ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With winter weather settling into the Lehigh Valley, attorney Rose Harper said she’s already seeing the familiar uptick in crashes and cold-weather injuries that tends to hit the region each year — and she wants residents to understand the risks that come with the area’s unpredictable storms.
Harper, who owns her personal injury firm Rose Harper Law, handles cases across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, but said winter in the Lehigh Valley consistently brings a wave of incidents. The region regularly experiences heavy snow, freezing rain and quick temperature swings that turn commutes hazardous. In previous winters, storms brought ice-packed roads and multi-car pileups across highways like Route 22 and I-78, while neighborhoods saw repeated rounds of refreeze overnight.
These conditions lead to over 1,300 deaths and more than 116,800 injuries each year in the United States.
“People here are traveling constantly — between work, family and holidays — and our weather can change quickly,” Harper said. “It’s important for everyone to know what their responsibilities are when they’re out on the road.”
Harper said many drivers misunderstand their legal responsibilities during storms, especially when their vehicle skids on snow or ice. 39% of all weather-related vehicle crashes occur due to snowy or icy conditions.
“Some people think that if it was snowing, then the accident wasn’t their fault,” she said. “But every driver has a duty to operate with reasonable care under the circumstances. That means slowing down, maintaining control and increasing following distance, even if the posted speed limit is higher.”
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws also play a role after winter crashes. Even if an individual is partially responsible for an accident, they may still be able to bring a claim if they were less than 51% at fault.
Harper recommends that after an accident, drivers first ensure they are safe and call 911 if needed. Photographs of the roadway, vehicles, skid marks and weather conditions can become important later, especially given the region’s frequent freeze-and-thaw cycles.
The Lehigh Valley’s geography also contributes to higher crash rates. With steep hills, winding neighborhood roads and busy stretches like Route 309 and Tilghman Street where Harper lives in Allentown — a junction undergoing major reconstruction due to frequent collisions — Harper said the area is especially vulnerable when snow hits. Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze earlier than main roads, something she said many drivers underestimate each season.
Winter hazards aren’t limited to roads. Harper said icy sidewalks and parking lots keep her busy as well.
“Property owners, landlords and businesses have duties to clear walkways and take reasonable steps to prevent ice buildup,” she said.
In recent winters, slip-and-fall calls have increased after storms that dropped sleet instead of snow, leaving sidewalks coated in thin, hard-to-see ice.
Harper, a Hudson Valley native who has lived in Allentown for several years, said her firm is involved in community safety efforts and welcomes partnerships with local organizations. She said she frequently speaks with residents seeking guidance after winter accidents, and her firm provides free consultations.
“We actually hope that no one ends up needing us,” she said. “If people can stay safe and avoid injuries this winter, that’s the best-case scenario.”
