Mazda driver struck at underpass near Lake Avenue after wrong-way collision
November 27, 2025 | Rochester, NY
A tragic wrong-way crash on State Route 104 in Rochester claimed one life and left another person injured on Nov. 27.
The incident unfolded in the eastbound lanes near the bridge underpass between Lake Avenue and Saint Paul Street, as reported by New York State Police.
Matthew J. Krause, 32, of Rochester, was injured when a wrong-way Nissan Altima hit his Mazda CX-30 on State Route 104.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 8:18 a.m. when a 2025 Nissan Altima, traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, struck a 2022 Mazda CX-30 head-on.
- Date and Time: Nov. 27, 2025, approximately 8:18 a.m.
- Location: Eastbound State Route 104, near the bridge underpass between Lake Avenue and Saint Paul Street, Rochester, NY.
- Vehicles Involved: 2025 Nissan Altima, wrong-way driver, and 2022 Mazda CX-30.
- Injuries: The Mazda driver, Matthew J. Krause, 32, of Rochester, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. The Nissan driver, a female, was also taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
- Investigation Status: The case remains under active investigation by New York State Police.
This incident highlights the dangers of wrong-way driving on highways, prompting a thorough review of contributing factors.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Occur?
Wrong-way accidents like this one pose severe risks to all road users. Common causes include driver impairment, confusion at exits, and inadequate signage.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), up to 75% of wrong-way crashes involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Other factors, such as poor visibility, road design flaws, and distracted driving, also play significant roles.
Contributing Factor |
Percentage (NTSB Data) |
Description |
|---|
Driver Impairment (Alcohol/Drugs) |
75% |
Substance use leading to disorientation and poor judgment. |
Signage/Design Issues |
15% |
Confusing exit ramps or insufficient warnings. |
Distracted Driving |
5% |
Mobile device use or fatigue contributing to errors. |
Other (Weather, Medical) |
5% |
Environmental or health-related incidents. |
Data sourced from NTSB wrong-way crash analyses, and percentages are approximate for illustrative purposes.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on navigating the aftermath of such collisions. Their guidance emphasizes the importance of prompt action to preserve evidence and pursue justice.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be thoroughly examined in cases such as this,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is often needed to help piece together what happened. These resources are essential for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or loss following a collision. Time is of the essence, and families must ensure evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Thorough investigations can uncover hidden factors like impairment or infrastructure issues.
- Victims may pursue personal injury claims to cover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Hiring experienced representation helps negotiate with insurers who may undervalue claims.
- Early legal consultation preserves critical evidence before it degrades.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:
“The stress and worry following a serious injury can be overwhelming, disrupting family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. It is vital to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, allowing negotiation with insurance companies on behalf of the client. Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with mounting costs— an attorney can advocate effectively.”
Pending investigation outcomes, affected parties like Matthew J. Krause may have grounds to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).