UPDATE (July 29, 2025): Authorities confirm that Austin Leonard died due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Onondaga County, NY — July 26, 2025, Austin Leonard was injured as the result of an 18-wheeler accident at around 7:38 a.m. along I-81.
Preliminary information from the New York State Police said that the crash happened along northbound lanes of the interstate.
According to officials, 28-year-old Austin Leonard was on a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Up ahead, an 18-wheeler experienced a tire blowout, and another 18-wheeler was passing the first. Troopers say that Austin Leonard passed both trucks, then somehow lost control. The bike went off-road and crashed into the guardrail.
As a result of the accident, Austin Leonard was left in reportedly critical condition. No other injuries were reported. At this time, no further information is available.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Regardless of what authorities say here, it’s important to take early reports with a few grains of salt. In my experience handling hundreds of commercial vehicle accident cases, motorcyclists often get a bad rap. Even authorities can sometimes jump to conclusions rather than letting the evidence speak for itself. This can obviously result in inaccurate or incomplete reports.
Generally speaking, this is why it can be helpful just to follow up with authorities early on. If victims and families find that authorities can satisfactorily address their concerns, then it’s likely a sign authorities have done good investigations. But if it seems like their answers ultimately come up short, then it may be that there needs to be a second set of eyes making sure nothing important slips through the cracks.
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