Martic Township, PA (February 18, 2026) – An 87-year-old woman lost her life on Tuesday morning after a two-vehicle collision occurred during periods of dense fog in Lancaster County. The Pennsylvania State Police have identified the victim as Alice Reich.
According to Pennsylvania state police reports, the accident took place on Holtwood Road as Reich was traveling through the area. Authorities believe that Reich missed her intended turn due to the limited visibility caused by the fog and attempted to execute a U-turn at an intersection. During this maneuver, she turned directly into the path of an oncoming vehicle driven by 76-year-old Charles Weir Jr. Although Weir attempted to brake and swerve to avoid the collision, his vehicle struck the front right bumper of Reich’s car. The force of the impact sent Reich’s vehicle into a mailbox on the shoulder, while Weir’s vehicle veered off the road and came to a stop in a nearby field.
Reich was transported to Lancaster General Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. A passenger in her vehicle was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Weir’s condition was not immediately detailed, though he was able to remain at the scene to provide a statement to investigators. The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the crash, citing the heavy fog as a significant contributing factor to the initial disorientation.
Car Accident in Pennsylvania
Weather-related accidents involving maneuvers like U-turns often present difficult legal questions regarding liability and the “reasonable man” standard. In Pennsylvania, drivers are expected to exercise extreme caution during inclement weather, such as dense fog, and are required to ensure the roadway is clear before attempting to turn across lanes of traffic. Under the state’s modified comparative negligence laws, an injured party or their estate may pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and pain and suffering, provided they are not more than 50% at fault for the incident. When fog contributes to a crash, an investigation must determine if both drivers were operating at a speed that was safe for the reduced visibility.
In the aftermath of a fatal collision involving an elderly driver or a passenger, an experienced Pennsylvania auto accident attorney will handle the intricate details of the insurance and legal process. This includes gathering forensic evidence from the scene and analyzing vehicle damage to verify the point of impact and the speeds involved. A legal team also works to protect the rights of injured passengers, who may be entitled to “No-Fault” medical benefits regardless of which driver is found to be responsible.
Pennsylvania law maintains very specific timelines for those seeking legal recourse after a fatal accident. While the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the passing, the window to preserve critical physical evidence and secure witness statements is much smaller, particularly when weather conditions have altered the scene.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a weather-related accident or a fatal collision, contact Stanley Law Office at 888-997-3889 for a free, private consultation. We are here to help you find the answers and support you deserve.
