Walnutport, PA (February 15, 2026) – A Carbon County man lost his life on Friday morning following a high-impact collision between his SUV and a commercial tractor-trailer. The Northampton County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 86-year-old Francesco Scutari of Towamensing Township.
The accident was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m. on 13th February, 2026, at the intersection of North Best Avenue (Route 145) and Spruce Street in Walnutport Borough. According to Walnutport Police Chief Jason Nothstein, who arrived on the scene within 60 seconds of the emergency call, Scutari was found unresponsive and heavily entrapped within his vehicle. Despite the rapid response from Diamond Fire Company and Northern Valley EMS, Scutari was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators from the Walnutport Police Department and the Northampton County Coroner’s Office, with assistance from the Lehigh and Moore Township Police Departments, are currently working to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. The driver of the tractor-trailer remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Route 145 was restricted for several hours as crews from several surrounding fire departments managed traffic control and cleared the wreckage.
Tractor-Trailer Accident in Pennsylvania
Collisions involving tractor-trailers are governed by a complex interplay of state traffic laws and federal motor carrier safety regulations. Under Pennsylvania law, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death action to recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of companionship and guidance. Because Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, a recovery is possible as long as the victim is not more than 50% at fault for the accident. In crashes involving commercial trucks, investigators often look into factors such as driver fatigue, equipment maintenance, and adherence to right-of-way laws at signaled intersections.
A tractor-trailer accident attorney in Pennsylvania serves as a dedicated advocate for the family by conducting a parallel investigation to that of the police. This includes securing the tractor-trailer’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, which can reveal the truck’s speed and braking actions in the moments before the impact, and analyzing the “black box” data from the SUV. They also coordinate with accident reconstruction experts to provide a definitive account of the crash, ensuring that insurance companies for large trucking firms do not unfairly shift blame or minimize the family’s claim during their time of grief.
Pennsylvania law maintains strict deadlines that families must follow to preserve their legal rights. While the general statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the passing, the window to collect physical evidence and witness testimony is much smaller. Furthermore, if a hazardous road condition or a failure in municipal traffic signaling contributed to the accident, a formal notice of claim against a government entity may be required within just six months. Taking prompt action is a necessary step to secure the answers a family deserves and to ensure they have the financial support needed for the future.
If you have questions about your legal rights after a fatal accident or a collision involving a commercial truck, 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.
