Driver of Nissan hit by Kia during U-turn manoeuvre between Exits 18 and 19
December 09, 2025 | Rosendale, NY
A tragic two-vehicle collision on Dec. 9 in Rosendale claimed the lives of an elderly couple from Elizaville, while 21-year-old Amiah Desiah Lea Corp from Schenectady sustained critical injuries.
Key Details of the Incident
Amiah Desiah Lea Corp, 21, of Schenectady, was critically injured when the Nissan she traveled in made a U-turn on northbound Interstate 87 near Rosendale and collided with a Kia, causing the Nissan to roll.
- Date and Time: Dec. 9, 2025, just before 2 p.m.
- Location: Northbound lanes of Interstate 87 near mile marker 83, between Exits 18 and 19, Rosendale, New York.
- Vehicles Involved: 2007 Nissan and 2023 Kia.
- Fatalities: Driver and passenger of the Nissan, an elderly couple from Elizaville.
- Injuries: Amiah Desiah Lea Corp, driver of the Kia, transported to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition.
- Agency: New York State Police leading the investigation.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded when a 2007 Nissan traveling south on I-87 attempted a U-turn at mile marker 83 from the southbound lanes. As the Nissan completed the maneuver into the northbound lanes, a 2023 Kia, driven by Amiah Desiah Lea Corp and traveling north in the left lane, collided with it. The crash caused the Nissan to roll multiple times, resulting in the deaths of its occupants. The Kia veered off the roadway and struck a guide rail.
State police continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
U-turns on high-speed highways like the New York State Thruway pose significant dangers due to factors such as elevated speeds, heavy traffic volumes, and reduced visibility for merging vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 216 vehicles were involved in fatal crashes while attempting U-turns in 2023.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
High Speeds |
Vehicles often exceed safe limits during merges, increasing collision severity. |
NHTSA |
Dense Traffic |
Limited gaps for safe U-turns in busy lanes. |
Federal Highway Administration |
Visibility Issues |
Blind spots and curves obscure oncoming traffic. |
CDC Highway Safety Reports |
2023 Fatal U-Turn Crashes |
216 incidents nationwide. |
NHTSA FARS |
These statistics underscore the need for heightened caution and adherence to traffic laws on interstates.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes on highways, independent investigations play a crucial role in determining liability and preserving evidence.
“Performing U-turns on busy U.S. highways presents substantial risks, frequently resulting in severe accidents. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney to re-interview witnesses, analyze surveillance video, and obtain relevant records,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on such incidents:
- Time-sensitive evidence collection is essential to accurately reconstruct events.
- Attorneys can negotiate effectively with insurers to secure fair compensation.
- Victims may pursue personal injury claims to address medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader effects:
“The stress following a serious injury can disrupt family, work, and finances. It is vital to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, as insurance companies often pressure for quick, undervalued settlements. An attorney will advocate to ensure fair treatment.”
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).