Danica Jones, 32, of Earville, Died in Sherburne Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident on State Route 12B During Snow Squall
SHERBURNE, NEW YORK (January 13, 2026) – A 32-year-old woman identified as Danica Jones has tragically died in a head-on Sherburne truck accident on State Route 12B.
Chenango County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:43 p.m. on Thursday, December 4. A tractor-trailer truck was heading northbound on State Route 12B during a white-out snow squall.
The driver of that truck lost control of their vehicle and allowed it to drift into the southbound lanes of traffic before colliding with a car driven by Danica Jones.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. Sadly, Danica Jones was beyond medical aid and pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities performed a field sobriety test on the driver of the truck, though they were not able to identify signs of impairment.
However, the truck driver was issued tickets for traffic and vehicle violations. A full investigation into the deadly collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Chenango County Semi-Truck Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds and be dangerous even at lower speeds. These drivers are required to exercise an exceptional level of care to avoid collisions. According to NY Veh & Traf L § 1180, “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” When a truck driver is facing adverse weather conditions like a snow squall, they must take certain measures to remain safe.
- Slow Down: Truck drivers should slow down immediately during a snow squall. It is best for the driver to ease off the accelerator and not brake hard. Braking hard can easily cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
- Follow Distance: Truck drivers must maintain an exceptional follow distance from the vehicle ahead of them. A snow squall and icy weather conditions can substantially increase the length of time it takes for a driver to come to a safe stop.
- Full Lighting: A snow squall can make it almost impossible to see traffic ahead. It is best to use low-beam headlights in these situations.
- Pull Over: If a truck driver is unable to see far ahead in the roadway, they should exit the highway when possible or pull into a rest area. If there is not an exit nearby, it may simply be safest to pull over to the shoulder of the road.
There is a presumption of negligence on the part of any driver that leaves their own lane of traffic and collides with another vehicle. These accidents nearly always involve a driver that was traveling too fast for the prevailing road conditions. Even traveling well below the speed limit could be considered highly dangerous during extreme weather conditions. When a truck driver acts negligently and causes an accident, they or their employer could be held responsible for the collision.
Steps to Take After Chenango County Semi-Truck Accidents
Trucks can be very difficult to maneuver safely even during ideal conditions. Winter weather conditions can make it incredibly dangerous to operate a truck or any other vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually. Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.” Certain steps should be taken after any New York truck accident.
- Photographs: Lots of photographs of the accident site should be taken. These photos can help establish what weather and road conditions a truck driver may have been dealing with at the time of a crash.
- Surveillance Footage: When possible, surveillance footage should be captured and carefully reviewed. This could come from several sources, including dash cameras, traffic cameras, and nearby businesses.
- Event Data Recorder: Most commercial trucks come equipped with an event data recorder. This should be examined. It functions in much the same way as the black box on an airplane. It can reveal important details about how a truck was being operated prior to a collision.
- Legal Review: Any person affected by a New York truck accident should seek the guidance of a team with experience in injury claims. They can identify all sources of liability for the collision and hold those parties accountable through a civil action.
Many truck accidents are preventable. They often involve truck drivers that are failing to operate with the necessary caution to avoid collisions. Operating a truck can be particularly dangerous during winter months. In many cases, truck companies make the right call and cancel scheduled routes during periods of extreme or dangerous weather conditions. But far too often this does not take place, and it is ordinary people who pay for these mistakes with their bodies and lives. The family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may be able to seek some accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Chenango County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Richmond Vona extend our deepest condolences to the family of Danica Jones. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the New York State Police. It is deeply concerning that large trucks would even be out on the road in these types of conditions. Many questions remain unanswered at this time.
Do you need more information about a Sherburne truck accident? Our team of truck accident investigators is here to assist you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and holding truck companies accountable for the wrongful actions of their drivers. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique circumstances of any collision, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at 716-500-5678.
