Fenton, NY — January 2, 2026, Vicky Chadwick was killed in a truck accident just before midnight on Interstate 88/Senator Warren M. Anderson Expressway.

Authorities said a semi-truck was headed west near Exit 3 when it crossed the center median and eastbound lanes before overturning into a drainage ditch.

Driver Vicky Chadwick, 54, of Monessen, PA, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Broome County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When people hear that a semi-truck crossed over the median and flipped into a ditch, their first reaction is usually: “How does that even happen?” And that’s exactly the right question to ask. Unfortunately, the available reports don’t yet offer much in the way of answers.

As it stands, we know that an 18-wheeler headed west on I-88 crossed the median, went through the eastbound lanes and overturned into a drainage ditch.

At the core of any crash like this is one simple but crucial question: What caused the truck to veer out of its lane and across the median in the first place? Was the driver distracted? Was there a mechanical failure? Did weather or road conditions play a role? No one can answer those questions without hard evidence.

That’s why any serious investigation needs to go beyond the scene of the crash. Cell phone records can tell us whether the driver was texting or on a call. In-cab cameras, if installed, can show us what the driver was doing in the moments before the truck left its lane. The engine control module, or “black box,” can reveal speed, braking and steering input. Together, those data points paint a much clearer picture than witness accounts or speculation ever could.

Even if the truck driver made a mistake, we can’t stop there. Was the driver properly trained? Did the company who hired him have a track record of overlooking red flags? I’ve handled cases where a company put a driver on the road who had already been fired from multiple jobs, and then claimed they had no reason to question his qualifications. If a company hires someone who shouldn't be behind the wheel, that's not just bad luck. It's a decision, and decisions have consequences.

Getting to the truth means asking the right questions and demanding answers backed by real evidence; not just relying on assumptions or vague statements from authorities. That’s the only way to ensure that whoever is responsible is held accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• It's still unclear what caused the truck to cross the median and overturn.
• Authorities haven’t confirmed how the victim’s vehicle was involved.
• Critical evidence includes ECM data, dash cams and cell phone records.
• Responsibility may rest not just with the driver, but with the trucking company’s hiring and oversight practices.
• A full investigation is essential to understand who’s truly at fault and why.