An East Patchogue man was driving a Nissan Pathfinder on...

An East Patchogue man was driving a Nissan Pathfinder on County Road 101 near Dunton Avenue when he crashed into a Toyota Corolla, Sunday morning, police said. (Jan. 30, 2011) Credit: James Carbone

A 7-year-old girl was seriously injured but is expected to survive following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday in East Patchogue in which one driver said his vision was blocked by a snow pile, police said.

Paul Decarlo, 20, of East Patchogue, was driving a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder south on County Road 101 at 8:30 a.m. when he tried to make a left turn on Dunton Avenue and his vehicle struck a 1994 Toyota Corolla headed north on County Road 101, police said.

The driver of the Toyota, Martha Vera, 33, of Medford, was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue with facial injuries, police said. Her daughter, Jennifer Vera, who was in the rear seat, was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center in critical condition.

"She's going to survive," Suffolk County Police Det. Sgt. Daniel Molloy said, "but she had head and eye injuries and was in surgery last we heard."

Decarlo was not injured, police said. Molloy said Decarlo claimed his ability to see was hampered by a snow pile as he attempted his left turn. Decarlo was ticketed for failure to yield right of way, police said, and imprudent speed.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse. 

Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME