Palmer Township, PA (January 23, 2026) – Two people are in critical condition following a violent collision between an SUV and a tractor-trailer in Palmer Township on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026. The accident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. at the busy intersection of Main Street and the Route 33 North exit ramp.
According to Palmer Township Police and emergency responders, an SUV collided with a tractor-trailer and became wedged underneath the side of the trailer. The force of the impact caused severe damage to the SUV, leaving two of the four occupants heavily entrapped within the wreckage.
Emergency crews from the Palmer Municipal and Upper Nazareth fire departments arrived to find a complex rescue situation. Responders utilized a heavy wrecker from a local towing company to lift the rear of the trailer, allowing them to safely extract the trapped individuals. Both the driver and a passenger sustained life-threatening injuries and were rushed to St. Luke’s Trauma Center. Two other passengers were also transported for medical evaluation and are reported to be in stable condition.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash. The Route 33 exit ramp and portions of Main Street remained closed for several hours while the Palmer-Forks Collision Reconstruction Unit and Motor Carrier Enforcement conducted an investigation. Authorities are working to determine the factors that led to the collision.
Tractor-Trailer Accident in Pennsylvania
A collision involving a commercial truck is a traumatic event that often results in life-altering injuries, especially when a smaller vehicle becomes pinned under a trailer. While initial police reports document the immediate scene, they are often just the first step in a long search for answers. For those facing a difficult recovery, understanding the factors that led to such a severe impact is a vital part of finding peace of mind.
Navigating the aftermath of a tractor-trailer crash involves addressing unique legal questions, from driver fatigue and hours-of-service logs to the mechanical safety of the truck itself. A Pennsylvania tractor-trailer accident lawyer provides the support needed to manage these complexities, handling the investigation and communicating with multiple insurance carriers so the victims can focus on their health. This professional oversight ensures that vital evidence, such as black box data and maintenance records, is preserved.
Pennsylvania law imposes strict deadlines on the right to seek a recovery following a serious accident. In most cases, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. However, if a government entity or specific road design issues played a role, a formal notice may be required within just six months. Because trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to protect their interests, taking early action is a necessary step to ensure your family is treated fairly.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a serious accident, 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.
