South Strabane Township, Pa. (November 27, 2025) – A fatal crash involving 13 vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, occurred on Interstate 79 in Washington County on Thanksgiving night, with icy road conditions cited in the area.
The massive pileup happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. on the flyover connecting I-79 northbound to I-70 westbound. South Strabane first responders confirmed that a passenger in one car died at the scene, though their identity has not yet been released. A dog in the vehicle was also killed.
This was one of several serious incidents reported across Washington County that evening. Pennsylvania State Police also responded to a crash on I-70 that involved a jackknifed tractor-trailer and stopped traffic for approximately an hour and a half.
Understanding Wrongful Death and Liability in a Massive Pileup in Pennsylvania
The death of a passenger in this 13-vehicle pileup immediately triggers a wrongful death investigation under Pennsylvania law. In a mass collision, the legal challenge is determining the degree of fault for each driver, as multiple parties often contribute to the accident.
Pennsylvania utilizes a modified comparative negligence rule. This means the family of the deceased passenger may pursue a claim against every driver whose negligence contributed to the wreck. Since icy roads were reported, any driver found to be traveling too fast for the conditions may be held liable. Furthermore, the commercial driver of the tractor-trailer is held to a higher standard of care, making their actions a key focus of the investigation.
The wrongful death claim seeks compensation for financial losses suffered by the surviving family, including loss of financial support and funeral costs.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, we help victims of vehicle accidents work through the difficulties of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. If your family was affected by the fatal I-79 pileup in Washington County, our Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer is here to help you every step of the way. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation today and let us fight for your rights.
