Wallkill, NY (June 27, 2025) – A fatal motor vehicle accident occurred Friday morning on westbound Interstate 84, near mile marker 24.1 in the town of Wallkill, according to the New York State Police.
At approximately 8:35 a.m., a 2008 Honda Accord, operated by 53-year-old Josanne Pottinger-Smith of Newburgh, collided with a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle, ridden by 52-year-old Charles Helmka of Dracut, Massachusetts, both traveling westbound on I-84. The impact caused both vehicles to exit the roadway and come to rest in the median along the south shoulder.
Helmka was transported by EMS to Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, where he was later pronounced deceased. Pottinger-Smith was also transported to the same hospital and treated for minor injuries.
The New York State Police were assisted at the scene by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and wish a swift recovery to the injured individual.
Serious Injury Claims in New York
Across Upstate New York, from Albany to Rochester, personal injury cases continue to rise due to traffic collisions, unsafe property conditions, defective products, and workplace incidents. This region, known for its aging infrastructure and severe winter weather, sees a high rate of commercial traffic, which increases the risk of fatalities and serious injuries. Under New York’s civil law, injured victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, provided another party’s negligence can be clearly demonstrated.
The state’s “pure comparative negligence” rule allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. However, securing fair compensation requires immediate medical documentation, witness statements, liability analysis, and a qualified New York personal injury lawyer with regional experience. Personal injury claims in New York must be filed typically within three years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline or failing to collect strong evidence could weaken your entire claim.
Talk to a New York Personal Injury Lawyer Today
You don’t have to navigate the legal system alone if you or your loved one has been injured on the road, at work, or on unsafe property anywhere in Upstate New York due to someone else’s actions. Our Upstate New York personal injury attorneys have the local knowledge and legal precision to build a compelling case on your behalf. Call now at 1-800-608-3333 for a free case review and get answers about your legal rights and compensation options.
