Dunkirk, NY – On Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2026, a massive chain-reaction crash involving several commercial trucks and passenger cars shut down the New York State Thruway in Chautauqua County. Emergency crews responded to the westbound lanes near the City of Dunkirk, where multiple tractor-trailers had jackknifed across the highway between Exit 59 and Exit 60. The pileup completely blocked traffic for hours while State Police and fire teams worked to clear the wreckage in heavy winter weather. Two people were injured in the collisions and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The scale of the accident caused miles of traffic backups and forced drivers to divert at several exits while recovery teams moved the disabled semis.
Car Accident in New York
A police report from a major pileup gives an overview of the scene, but it is rarely the final word on what caused such a large disaster. When an accident involves multiple jackknifed trucks and several cars, you need a professional “Second Look” to find the real cause. A standard report might not find out if a trucking company failed to fix its brakes or if the road was not properly plowed. Working with a New York car accident lawyer ensures that every detail—from driver logs to maintenance records—is looked at closely. In New York, time is very important. While you usually have three years to file a claim, you may have only 90 days to act if the accident involved a government vehicle or a dangerous road. While you focus on getting better, the insurance companies are already working to protect their money. You must move even faster to protect your future and make sure you get the full support you deserve.
Call us at 888-997-3889 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for the maximum recovery you and your family deserve while you focus on healing.
