Last Updated on July 29, 2025

Central New York Mother and Son Dies in Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash with Tractor-Trailer

A devastating three-vehicle collision in Lewis County claimed the lives of a 39-year-old mother, her 16-year-old son, and their three family dogs on Thursday. According to New York State Police, the fatal accident occurred when the family's vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer, creating a tragic scene that has deeply affected the Central New York community.

The victims were traveling together when the multi-vehicle crash took place in Lewis County. The 16-year-old was an 11th grader at Camden High School, highlighting the profound impact this tragedy will have on the local school community and surrounding areas. State Troopers are investigating the circumstances surrounding this devastating accident. You can read more about this tragic incident in the original news report.

Common Causes of Multi-Vehicle Truck Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles can occur for various reasons. Understanding these common causes helps illustrate the complexity of such collisions:

  • Driver fatigue or hours of service violations - Truck drivers operating beyond legal limits
  • Mechanical failures - Brake failures, tire blowouts, or equipment malfunctions
  • Weather and road conditions - Poor visibility, wet roads, or hazardous driving conditions
  • Following too closely - Insufficient stopping distance between vehicles
  • Distracted driving - Use of mobile devices or other distractions while operating
  • Improper lane changes or merging - Failure to check blind spots or signal appropriately
  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions - Exceeding posted limits or safe speeds
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance - Poorly maintained trucks or safety equipment failures

When negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties contributes to these devastating accidents, victims and their families may be entitled to pursue legal compensation for their losses and suffering.

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims in Central New York

Tragic accidents like this three-vehicle collision in Lewis County can give rise to complex wrongful death and personal injury claims under New York law. When families lose loved ones due to the negligence of others, they may have grounds to pursue legal action seeking justice and compensation for their immeasurable losses.

In cases involving commercial trucks, potentially liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance companies, cargo loaders, or other negligent parties whose actions contributed to the accident. Families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering endured by their loved ones, and the profound emotional trauma of losing family members. Our experienced team at Porter Law Group has successfully represented families in similar devastating cases throughout New York State, though we understand that no amount of compensation can truly replace the loss of loved ones.

Damages and Compensation in Wrongful Death Cases

Understanding the types of damages available in wrongful death cases helps families navigate this difficult legal process during an already challenging time.

Economic Damages include quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned, and loss of financial support to surviving family members.

Non-Economic Damages encompass the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death, loss of companionship and guidance for surviving family members, and the emotional trauma and grief experienced by loved ones.

Future Losses may include the projected lifetime earnings the deceased would have provided, ongoing medical care that would have been needed, and educational expenses for children that the deceased would have covered.

Compensation calculations consider factors such as the deceased person's age, health, earning capacity, and the financial dependency of survivors. Evidence needed typically includes medical records, employment history, tax returns, expert testimony about future earnings, and documentation of the family's financial dependency. The purpose of wrongful death compensation extends beyond financial restoration - it serves to hold negligent parties accountable and help prevent similar tragedies from occurring to other families.

Navigating these legal complexities requires experienced representation who understands both the legal standards and the emotional sensitivity these cases demand. Contact our compassionate legal team to discuss your family's situation and learn about your legal options during this difficult time.

Have you lost a loved one in a truck accident or multi-vehicle collision?

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Why Choose Porter Law Group?

At Porter Law Group, we understand that no family should have to face the devastating aftermath of losing loved ones due to someone else's negligence. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys have decades of combined experience representing families throughout New York State in complex truck accident cases and multi-vehicle collision claims.

We have successfully obtained substantial settlements and verdicts for families who have suffered similar tragic losses, though we know that no amount of compensation can replace your loved ones. Our state-wide firm handles the most complex cases with a personal, hometown approach that puts your family's needs first during this incredibly difficult time.

Our seasoned trial lawyers have the resources and expertise necessary to take on large trucking companies and their insurers who will work tirelessly to minimize their responsibility. We offer free initial consultations with no upfront fees - you don't pay unless we successfully recover compensation for your family.

When insurance companies try to offer quick, inadequate settlements, our compassionate but aggressive legal team fights to ensure your family receives the full compensation you deserve for your immeasurable losses.

Contact Porter Law Group for a Free Consultation

If your family has lost loved ones in a truck accident or multi-vehicle collision in New York, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced legal team as soon as possible. Time limits apply to wrongful death claims, and early intervention allows us to preserve crucial evidence and build the strongest possible case for your family.

Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve clients and families throughout all of New York State, and we're here to provide the compassionate guidance and aggressive representation your family needs during this devastating time.

Don't face the insurance companies alone - let our experienced wrongful death attorneys fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves while you focus on grieving and healing.

Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free consultation. Time may be limited for filing your claim, so reach out today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.

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Michael S. Porter
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Originally from Upstate New York, Mike built a distinguished legal career after graduating from Harvard University and earning his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining expertise in trial work, and is now a respected trial attorney known for securing multiple million-dollar results for his clients while actively participating in legal organizations across Upstate NY.
Legally Reviewed on July 29, 2025
Eric C. Nordby
Personal Injury Attorney
Eric, with nearly three decades of experience in personal injury litigation, holds a law degree with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor's Degree from Cornell University. His extensive career encompasses diverse state and federal cases, resulting in substantial client recoveries, and he actively engages in legal associations while frequently lecturing on legal topics.
This Article Was Professionally Reviewed
This page was Legally Reviewed by Eric C. Nordby on July 29, 2025. Our experts verify everything you read to make sure it's up to date. For information on our content creation and review process read our editorial guidelines. If you notice an error or have any questions about our content please contact us.
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