Sunderland, MA – 11 Hurt in Two-Vehicle Crash on Amherst Rd

Sunderland, MA (May 15, 2026) – Eleven people were injured early Thursday, May 14, after a vehicle struck a dairy cow on Amherst Road in Sunderland, leading to a head-on crash involving two vehicles.

Sunderland Police and emergency units responded to the area around 2 a.m. after reports that several cows and sheep had escaped from a nearby farm. Investigators said a northbound vehicle hit a dairy cow standing in the roadway before colliding with a southbound vehicle.

Authorities confirmed that 11 people between the two vehicles suffered injuries in the crash. Paramedics took the victims to several area hospitals for treatment. Officials said all injured individuals are expected to recover. No children were involved in the accident.

The dairy cow died at the scene following the collision. Police later stated that distracted driving does not appear to have contributed to the crash. Investigators believe poor weather conditions and reduced visibility may have played a role.

Amherst Road remained closed for several hours while crews worked at the scene and reopened around 8 a.m. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. 

We extend our thoughts to those injured and wish them a smooth recovery.

How is Fault Determined in a Massachusetts Crash?

Fault in a Massachusetts crash is determined by reviewing evidence that shows how and why the accident happened. Insurance companies, attorneys, and investigators often examine driver actions, road conditions, weather, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene before deciding who may share responsibility for the collision.

On roads like Amherst Road in Sunderland and nearby Route 116, visibility can change quickly during overnight hours or poor weather. Rural areas across Franklin County also present unique driving hazards, including animals entering the roadway unexpectedly. 

In some crashes, more than one factor may contribute to the accident, such as limited lighting, wet pavement, or a driver’s reaction time. Massachusetts follows a comparative negligence system, which means fault can sometimes be shared between parties depending on the circumstances.

After an injury accident, documentation often plays an important role in determining liability. Police reports, photographs, vehicle damage, medical records, and witness accounts may all help clarify what occurred. People involved in a collision may also need to communicate with insurance adjusters while managing medical appointments and vehicle repairs. Keeping records organized can make the process easier to handle later.

After an injury crash, a car accident lawyer may help review accident reports, insurance information, and other evidence connected to a Massachusetts crash. 

At Fiorentino Legal, our team has experience examining injury collisions throughout Massachusetts. We can explain what information may be important and discuss possible legal options related to medical bills, missed work, and insurance claims. 

To learn more, contact Fiorentino Legal at (617) 990-2568 to speak with our team about your situation.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.



Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.