GLENDON BOROUGH, PA — A 33-year-old man from New Jersey was tragically killed Monday night after being struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to push a disabled vehicle along Interstate 78.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 74.3. Authorities say the man was pushing a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox that had run out of fuel, while a woman remained inside the vehicle to steer.
The man, identified by the Northampton County Coroner’s Office as Tyler R. Kolaja, of Hamburg, NJ, died at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries.
The woman was transported to St. Luke’s Anderson Hospital, though her condition has not been disclosed.
During the investigation and cleanup, traffic on I-78 eastbound was detoured to State Route 33. The highway remained closed until around 4 a.m. Tuesday.
The crash remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in collaboration with the Northampton County Coroner’s Office.
Accidents involving Tractor Trailers: The local impact
Tractor-trailer accidents are among the most devastating collisions on the road due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, heavily traveled highways like I-78, I-95, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike see a high volume of truck traffic every day, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars—or worse, strike pedestrians— the consequences are often fatal. Victims of truck accidents frequently suffer from life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding, if they survive at all.
The severity of these crashes is compounded by the complexity of investigating and litigating truck accident cases. Commercial drivers are subject to strict federal and state regulations, and violations—such as exceeding allowable driving hours or failing to maintain equipment—can play a significant role in these incidents. In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, law enforcement and safety agencies continue to see truck-related fatalities rise, particularly in areas where highway construction, narrow shoulders, or heavy commuter traffic increase the risk of collisions. These accidents not only cause immense grief for families but also spotlight the need for stronger enforcement of trucking safety laws and improved public awareness about sharing the road with large commercial vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a tractor-trailer accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, it’s critical to seek legal counsel immediately. The aftermath can be overwhelming, and having a knowledgeable advocate can make all the difference in securing justice and compensation.
A personal injury attorney responds
At Kats, Jamison & Associates, our hearts go out to the family of Tyler R. Kolaja and all those impacted by this tragic incident. Unfortunately, we see far too often how devastating tractor-trailer accidents can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. When someone is struck while simply trying to get their vehicle to safety, it’s a stark reminder of the dangers posed by negligent or inattentive drivers, especially when operating large commercial vehicles.
Our firm has handled numerous cases involving tractor-trailer collisions in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These cases often involve complex layers of responsibility—from the driver to the trucking company, and even third-party maintenance providers. That’s why it’s critical to have experienced legal representation that understands the regulations governing commercial trucking and knows how to aggressively pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a tractor-trailer, contact Kats, Jamison & Associates for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
