A New York resident has filed a lawsuit against the United States government, alleging negligence in a motor vehicle accident involving a Department of Defense employee. Iwan Pengel filed the complaint on November 7 in the Eastern District of New York, seeking to hold the government accountable for injuries he claims were sustained due to the actions of a Department of Defense employee.
The case involves an incident on February 4, 2022, when Pengel was driving his vehicle in Kings County, New York. According to the complaint, Raheem Wilson, a Department of Defense employee, was operating a government vehicle at the time and location of the accident. Pengel asserts that Wilson's negligence led to a collision between their vehicles at the intersection of 79th Street and Sutter Avenue.
Pengel's legal team from Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek argue that Wilson failed to adhere to traffic regulations, including yielding the right of way and applying the brakes adequately before the collision. The complaint also accuses Wilson and the United States of failing to maintain proper control of their vehicle and neglecting necessary training and supervision.
Pengel is seeking $10 million in compensatory damages for personal injuries and coverage for attorney fees, as well as any additional relief the court deems appropriate. The lawsuit follows a final denial of his administrative claim by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Pengel is represented by attorney Melissa N. Magill from Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek. The case has been filed in the Eastern District Court of New York under Case ID 1:24-cv-07777.