By Crash News Writer 
Brentwood, NY (November 12, 2026) – A 38-year-old man died Wednesday morning, November 11, following a fiery two-vehicle accident on the eastbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 55 in Brentwood, Suffolk County. According to the Suffolk County Police Department, the collision involved an overturned Jeep and a Subaru, leaving one driver dead and another with minor injuries.
Authorities identified the deceased driver as Javier Ramirez, 38, who was traveling eastbound on the Long Island Expressway in a 2022 Jeep. Police reported that Ramirez’s vehicle struck a guardrail along the right shoulder before overturning on the highway.
Following the initial crash, a 2020 Subaru traveling eastbound struck the overturned Jeep. Investigators identified the Subaru driver as Michael Dechiaro, 41, who was involved in the second collision.
The impact caused the Jeep to catch fire, creating an additional hazard at the accident scene. Authorities have not released details about how the fire spread or whether emergency personnel were able to extinguish the flames before the vehicle sustained extensive damage.
Emergency responders transported Ramirez to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for medical treatment. Despite efforts to treat his injuries, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Dechiaro was also transported to South Shore University Hospital following the collision. Police reported that he sustained minor injuries, although officials did not provide additional information about his medical treatment.
The accident occurred on the eastbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 55, a major transportation route serving motorists traveling through Suffolk County. The collision led to the closure of the eastbound roadway while emergency crews responded.
The closure disrupted traffic along the interstate Wednesday morning as authorities addressed the damaged vehicles and investigated the collision. Officials did not provide a specific reopening time in the initial report.
Police have not explained why Ramirez’s Jeep initially struck the guardrail. Investigators have also not determined whether speed, distraction, roadway conditions, or a mechanical issue contributed to the loss of control.
The initial report did not specify whether Ramirez was wearing a seat belt or whether he was able to exit the Jeep before the vehicle caught fire. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his fatal injuries.
Both vehicles were impounded for safety inspections. Investigators may examine the vehicles for evidence related to their mechanical condition and the sequence of events leading to the collision.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Squad detectives are investigating the accident. Authorities have not announced any citations or criminal charges, and the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Why Are Rollover and Vehicle Fire Accidents So Dangerous on New York Highways?
Rollover accidents can cause serious injuries because occupants may experience several impacts as a vehicle tips, rotates, or lands on its side or roof. The direction and force of these movements can differ from those involved in a typical front-end collision.
When a rollover is followed by another vehicle striking the overturned car, occupants may experience additional forces before they have an opportunity to escape. These secondary collisions can increase the risk of severe injuries and complicate emergency rescue efforts.
Vehicle fires create additional dangers because occupants may be exposed to flames, heat, and smoke. Damaged doors, windows, or other vehicle components may make it difficult for people to exit after a serious collision.
The severity of injuries depends on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles, the location of the impacts, the use of restraints, and the extent of damage. Some crashes involving vehicle fires result in serious burns or smoke inhalation, while others cause fatal injuries from the initial impacts.
Investigators must examine the circumstances before determining whether the fire contributed to a person’s injuries or death. The presence of a vehicle fire does not automatically establish the cause of death.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, police reported that Ramirez’s Jeep overturned after striking a guardrail and subsequently caught fire when another vehicle struck it. Authorities have not released the specific cause of his fatal injuries.
What Can Cause a Vehicle to Strike a Guardrail and Overturn?
A vehicle may strike a guardrail when a driver loses control, leaves the travel lane, or encounters an unexpected roadway hazard. The circumstances can involve driver actions, vehicle conditions, or environmental factors.
Speed, distraction, fatigue, and sudden steering movements may contribute to some roadway departure accidents. Mechanical problems, tire failures, and slippery pavement can also affect vehicle stability.
A rollover may occur when a vehicle strikes a guardrail or another fixed object at an angle. The impact can change the vehicle’s direction and create forces that cause it to tip or overturn.
Investigators may examine roadway markings, tire marks, vehicle damage, and electronic data when determining why a vehicle left its lane. Witness statements and available video footage may also help establish the sequence of events.
In the November 11 Brentwood collision, police confirmed that Ramirez’s Jeep struck a guardrail before overturning. Authorities have not determined what caused the initial roadway departure.
Why Are Secondary Collisions Dangerous After a Rollover?
A secondary collision occurs when a vehicle involved in an initial accident is subsequently struck by another vehicle or object. These impacts can expose occupants to additional forces after the first collision.
