The “Weather Defense” Trap
In Pennsylvania, insurance companies often use “whiteout conditions” as an excuse to deny liability, labeling the tragedy an unavoidable “Act of God.” However, professional truck drivers have a heightened duty of care to adjust their speed or cease operations when visibility is compromised. Under the law, snow and ice do not cause accidents—drivers who fail to account for them do. Proving that a commercial driver was traveling “too fast for conditions” is the critical factor in overcoming the weather defense and securing justice for grieving families.
The Accident Brief
- Incident Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026.
- Location: Interstate 79 South, mile marker 122, Jackson Township, Mercer County, PA.
- The Conflict: A multi-vehicle pileup involving three tractor-trailers occurred during whiteout conditions. One semi stopped for traffic was struck by a second semi; a third tractor-trailer then collided with the wreckage.
- Outcome: 22-year-old Austin Golab of Erie was tragically killed at the scene. One other person was hospitalized with injuries.
Legal Analysis: Pennsylvania Trucking Negligence
- Safe Speed for Conditions: Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3361, drivers must adjust for whiteouts; the posted speed limit is no defense for driving too fast for visibility.
- Following Too Closely: Violating the “assured clear distance” rule (75 Pa. C.S. § 3310) creates a strong presumption of negligence in rear-end collisions.
- FMCSR Violations: Federal safety regulations require “extreme caution.” If a carrier pushed a driver through a storm, they share direct liability for the crash.
Immediate Action Steps: Preserving Evidence
- ECM (Black Box) Data: We issue Spoliation Letters immediately to secure digital records of speed and braking before data is overwritten.
- Weather Reconstruction: Forensic meteorologists prove visibility at mile marker 122 to refute “unavoidable accident” claims.
- Identify Liable Parties: Under the Fair Share Act, we pursue all responsible entities—from drivers to shipping companies—to maximize recovery.
- Wrongful Death & Survival Actions: We file dual claims to cover both the family’s loss and the victim’s pain and suffering.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If your family has been devastated by a fatal truck accident on I-79, the insurance companies are already working to protect their bottom line. Don’t let them blame the weather for a preventable tragedy. Contact Stanley Law Offices at 888-997-3889 for a free, confidential evaluation. Our Pennsylvania multi-vehicle accident lawyer fights to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
