Henrietta, NY (February 18, 2026) – A catastrophic head-on collision on East River Road on Tuesday evening left three people with serious to life-threatening injuries and forced a major roadway closure for several hours. The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on 17th Feb, 2026 near the intersection of Minett Drive.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle traveling northbound on East River Road suddenly crossed the center line, entering the path of an oncoming southbound vehicle. The resulting head-on impact was so severe that one of the drivers became “heavily entrapped” in the wreckage. Firefighters from the Henrietta Fire District utilized two sets of hydraulic rescue tools and specialized rigging to separate the entangled vehicles and free the victims. The extrication process took nearly 40 minutes due to the extensive structural damage to the cars.
All three occupants involved were transported to area hospitals. The driver of the southbound vehicle is reported to have serious injuries. The driver and passenger of the northbound vehicle were admitted with critical injuries, with officials noting that at least one of those victims is fighting potentially life-threatening injuries. The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released as deputies continue their investigation. East River Road remained closed between Jefferson Road and Bailey Road late into the night while the MCSO Crash Reconstruction Unit processed the scene.
Head-On Accident in New York
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents, often involving high-velocity impacts that lead to permanent disability or death. Under New York’s “No-Fault” insurance laws, victims are typically entitled to have their medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages covered by their own insurance carrier, regardless of who caused the crash. However, in cases involving “serious injuries”—such as the life-threatening and critical injuries reported in this Henrietta incident—victims and their families have the right to step outside the No-Fault system to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.
In a situation where a vehicle crosses a center line, an experienced New York head-on car accident lawyer can help investigate the “why” behind the maneuver. Legal teams work to determine if the crash was the result of driver distraction, intoxication, a medical emergency, or even a mechanical failure. They also analyze the scene for environmental factors, such as improper road markings or inadequate lighting.
New York law maintains strict statutes of limitations that must be followed to protect a family’s future. While the general deadline to file a personal injury claim is three years, and two years for wrongful death, the window to preserve critical physical evidence and file mandatory No-Fault applications is much narrower—often just 30 days.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a head-on collision or a serious accident in Monroe County, 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.
