A recent tragedy on the New York State Thruway serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers facing motorists on our state’s busiest highways. As reported by Spectrum News on December 10, 2025, a devastating crash involving an illegal U-turn resulted in a double fatality in the Hudson Valley.
While the details of this specific crash are still under investigation by the New York State Police, the scenario highlights a terrifying reality for Capital Region drivers: even if you are driving safely, the reckless decisions of others on high-speed roadways like I-87 can change your life in an instant.
At Anderson, Moschetti & Taffany, PLLC, our Albany-based personal injury attorneys have seen the catastrophic results of highway negligence. Here is what victims and their families need to know about highway accident cases and the legal recourse available after such senseless tragedies.
Why U-Turns on I-87 Are Deadly
The New York State Thruway (I-87/I-90) is designed for high-speed, continuous travel. It is not designed for sudden reversals of direction. When a driver attempts a U-turn on a highway—often using an “Official Use Only” crossover—they create a near-impossible dangerous situation for oncoming traffic.
From a legal standpoint, an accident caused by an illegal U-turn likely constitutes “Negligence Per Se.” This means the act itself is a violation of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law. Because the maneuver is illegal and inherently dangerous, establishing liability (fault) is clearer than in other accident types. However, proving the extent of the damages and managing the complex insurance litigation that follows is where experienced legal counsel becomes essential.
Wrongful Death Claims on the Thruway
In the wake of fatal accidents, such as the recent tragedy reported in the Hudson Valley, surviving family members are often left with emotional devastation and sudden financial uncertainty.
Under New York law, the family of the deceased has the right to file a Wrongful Death lawsuit. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, these claims are necessary to secure the future of the surviving family. Damages in a wrongful death case can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Medical bills incurred prior to death.
- Loss of financial support: The projected income and benefits the deceased would have earned.
- Loss of parental guidance: For children who have lost a parent.
- Conscious Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the terror or pain the victim experienced in the moments between the impact and their passing.
The Complexity of High-Speed Highway Cases
Accidents on the Thruway differ significantly from fender benders on city streets like Wolf Road or Central Avenue. The speeds involved (often 65 mph or higher) mean the physics of the crash often result in catastrophic damage.
Successfully litigating a Thruway accident case requires a law firm capable of launching an immediate, independent investigation, as sometimes the investigation undertaken by police agencies isn’t optimal. This often involves:
- Accident Reconstruction: Working with experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle resting positions, and debris fields to prove exactly how the collision occurred.
- Electronic Data Recorders (Black Boxes): Securing the data from the vehicles involved, which can reveal speed, braking, and steering inputs seconds before the crash.
- Witness Testimony: Locating other motorists who may have seen the reckless driving behavior leading up to the crash.
Your Rights After an I-87 Accident
Whether you are commuting from Albany to New York City, or heading north to the Adirondacks, you have the right to expect safety on the Thruway. When that safety is violated by a driver making a reckless U-turn, driving distracted, or speeding, you have the right to justice.
If you have been injured, or if you have lost a loved one in a Thruway or other highway accident, do not face the insurance companies alone. They are already working to minimize their liability. You need a team that is working just as hard for you.
Contact Anderson, Moschetti & Taffany, PLLC today. Our attorneys possess the experience and the resources to handle complex Thruway litigation. Call us at (518) 785-4900 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.