An overturned vehicle may create an unexpected obstruction for approaching motorists. Drivers traveling at highway speeds may have limited time to recognize the hazard and stop safely.
Visibility, traffic volume, roadway conditions, and the position of the overturned vehicle can affect whether an approaching driver can avoid a collision. Investigators must examine these circumstances before determining whether a second driver acted negligently.
Secondary impacts may cause additional vehicle damage and increase the risk of serious injuries. They may also contribute to fuel leaks, electrical damage, or other conditions that can lead to a fire.
In the Brentwood accident, police reported that Dechiaro’s Subaru struck Ramirez’s overturned Jeep. The impact caused the Jeep to catch fire, but investigators have not determined whether Dechiaro could have avoided the collision.
Can a Vehicle Fire Cause Serious Injuries After a Crash?
Vehicle fires can cause severe injuries when occupants are exposed to flames, extreme heat, or smoke. Burns and smoke inhalation may require emergency treatment and can become life-threatening in serious cases.
A fire may develop after a collision damages fuel-system components, electrical systems, or other parts of a vehicle. However, investigators must examine the evidence to determine how a particular fire started.
Occupants may have difficulty escaping if the vehicle overturns or becomes severely damaged. Doors may be blocked, and injuries sustained during the collision may limit a person’s ability to move.
Emergency responders must consider both the injuries caused by the collision and the hazards created by the fire. Firefighters may need to control flames before medical personnel can safely reach the vehicle.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, the Jeep caught fire after being struck by the Subaru. Authorities have not confirmed whether Ramirez sustained burns or smoke inhalation injuries.
What Does New York Law Require Drivers to Do on Expressways?
New York law requires motorists to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and follow applicable traffic regulations. Drivers must maintain proper control, obey speed limits, and respond appropriately to surrounding traffic conditions.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1129, drivers must not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, considering speed, traffic, and highway conditions.
New York law also establishes rules concerning lane usage, signaling, and maintaining safe speeds. Drivers must adjust their operation to account for traffic conditions and potential roadway hazards.
A traffic violation may become relevant when investigators determine whether negligent conduct contributed to an accident. However, the occurrence of a collision does not automatically establish that a driver violated the law.
In the Brentwood accident, authorities have not identified a traffic violation or determined whether either driver acted negligently.
Can a Driver Be Responsible for Striking an Overturned Vehicle?
A driver may face civil liability when negligent conduct causes a collision with a disabled or overturned vehicle. However, responsibility depends on whether the driver had a reasonable opportunity to recognize and avoid the hazard.
Investigators may examine the approaching driver’s speed, visibility, reaction time, and the position of the disabled vehicle. The amount of available stopping distance may be particularly important.
An overturned vehicle may appear suddenly in a driver’s path, especially when the initial accident occurs shortly before the secondary collision. A driver is not automatically negligent simply because their vehicle struck an obstruction.
New York’s comparative negligence system allows responsibility to be allocated among parties when supported by the evidence. The actions of the driver involved in the initial collision may also become relevant.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, police reported that Dechiaro’s Subaru struck Ramirez’s overturned Jeep. Authorities have not determined whether Dechiaro had sufficient time or distance to avoid the collision.
How Do Police Investigate Fatal Rollover Accidents?
Fatal rollover investigations may involve examining the vehicle’s movements before, during, and after the initial impact. Investigators must establish why the vehicle left its lane and how the rollover occurred.
Police may review tire marks, guardrail damage, roadway debris, and the vehicle’s final position. Electronic vehicle data, when available, may provide information about speed, braking, and other activity.
When another vehicle becomes involved, investigators must also examine the sequence of impacts. Vehicle damage patterns may help establish how the second collision occurred.
A vehicle fire can complicate the investigation because heat and flames may damage components or destroy certain evidence. Safety inspections and forensic examinations may help identify mechanical conditions relevant to the accident.
In the Brentwood collision, both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
What Is New York’s Comparative Negligence Rule?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system under Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411. Under this rule, an injured person’s own negligence generally reduces the amount of damages recoverable rather than automatically preventing recovery.
For example, when a claimant is found partially responsible for an accident, the recoverable damages are generally reduced by the claimant’s assigned percentage of fault. The applicable allocation depends on the evidence.
In multi-vehicle accidents, investigators may examine the conduct of each driver. More than one person may contribute to the sequence of events, depending on the circumstances.
A driver involved in an initial roadway departure accident is not automatically responsible for every subsequent collision. Similarly, a driver who strikes an overturned vehicle is not automatically negligent.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, authorities have not assigned fault to either driver. Any potential civil claims would depend on the completed investigation and applicable New York law.
