Henrietta, NY (June 6, 2026) – Four motorcyclists were seriously hurt Saturday afternoon when an SUV towing a boat struck two motorcycles on the New York State Thruway in Henrietta, according to the Henrietta Fire District and New York State Police.
The Henrietta Fire District said they responded to I-90 westbound in the area of Mile Marker 369, between the Henrietta and LeRoy exits, around 3:00 p.m. for a report of a serious crash. The two motorcycles involved were each carrying riders — four motorcyclists in total. The SUV towing the boat struck both bikes, and two of the riders became trapped under the boat as a result of the collision, according to the fire district.
A bystander stopped and helped the victims before emergency services arrived. Officials said the bystander’s actions made a difference. New York State Police, Henrietta firefighters, and CHS Mobile Integrated Healthcare all responded to the scene.
All four motorcyclists were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. Two of the riders suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. All four are expected to recover, according to officials. The left lane on I-90 westbound has since reopened.
No further details about what led to the collision have been released. New York State Police are investigating the crash, which remains active.
This is a developing story — details may change as the investigation continues.
Motorcycle Crashes Involving Towed Vehicles in New York
When a motorcyclist is struck by a vehicle towing a load on a New York highway, the question of liability is rarely simple — and it almost always goes beyond just the driver. Here is what injured riders and their families need to know:
- New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury is three years from the date of the crash under CPLR § 214. That clock started June 6, 2026. Preserving physical evidence — the vehicles, the boat, the hitch hardware, the road markings — must happen now, not after the official investigation closes.
- An SUV towing a boat that strikes a motorcycle can generate multiple liability threads. The driver of the SUV is the obvious starting point — failure to maintain a lane, improper control of a towed load, distracted driving, or excessive speed can all form the basis of a negligence claim. But the analysis does not stop there.
- Boat trailer equipment can be independently liable. If the boat or trailer shifted, swung, or separated as a result of an improperly secured hitch, faulty coupling equipment, or an overloaded or unbalanced load, the owner of the boat, the hitch manufacturer, or even a marina or dealer that last serviced the rig may carry liability independent of the driver.
- Two riders trapped under a boat is a significant injury mechanism. Crush injuries, spinal trauma, and traumatic brain injuries are common when a rider is pinned beneath a heavy object. These injuries often have delayed presentations — symptoms that worsen in the days and weeks after a crash can still be tied to the original incident and should be documented immediately.
- New York’s No-Fault insurance law provides baseline coverage, but for serious injuries — including the two riders described by officials as seriously injured — victims have the right to step outside the No-Fault system and pursue a full personal injury claim for pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term medical costs. New York Insurance Law § 5102(d) defines serious injury, and a significant crush or impact injury almost always qualifies.
Four people on motorcycles on a summer Saturday afternoon. An SUV towing a boat. Two riders are pinned. Insurance companies for the at-fault driver and potentially the boat owner are already evaluating their exposure. The four families should not be navigating that alone.
Contact Our Rochester Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
At Stanley Law Offices, our Rochester motorcycle accident attorneys have spent more than 45 years representing injured riders and their families across Upstate New York. Crashes involving towed loads, multiple victims, and roadside entrapment require thorough, fast investigation — and we know what evidence disappears first.
We pursue every party in the liability chain: the driver, the vehicle owner, the boat owner, and anyone responsible for the towing equipment. We also work directly with accident reconstruction specialists when a crash involves multiple vehicles or complex crash mechanics.
We handle motorcycle accident cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs, no fees unless we recover compensation. Here is why families across Upstate New York trust us:
- 45+ years representing the seriously injured across New York and Pennsylvania
- 4.7 stars across 900+ verified client reviews
- Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements
- $3.2 million trial verdict and a $1 million verdict for clients whose cases went to court
- Available 24/7 — home and hospital visits available when you cannot come to us
- Se habla Español — bilingual services available
- No recovery, no fee — ever
Call 1-800-608-3333 — Free Consultation Today or contact us online — we respond promptly, and there is no obligation.
