Amy Freeman Killed in Truck Accident on I-80 in Union Township, PA
Union Township, PA — June 29, 2022, 59-year-old Amy Freeman was killed in a collision with two tractor-trailers on Interstate 80 in Union Township.
According to reports the incident happened around 3:40 p.m. on I-80 near mile marker 107. Preliminary investigation suggests a westbound International 18-wheeler had a mechanical issue while traveling on the highway. Its driver tried to pull onto the south side of the road but stopped, partially disabled, in the left travel lane.
Behind the International truck, Freeman was riding a Victory motorcycle near a westbound Peterbilt tractor-trailer. Reports say the Peterbilt driver crashed into the International, pushing it from the left into the right lane where it hit Freeman's bike. The Peterbilt and the motorcycle both traveled off the road after the collision.
Freeman was fatally injured in the wreck. Both truck drivers were reportedly unhurt.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Amy Freeman Accident on I-80 in Union Twp
One thing I bring up a lot on this blog is how complicated most accidents really are versus how simple they're thought to be. The wreck in Pennsylvania is an example of that: Some will see the described chain of events and say the Peterbilt driver is to blame for the victim's tragic and fatal injuries by pushing the disabled truck into her.
That may seem reasonable on its surface, and yet the company behind the Peterbilt is unlikely to agree. If history is any indication, they'd try to point fingers elsewhere or re-interpret the details in a way where someone or something else is responsible for the damage done. The most obvious target for that would be the truck driver who blocked the road, but if they needed more they'd try to throw road conditions, sun glare, sudden and mysterious brake failures, and anything else they could on top--whatever it takes to dodge liability. The stopped truck driver's employers would likely have some similar arguments to make about why anyone or anything else besides their driver is actually to blame.
All that bickering leaves the victim's family in an awkward limbo as both companies refuse responsibility for their loved one's death. It's not unreasonable to want someone held accountable for such a terrible loss, so the best way to make sure that doesn't get lost in a flurry of denials and buck-passing is to investigate carefully and find the clear and indisputable facts for themselves. Police reports alone are rarely enough to get all that information, though, which is why when people call the firm I often recommend seeking the help of independent experts. With the right allies' help, many victims and families hurt by careless truckers have gotten the answers and assistance they deserve.
