Lehigh Valley fatal accident: 1 dead, 2 critically injured

An accordion style chain reaction car accident recently took the life of 24-year-old Pennsylvania resident. The fatal accident occurred in the Lehigh Valley in mid November, shortly before 2:30 a.m. Four vehicles were involved in the Whitehall Township crash on Route 22 westbound.

Pennsylvania State Police indicated that the accident was the result of a car that rear ended another car in a construction zone. The second car had been decelerating for the work zone. That crash caused the second car to flip after colliding with another vehicle. The first car also rear-ended a fourth vehicle.

The driver of the second car was declared dead at the scene by the Lehigh Valley Coroner. Critical injuries were suffered by the driver of the car said to be responsible for the fatal accident and by a passenger in the second vehicle. They are transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital- Cedar Crest, where further word on the extent of their injuries was not immediately available. The driver of the third vehicle was transported to the same hospital with minor injuries, while the individual operating the fourth vehicle was reportedly uninjured.

Pennsylvania authorities closed the roadway for a few hours to investigate the scene of the fatal accident. It is unknown if criminal charges are pending against the first driver. The family of the deceased victim and the critically injured passenger each has legal options through our state civil court system and may benefit from gaining an understanding of their rights under our personal injury laws. While the first concern is surely for the mourning of the loss of life and the prayers for the recovery of all who were injured, those with legal claims for damages may take some comfort in knowing there is help if they wish to seek restitution for the damages which have been suffered.

Source: Upper Macungie, PA Patch, “Man Killed in Four-Car Crash on Route 22, Road Closed For Hours Early Friday Morning,” Jennifer Rodgers, Nov. 16, 2012