Can Families File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Highway Accident?
New York law allows wrongful death claims when another party’s wrongful conduct causes a person’s death. These claims are generally governed by New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1.
A wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of eligible distributees. The available damages depend on the circumstances and applicable law.
Potential damages may include qualifying funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other legally recognized economic losses. Separate survival claims may also be available for certain injuries and losses sustained before death.
A fatal accident does not automatically establish that another driver was negligent. The claim must demonstrate that legally actionable conduct caused the death.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, Javier Ramirez died after his Jeep overturned and was struck by another vehicle. Any potential wrongful death claim would depend on evidence establishing legal responsibility.
What Evidence Is Important After a Fiery Highway Collision?
Evidence can help investigators determine how a highway collision occurred and whether negligent conduct contributed. Photographs of vehicle damage, roadway markings, guardrail damage, and debris may provide important information.
Witness statements can help establish the vehicles’ movements before the initial impact. Available dash camera footage and nearby surveillance recordings may also help clarify the sequence of events.
Electronic vehicle data, when available, may provide information about speed, braking, and other activity. Vehicle inspections may also help identify mechanical problems or damage related to the collision.
When a fire occurs, investigators may examine fuel-system components, electrical systems, and other evidence to determine how the flames started. Fire damage may complicate these examinations.
In the Brentwood accident, both the Jeep and Subaru were impounded for safety inspections. Authorities have not released the results of those examinations.
How Long Do Families Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in New York?
New York generally provides two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1, subject to applicable exceptions.
Personal injury lawsuits are generally subject to a three-year limitation period under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214. Different deadlines may apply depending on the type of claim and the parties involved.
Claims involving government entities may have additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Insurance policies may also establish reporting obligations that differ from court filing deadlines.
Families may need to preserve accident reports, medical records, witness information, and other evidence while determining whether a claim is available. The applicable deadlines depend on the circumstances and legal basis for the action.
In the November 11 Brentwood accident, Ramirez was pronounced dead at South Shore University Hospital. Any potential wrongful death claim would depend on the evidence and applicable New York law.
Suffolk County Police Investigate Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash
Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives continue investigating the November 11 fatal accident on the eastbound Long Island Expressway near Exit 55 in Brentwood. The collision involved a 2022 Jeep driven by Javier Ramirez and a 2020 Subaru driven by Michael Dechiaro.
According to police, Ramirez’s Jeep struck a guardrail along the right shoulder and overturned. Dechiaro’s Subaru subsequently struck the overturned Jeep, causing it to catch fire.
Ramirez, 38, was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead. Dechiaro, 41, was taken to the same hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks as detectives continued investigating the accident. Authorities have not determined why the Jeep initially struck the guardrail or whether either driver violated a traffic law.
The collision caused the closure of the eastbound Long Island Expressway while emergency crews responded. Officials have not provided a specific reopening time in the initial report.
Families affected by fatal highway accidents may have questions about medical expenses, funeral costs, insurance coverage, and their legal rights. A New York car accident attorney can review the available evidence, explain applicable negligence and wrongful death laws, and help surviving family members determine whether a civil claim may be available.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on information released by the Suffolk County Police Department and published by ABC7 New York concerning the November 11 fatal accident on the Long Island Expressway in Brentwood. Details may change as detectives complete their investigation and release additional findings.
- Victim identification: Authorities identified the deceased driver as Javier Ramirez, 38, who was driving a 2022 Jeep eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. He was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead.
- Crash circumstances: Police reported that Ramirez’s Jeep struck a guardrail along the right shoulder and overturned near Exit 55. A 2020 Subaru driven by Michael Dechiaro, 41, subsequently struck the overturned Jeep, causing it to catch fire.
- Injuries and medical response: Ramirez sustained fatal injuries, while Dechiaro was treated for minor injuries at South Shore University Hospital. Authorities have not released additional information about the specific injuries sustained by Ramirez.
- Investigation and roadway closure: The eastbound Long Island Expressway was closed while emergency crews responded to the accident. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, and Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives continue investigating the collision.
Readers seeking additional information about highway safety and traffic laws can review the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Senate’s online laws, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These resources provide information about roadway safety, vehicle regulations, and measures intended to reduce serious traffic injuries.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. The information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as the investigation progresses. Anyone affected by a similar accident should consider seeking guidance based on their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this article.