Lower Macungie Twp, PA – 22-Year-Old Killed in Crash with Tractor-Trailer on I-78

Lower Macungie Township, PA (April 24, 2026) – A 22-year-old man died after his car collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Lower Macungie Township on Friday, April 24, just before 11:30 p.m. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office identified the deceased as Ryan W. Gretz of Coopersburg.

The crash happened at mile marker 53.3 in the eastbound lanes of I-78, between the exits for Route 100 and Route 222. Gretz was driving a 2010 Ford Mustang eastbound when it collided with a 2007 Peterbilt 387 tractor-trailer operated by a 56-year-old man from New Holland, Lancaster County. 

The coroner pronounced Gretz dead at the scene just before 12:30 a.m. Friday. An autopsy conducted Friday determined he died from multiple blunt force injuries, and the death was ruled accidental.

A 21-year-old female passenger from Massachusetts was also in the Ford at the time of the crash. She suffered injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Her condition was not immediately available.

The tractor-trailer driver was not injured in the collision. A portion of I-78 eastbound closed while investigators worked at the scene, with traffic detoured onto Route 100. All lanes reopened by 7:00 a.m. Friday.

Investigators continue to work to determine what led up to this accident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ryan W. Gretz. Our thoughts are also with the injured passenger as she receives care and works toward recovery.

Can Passengers Seek Compensation After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

Yes, passengers injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania can seek compensation for their injuries. Passengers are generally considered blameless parties in a crash, which puts them in a strong position when filing a claim. Depending on the circumstances, a passenger may pursue compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance, their own insurance policy, or both.

Pennsylvania operates under a choice no-fault system, meaning drivers select either limited tort or full tort coverage when purchasing their policy. This choice affects what compensation a passenger can pursue after a crash.

Under full tort coverage, passengers face fewer restrictions and can seek compensation for pain and suffering in addition to economic losses. Limited tort coverage restricts these options unless the injuries meet a defined severity threshold.

In crashes involving commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, passengers may have additional avenues for compensation. Trucking companies carry higher liability coverage than standard drivers, and their policies may cover passenger injuries when the truck driver bears responsibility for the crash, so identifying all available insurance coverage early in the process helps ensure no compensation options are overlooked.

Passengers in serious crashes can seek compensation for a range of losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. In cases involving catastrophic injuries, future medical care and loss of earning capacity may also factor into a claim. 

Truck accident cases involving passenger injuries can become complex quickly. Commercial carriers and their insurers often begin investigating immediately after a serious crash to protect their own interests. Having legal representation from a car accident lawyer early ensures that a passenger's rights and options are protected from the start of the process.

At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we have years of experience helping injured passengers navigate car and truck accident claims throughout Pennsylvania. We can review the details of your situation, explain how Pennsylvania's tort system applies to your specific case, and outline what compensation you may be eligible to seek.

Were injured as a passenger in a serious crash in Pennsylvania? You can contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (888) 630-4409 to speak with our team and get clear answers about your available options.