Scott, NY (February 13, 2026) – A major collision on a snowy stretch of State Route 41 resulted in a complex rescue operation and two people being hospitalized on Thursday morning. The accident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the Town of Scott, between Route 41A and Glen Haven Road.
According to the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews arrived to find a significantly damaged SUV off the roadway and a tractor-trailer jackknifed across the snow-covered lanes. The tractor-trailer was being operated by a driver for a commercial company based in Elbridge, New York. While the truck driver escaped injury, the driver and passenger of the SUV were trapped inside their mangled vehicle.
Firefighters from the Homer, Cortlandville, and Spafford departments performed an extrication to free the two occupants of the SUV. Both victims were stabilized at the scene by TLC Ambulance crews and transported to Upstate University Hospital for medical care. The extent of their injuries has not been fully disclosed. Route 41 remained closed for several hours as the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Unit assisted the Sheriff’s Office in processing the scene.
SUV Accident in New York
Winter weather accidents involving commercial vehicles require a deep understanding of New York’s specific traffic laws and insurance regulations. Even when roads are snowy, drivers—especially commercial truckers—have a legal duty to operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. When a tractor-trailer jackknifes, it often suggests that the driver may have been traveling too fast for the slick surface or failed to maintain proper control, potentially opening the door for a liability claim against the trucking company. Under the principle of vicarious liability, the Elbridge-based company employing the driver may be held responsible for the damages caused by their employee’s actions on the road.
Navigating the aftermath of a crash involving a semi-truck is notoriously difficult for families. A New York auto accident attorney serves as a dedicated advocate by immediately working to preserve “black box” data from the tractor-trailer, which records speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds leading up to the jackknife. This evidence is critical in proving negligence when weather is a factor. Furthermore, because New York is a “No-Fault” state, an attorney ensures that the victims’ medical bills and lost wages are processed through the correct insurance channels while also evaluating whether the victims’ injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold required to pursue a claim for pain and suffering.
Time is of the essence following a commercial vehicle accident in New York. While the general statute of limitations for personal injury is three years, the window to file for mandatory No-Fault insurance benefits is typically only 30 days. Additionally, if the crash involved any municipal road maintenance issues, a formal “Notice of Claim” may be required within 90 days. Taking prompt action is a necessary step to protect your legal rights and ensure your family has the financial resources needed for a full recovery.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a truck accident or a serious winter weather collision, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. We are here to help you find the answers and support you deserve.
