicles, or disputed liability, speaking with a lawyer can be a helpful step. New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a crash, each driver’s own insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages — regardless of who caused the accident.
Serious crashes can result in injuries that go beyond what no-fault coverage addresses. Spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, and other significant conditions may require long-term treatment and extended time away from work. In those situations, understanding the full scope of available options becomes more important, and a lawyer can help clarify what may apply to a specific case.
New York personal injury law includes deadlines for filing claims, known as statutes of limitations. Missing those deadlines can affect a person’s ability to pursue available options. A car accident lawyer can review the timeline, gather documentation, and explain how insurance communication typically works in multi-vehicle accident cases.
At Metro Law, we have years of experience reviewing injury cases and explaining available options to people involved in car accidents across New York. We can clarify how medical records, insurance claims, and documentation may work in your situation.
If you have questions after a crash, contact Metro Law at (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team and learn more about what options may be available to you.
