Lafayette, NY — July 2, 2025, Jacob Hagenbuch was injured as the result of an 18-wheeler that happened around 5:55 a.m. on I-81.
According to preliminary details about the accident, it took place between exits 67 and 73 on northbound lanes.
Investigators said that 28-year-old Jacob Hagenbuch was in a minivan going along the interstate. Doing so, the minivan crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler, then reportedly caught fire.
Jacob Hagenbuch was taken to a hospital with reportedly non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported. At this time, details are still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When fiery crashes like this happen, the details surrounding a crash sometimes take a back seat to actual crash investigations. This is why it can be important to ask key questions early on in the investigations.
Does the crash get the detailed attention it demands from investigators?
Crashing into the back of a semi doesn’t automatically mean fault is clear. Investigators need to look at vehicle speeds, spacing, and whether either driver had a chance to react. If that analysis isn’t done properly and promptly, the conclusions could be incomplete or misleading.
Is anyone checking for mechanical issues in either vehicle?
A sudden loss of braking, visibility issues from faulty lights, or trailer malfunctions can all play a role in rear-end truck collisions. Unless both vehicles are inspected carefully, it’s impossible to know whether something went wrong mechanically.
Is data from the crash being preserved?
Modern trucks and minivans can both record key crash information—braking, speed, and throttle use. In addition, dashcams or highway cameras might show exactly what happened. But this evidence is time-sensitive, and if it isn’t gathered early, it may be gone for good.
When fire and serious risk are involved, there’s no room for shortcuts. The investigation needs to cover every angle while the evidence is still available.
Key Takeaways:
- Rear-end crashes with trucks still require full investigation and scene analysis.
- Mechanical problems may play a role—and must be ruled out with inspection.
- Vehicle and video data can show the full picture—but only if preserved immediately.
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