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Everything You Need to Know About This Deadly Lehigh Valley Car Crash

A Lehigh Valley fatal car accident on Route 33 in Bushkill Township, Northampton County, resulted in one tragic death on the afternoon of February 20, 2025. The crash occurred at approximately 4:22 p.m. near the Belfast exit, at Mile Marker 11.4, as a single vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into a tree. The driver, a 62-year-old man, succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries at the scene. His 63-year-old passenger was transported to St. Luke’s Anderson Campus for treatment. Authorities suspect that heavy snowfall contributed to the accident, catching many drivers off guard. The Pennsylvania State Police are conducting an investigation, and Route 33 was temporarily closed for emergency response and preliminary inquiries. While weather-related accidents are challenging in terms of liability, drivers and road maintainers have a duty to ensure road safety, even during hazardous conditions.

Lehigh Valley Fatal Car Crash: What Happened?

On February 20, 2025, at approximately 4:22 p.m., a Lehigh Valley deadly accident took place on Route 33 North near the Belfast exit in Bushkill Township, Northampton County. A 2006 Scion xA lost control, left the roadway, and collided with a tree. The impact was devastating, and despite emergency responders’ quick arrival, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple blunt force injuries. The passenger, a 63-year-old individual, sustained injuries of unknown severity and was taken to St. Luke’s Anderson Campus for medical treatment.

Was the Weather to Blame for This Allentown Fatal Car Crash?

According to Pennsylvania State Police, heavy snowfall was a major factor in this Lehigh Valley single-vehicle accident. Many drivers were caught off guard as the snowfall intensified, making road conditions treacherous. While adverse weather conditions can contribute to Lehigh Valley car accidents, drivers are still expected to adjust their speed, increase following distances, and exercise extreme caution when visibility is poor or roads are slippery.

Pennsylvania Road Conditions and Accident Causes

Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, is known for its unpredictable winter weather, which often results in slippery  roads, reduced visibility, and black ice. Other common causes of Lehigh Valley fatal accidents include:

• Speeding in poor conditions
• Distracted driving
• Failure to adjust to road hazards
• Vehicle defects or malfunctions
• Negligent road maintenance

Can Anyone Be Held Liable in Weather-Related Accidents?

Determining liability in Lehigh Valley fatal car accidents involving poor weather is challenging. While it may seem like no one is responsible for bad weather, legal action may still be possible in certain cases:

• Negligent drivers: If a driver fails to slow down or adapt to hazardous conditions, they may be partially liable even if they did not exceed the posted speed limit.
• Road maintainers: If officials fail to salt, plow, or properly maintain roadways, they could be held responsible for preventable accidents.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a car, tire, or braking system fails despite being marketed as safe for winter conditions, the manufacturer or distributor could be held accountable.

While there is no confirmation that this specific Lehigh Valley fatal accident could have been prevented, similar weather-related crashes are sometimes avoidable through responsible driving and proper road maintenance. 

Contact a Wrongful Death Lawyer After an Allentown Fatal Car Crash

The aftermath of a Lehigh Valley deadly accident can be overwhelming, especially when weather conditions and liability issues complicate claims. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an Allentown car accident, consulting an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney can help you navigate your legal options and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

For a free consultation, contact a trusted Lehigh Valley wrongful death lawyer today. Call (610) 351 – 2330.or visit our website.

Last Updated on February 24, 2025

Matthew C. Trapani

The injury lawyers at the Trapani Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in catastrophic car accidents and other personal injury accidents. Additionally, our personal injury law firm has handled wrongful death claims for families of victims killed or injured in tragic accidents. There is no cost to our clients until our experienced attorneys have won your case. The Trapani Law Firm would like our visitors to be aware that we obtain our information through secondary sources so it is entirely possible that our news blog posts may contain data that is not 100% accurate. If we have improper information posted on our blog please feel free to email us so we can make the necessary adjustments. Our law firm has posted this news blog for informative purposes, in order to help keep our local community safer. The Trapani Law Firm handles these types of injury cases, however whether or not attorney representation is needed is a very private decision that we honor. DISCLAIMER: The information above is not intended to express or constitute legal or medical advice.