One man was killed in an accident involving a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plow truck in Tunkhannock Township on March 20. The accident involved three vehicles in total and one person was also injured.
According to the Monroe County Coroner, the fatal car accident occurred shortly before 1:57 p.m. at the intersection of Route 115 and Allegheny Drive. The plow truck was attempting to avoid a Jeep Grand Cherokee that had slid into the intersection during a red light, but when the truck’s driver swerved away from the Jeep, he crashed head-on into a Nissan Altima.
The driver of the Nissan, a 28-year-old Saylorsburg man, was declared dead at the scene of the incident. The 42-year-old Blakeslee man driving the Jeep was transported to Pocono Medical Center for treatment. In this case, it is unclear what might have caused the Jeep to run the red light and slide into the intersection. However, in similar accidents, drivers have been speeding, driving while impaired or have encountered road and weather conditions that might have become factors in the accident.
In a case such as this one, the family of the decedent might choose to file a wrongful death claim once the police investigation is over and the facts about the accident are known, including who the liable driver is for the accident. If the family decides to file a claim, they might seek the guidance of a personal injury lawyer who might use the evidence collected in the police report as well as witness accounts, for example, to put together a claim and seek damages related to the incident. These damages might include financial losses, such as the expenses for funeral and burial costs as well as for loss of financial support. They might also include non-financial losses, such as those for lost companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family file a wrongful death claim before the police investigation is complete?
Families often wait until the police investigation concludes so the facts about fault are clearer, though an attorney can begin gathering evidence and advising the family before that point.
What damages can a family recover in a Pennsylvania wrongful death claim?
Recoverable damages can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and non-financial losses such as loss of companionship.
Does it matter who is found at fault before a wrongful death claim can be filed?
Establishing who is liable is central to a wrongful death claim, since the claim is brought against the party or parties responsible for causing the fatal accident.
What evidence is typically used to build a wrongful death claim?
Attorneys often rely on police reports, witness accounts, and other evidence gathered during the investigation to establish fault and build the claim.
Are non-financial losses like lost companionship recoverable in a wrongful death case?
Yes. Pennsylvania wrongful death claims can include compensation for non-financial losses such as loss of companionship, in addition to financial losses.
Contact a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Attorney
If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. can help your family understand your legal options. Call 215-822-7575 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
August 20, 2026
