Albany, NY (January 5, 2026) – A Massachusetts man has died following a two-vehicle collision on the New York State Thruway (I-90) involving a stopped commercial vehicle. The accident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, in the westbound lanes within the city of Albany.
According to the New York State Police Troop T and the Troop G Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), 46-year-old David R. Hall of Pittsfield, MA, was operating an SUV westbound when his vehicle left the main travel lanes. The SUV struck the rear of a flatbed tractor-trailer that was stopped on the highway shoulder. At the time of the impact, the driver of the commercial vehicle was outside of the truck inspecting the trailer but was not struck or injured.
Emergency crews worked to extricate Mr. Hall from his vehicle, and he was transported to Albany Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. On Tuesday, January 6, Mr. Hall tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. A dog, which was the only other occupant in Mr. Hall’s SUV, was killed in the initial impact. The right lane of I-90 remained closed until 10:00 p.m. while the Collision Investigation Squad processed the scene.
Liability and Safety Regulations Regarding Shoulder-Stopped Commercial Vehicles
Accidents involving vehicles striking trucks stopped on the shoulder of a high-speed interstate involve complex legal questions regarding the necessity and safety of the stop. While the SUV left the lanes of travel, investigators will examine whether the commercial driver adhered to federal and state safety regulations for emergency stops. Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines, tractor-trailers stopped on the shoulder must deploy warning devices, such as reflective triangles or flares, within ten minutes to alert oncoming traffic.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, we help families navigate the complex legal and insurance landscape following fatal commercial truck accidents. If you are a loved one of David R. Hall, our New York truck accident lawyer is here to conduct an independent investigation into the trucking company’s safety records and the circumstances of the stop. We handle the difficult negotiations with corporate insurance carriers so you can focus on your family. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation today and let us fight for your rights.
