Lafayette, NY (July 02, 2025) – A 2020 Chrysler minivan crashed into the back trailer of a Freightliner on I-81 North early Wednesday morning, resulting in injuries to the driver.
At approximately 5:55 a.m., New York State Police responded to the scene where 28-year-old Jacob E. Hagenbuch of Central Square, NY, was driving the minivan northbound. The vehicle struck the rear trailer of a 2024 Freightliner driven by 43-year-old Guybenson Louis Jean of Orlando, FL. The minivan caught on fire, which then spread to the trailer.
Hagenbuch managed to exit the vehicle before it was fully engulfed by flames. He was transported to Upstate Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured.
Hagenbuch was issued a ticket for Following Too Close.
I-81 northbound between Tully (Exit 67) and Lafayette (Exit 73) was closed for approximately two hours for fire suppression and cleanup. The roadway has since reopened.
Car Accidents in New York
Car crashes are frequent across Upstate New York, especially along Interstate 81, I-88, and rural stretches of Route 6, where fast-moving traffic meets poor weather and limited visibility. Heavy snow, black ice, and commercial truck activity increase the risk of serious collisions year-round. These highway crashes often result in multi-vehicle pileups, rollovers, and rear-end impacts, leading to injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, and spinal damage. Emergency response can be delayed in remote areas, which worsens outcomes for injured victims. When several vehicles, commercial carriers, or unclear road conditions are involved, working with an experienced New York car accident lawyer can make a critical difference in securing the recovery you need.
Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
YoIf you’ve been injured in a crash on a highway, rural road, or city street in Upstate New York, you deserve support from a team that understands local crash patterns and insurance practices. At Stanley Law Offices, our attorneys help injured drivers and passengers move forward with confidence. Call now at 1-800-608-3333 for a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in New York who can help you take the next step in your recovery.
