Improper Passing Causes Fatal Head-On Crash on Rte 45 in Liberty Twp, PA

Liberty Township, PA (June 17, 2026) – A fatal head-on collision on Route 45 in Liberty Township, Montour County, left two people dead. The crash was reported around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

A car heading east on Route 45 tried to overtake another vehicle and hit a car heading west head-on. The collision killed two people. The first report of the accident did not confirm any other details about the identities of those involved.

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the wreck.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives.

How Do You File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Car Crash in Pennsylvania?

Filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal car crash in Pennsylvania generally begins with obtaining a copy of the official police report and identifying the at-fault driver and their insurance information, as this establishes the foundation for any civil claim that follows.

From there, families often begin evaluating what legal options may be available. In Pennsylvania, eligible surviving family members, including a spouse, children, and parents, may pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies as a result of another person's negligence.

Seeking legal guidance early can be particularly important in crashes involving disputed circumstances, since establishing exactly how the collision occurred is often central to proving fault and liability.

Once the claim process is underway, preserving and gathering evidence becomes a critical next step. This may include witness statements, photographs, available video footage, vehicle damage assessments, and findings from the official investigation. In many cases, evidence collected shortly after the crash can provide important insight into the sequence of events and help strengthen the claim as it moves forward.

At the same time, families are often dealing with significant emotional and financial challenges. Funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, and the loss of financial support can create immediate burdens. As a result, keeping records of all crash-related expenses and losses can be helpful throughout the claims process.

After the available evidence has been reviewed, the claim typically moves into negotiations with the at-fault driver's insurance company. During this stage, compensation may be discussed for losses recognized under Pennsylvania law, including funeral expenses, loss of income and support, and other damages suffered by surviving family members.

Because the long-term impact of a loss is not always immediately apparent, it is often important to carefully evaluate any settlement offer before making a final decision.

If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to pursue further legal action within the applicable statute of limitations. Acting promptly can help preserve important evidence, protect legal rights, and ensure that families have the information they need to make informed decisions throughout the process.

A wrongful death attorney may be able to help guide families through each of these steps, ensuring that all available evidence is properly presented and that any resolution reflects the full scope of their loss.

At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we assist families across Pennsylvania in managing accident reports, communicating with insurance companies, and exploring potential legal options following serious or fatal crashes.

Our experienced team provides guidance tailored to each family’s circumstances, helping to clarify next steps and safeguard both emotional and financial well-being.

For support and advice, you can contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson at 888‑630‑4409 to speak with us and discuss your case.