DeWitt, NY (November 26, 2025) – A tandem tractor-trailer suffered a severe crash on Interstate 481 North early today, resulting in one of its trailers splitting in half. The incident was reported at 12:16 a.m. near the exit to Interstate 690 West.
According to the DeWitt Police Department, the truck began to drift toward the exit before the driver merged late to continue on I-481. The last trailer got caught in mud, causing the truck to roll onto its side.
Police footage showed half of one trailer hanging over the elevated highway while the other half fell onto a state Department of Transportation access road below. The driver was not hurt in the collision.
The sheer scale of the wreck caused a complete shutdown of Interstate 481 North until 7:15 a.m. as crews worked to clear the massive debris field.
Understanding Liability After a Tandem Tractor-Trailer Crash in New York
While the truck driver was reported uninjured, accidents involving commercial vehicles of this magnitude often lead to catastrophic property damage and serious liability claims. New York law places responsibility on multiple parties in a trucking crash.
The complexities of a tandem trailer crash, especially one where the trailer detached and broke, demand an investigation into compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Factors like proper coupling, cargo securement, and truck maintenance must be reviewed. Furthermore, negligence may fall to the truck driver, the trucking company (for training or supervision), the owner of the trailer, or the party responsible for cargo loading.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, we help victims of vehicle accidents work through the complexities of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. If you’ve been affected by the I-481 crash in DeWitt, our NY tractor-trailer crash lawyer is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation today and let us fight for your rights.
