Michael E. Rounds Killed in Montague UTV Accident
The Carthage resident was attempting to tow a disabled vehicle when he was struck by a pickup
Michael E. Rounds, 61, of Carthage, was killed in a UTV crash on Liberty Road in Montague, New York, on Aug. 6, according to the State Police.
The collision occurred on a rural stretch of roadway. A northbound pickup truck struck the victim's 2024 Polaris utility terrain vehicle as it was to tow another disabled off-road vehicle, causing the Polaris to spin and overturn. Rounds died at the scene. After the initial impact, the pickup veered into the southbound lane and struck a third UTV, though that 80-year-old driver was uninjured.
The 26-year-old pickup driver was not hurt and remained at the crash site.
Troopers administered a field sobriety test and found no signs of impairment, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Why did the pickup truck strike the UTV on Liberty Road?
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Fatal UTV rollovers often happen when uneven terrain, a sharp turn and excessive speed combine in a sudden instant, leaving little room for correction. Serious rollover cases nationwide frequently involve more than one contributing circumstance rather than a single obvious cause."
"Legal counsel moves quickly to preserve onboard data, arrange a vehicle inspection and document terrain conditions before evidence disappears," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an annual average of more than 800 deaths associated with off-highway vehicles. Data from 2018–2020 show 2,448 deaths (an average of 816 per year).
What are the next steps for the victim's family?
New York wrongful death statute
Under N.Y. EPTL § 5-4.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New York applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral expenses, and the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.
"Surveillance review focuses on finding nearby traffic cameras, business security feeds, and commercial dashcam footage. Uncut video provides clear proof about red lights and vehicle speeds," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "An attorney acts fast to obtain court orders that stop property owners from automatically erasing those critical video recordings before anyone sees them."