Two Killed, One Hurt in Three-Car Crash on I-176 in Robeson Twp., PA

Robeson Township, PA (July 24, 2026) – Two men died and a third was seriously hurt Friday morning, July 24, after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 176 near the Green Hills exit.

According to Pennsylvania state police, a car driven by a 44-year-old Coatesville man attempted to move into the left lane and struck the right front of another vehicle. That impact sent the second car off the road, over an embankment, and into a ravine, where it came to rest on its roof after striking a bridge abutment.

Two passengers in that vehicle, ages 18 and 20, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 44-year-old Reading man, was taken to Reading Hospital with serious injuries. The first vehicle then struck a third car before both came to rest on the roadway, and neither of those two drivers was hurt.

The Coatesville man was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with homicide by vehicle and related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Our condolences go out to the families of the two men who lost their lives.

How Does a Criminal Charge Affect a Wrongful Death Claim in Pennsylvania?

When a driver faces criminal charges like homicide by vehicle, families usually wonder how that criminal case relates to their ability to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. 

These are two entirely separate legal processes that run on their own timelines and require different standards of proof. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while a civil wrongful death claim only requires a preponderance of the evidence, which means a civil case can succeed even in situations where a criminal case results in an acquittal or reduced charges.

A wrongful death lawyer can request access to police reports and reconstruction data developed during a criminal prosecution, which can significantly reduce the amount of independent investigation needed to establish how a crash occurred.

Pennsylvania's wrongful death statute allows a personal representative of each victim's estate to bring a claim, generally within two years of the date of death, and this timeline runs independently of whatever happens in the criminal case against the driver. 

Families don't need to wait for a conviction or the resolution of criminal charges before filing a civil claim, and in fact, filing early can help preserve evidence and testimony while memories and materials remain fresh.

Navigating a wrongful death claim alongside a pending criminal case adds a layer of complexity most families don't expect. At Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson, we can help your families understand how a criminal charge relates to a separate civil claim in Pennsylvania. 

Our team can walk through how evidence from the criminal case may support a wrongful death claim. Call Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson at (888) 630-4409 to discuss your family's situation and learn more.