Saugerties, NY (December 27, 2025) – A major single-vehicle rollover involving a commercial passenger van sent fourteen people to the hospital early Saturday morning on the New York State Thruway. The accident occurred at approximately 3:57 a.m. on Interstate 87 northbound near milepost marker 100 in the Town of Saugerties.
According to the New York State Police, a 2016 Ford Transit livery van was traveling northbound when it veered off the roadway and overturned into the right shoulder. The vehicle was occupied by fourteen adults at the time of the crash. Emergency responders from Ulster EMS, Esopus EMS, and the Saugerties Fire Department assisted in triaging the occupants at the scene. All fourteen individuals were transported to either Kingston Hospital or Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck for medical evaluation. State Police have since confirmed that while the crash was violent, all reported injuries are considered minor.
The driver has been identified as 65-year-old Michael Blue of Winchester, Virginia. Mr. Blue was transported to Northern Dutchess Hospital for evaluation but reported no injuries. Following a preliminary investigation at the scene, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit found no mechanical or equipment violations with the van. Authorities have stated that the primary cause of the rollover appears to be driver inattention, specifically involving the use of an electronic device and reckless operation. Mr. Blue was subsequently issued multiple uniform traffic tickets.
Liability and Recovery for Passengers in Commercial Livery Van Accidents
Accidents involving commercial livery vans—often used for long-distance transport or airport shuttles—bring about specific legal protections for the passengers on board. In New York, these vehicles are classified as “common carriers,” meaning they are held to a higher standard of care for the safety of their passengers than a typical driver. When a crash is caused by documented driver inattention or the use of an electronic device, the liability of the driver and the company that owns the van is clearly established. Because the driver in this case was issued multiple citations for reckless behavior, the passengers have a strong foundation for pursuing claims for their medical expenses and associated trauma.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, we help victims of commercial vehicle accidents navigate the complexities of insurance claims and personal injury litigation. If you or a loved one were a passenger in the Ford Transit van involved in this I-87 rollover, our New York car accident lawyer is here to protect your rights. We handle the aggressive investigation required to hold common carriers accountable for driver inattention and reckless operation. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation today and let us fight for your rights.
