Town of Hounsfield, NY (July 24, 2026) – New York State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon at the intersection of County Route 62 and State Route 3, according to WWNY. Troopers were called to the scene in Jefferson County shortly after noon.
According to police, Leah Charlton of Watertown was driving on Route 62 and stopped at the flashing red signal at the intersection. Troopers say she then pulled into the path of a vehicle traveling on Route 3.
The other driver was identified as Tanisha McLaren Thompson, 53, of LaFargeville.
Police said both drivers were taken to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Both vehicles sustained significant damage and were towed from the scene, according to state police.
State police say the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
A crash like this happens in seconds, but the paperwork, insurance calls, and medical bills that follow can stretch on for months. Knowing your options early can make that process easier to manage.
Car Accidents in Jefferson County, New York
After a crash at a signaled intersection, the first hours and days matter. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies move fast to protect their own interests. Here’s what to do:
- See a doctor today, even if you feel fine; some injuries from an intersection collision don’t show symptoms right away
- Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company; anything you say can be used to reduce your claim
- Preserve evidence: photos of the intersection, the flashing signal, vehicle damage, and any dashcam footage can matter later
- Don’t accept a settlement offer before speaking with an attorney; early offers are often far less than a claim is worth
Because this crash involved a vehicle entering an intersection after stopping at a flashing signal, questions of right-of-way may come up during the investigation. New York follows a pure comparative fault standard, meaning a person can still recover compensation even if they were partly responsible for a crash – their recovery is simply reduced by their share of fault.
Under New York law, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim (CPLR § 214). For this crash, that deadline is July 24, 2029.
Contact Our Upstate NY Car Accident Attorneys
At Stanley Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys have spent decades helping injured drivers and passengers across Upstate New York understand their options after a crash. Intersection collisions like this one often raise disputed right-of-way questions, and getting the facts documented early matters.
We handle Upstate NY car accident cases on a contingency fee basis – no upfront costs, no fees unless we win. If you were hurt in this crash or one like it, you don’t have to sort out the insurance calls alone. Speak with our team today – 888-997-3889, or send us the details online and we’ll follow up quickly.
