Cortlandville, NY (February 25, 2026) — Treacherous driving conditions caused a series of crashes that paralyzed northbound traffic on Interstate 81 for over an hour on Wednesday morning. The collisions, fueled by a sudden overnight snowfall, occurred primarily in the town of Cortlandville near the Polkville and McGraw interchanges.
New York State Police responded to the first reports of vehicles sliding off the roadway near Exit 50 (U.S. Route 11/State Route 41) as a “clipper” weather system moved through the region. According to Trooper Aga Tinker, the slick pavement led to several independent accidents, forcing authorities to shut down all northbound lanes to allow emergency crews and tow trucks to clear the scenes.
By 8:30 a.m., State Police confirmed that the interstate had reopened to at least one lane of travel, though heavy congestion remained throughout the morning. Local school districts, including Cortland City and McGraw Central, issued two-hour delays as secondary roads remained equally hazardous. Fortunately, despite the number of vehicles involved, no injuries were reported in any of the Wednesday morning collisions.
Car Accident in New York
In the wake of winter weather accidents, determining liability can be difficult. Under New York’s “No-Fault” insurance system, drivers typically turn to their own insurance policies for minor property damage and medical coverage. However, if a collision involves a commercial vehicle or results from a driver failing to adjust their speed for hazardous weather, additional legal avenues may open. New York law requires motorists to operate their vehicles at a “reasonable and prudent” speed given the actual conditions, meaning that simply driving the posted speed limit during a snowstorm can still be considered negligent.
Even in “no-injury” crashes, it is vital for drivers to document the scene and obtain a police report. In a multi-vehicle scenario like the one on I-81, insurance companies often engage in complex finger-pointing to avoid payouts. Having a clear record of the road conditions and the sequence of events is the first step in protecting your driving record and ensuring your vehicle repairs are fully covered.
For those who do sustain injuries in winter weather pileups, New York’s “Serious Injury Threshold” allows victims to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against at-fault parties. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, which is not covered by standard No-Fault benefits. Because these cases often hinge on forensic weather data and accident reconstruction, acting quickly to preserve evidence is essential.
If you were involved in a weather-related crash on I-81 or have questions regarding a collision in the Southern Tier, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. Our New York car accident lawyers are here to help you find the answers and support your family deserves.
