Man Hit By Plow While Leaving Doctor’s Appointment in Hempfield Twp., PA

A man had been hit by a plow truck after leaving a doctor’s appointment in Hempfield Township on January 6. According to news reports, a wintry mix had fallen throughout the area in the morning. Around 8 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police were called to the parking lot of an orthopedic office on Clark Ellis Road for reports of a man being hit by a plow truck.

According to police, the 74-year-old man was leaving the office when the backside of the plow truck hit him. Police believe he was not run over, but he was either pushed or dragged by the truck.

The victim suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Pittsburgh.

Police are investigating what caused the accident.

Winter Weather Accidents in Pennsylvania

As winter blankets Pennsylvania’s highways and backroads with snow and ice, it’s important to remember the challenges everyone faces during this time of year. We must contend with slippery roads; weather conditions can create limited visibility. Plow trucks, in particular, have significant blind spots and may not see other drivers or pedestrians until it’s too late.

Adverse weather conditions dramatically increase the risk of vehicle accidents. When drivers encounter fog, rain, sleet, snow, or ice, they face significant challenges: reduced visibility, compromised traction, difficulty controlling speed, and diminished braking effectiveness. These conditions demand that drivers reduce their speed and exercise heightened caution. Those who fail to adapt their driving behavior put themselves and other road users in grave danger.

The scale of weather-related accidents is sobering—the Federal Highway Administration reports that around 21% of motor vehicle accidents each year are weather-related. Pennsylvania ranks among the states with the highest fatality rates from icy road conditions.

While hazardous weather creates treacherous driving conditions, it does not automatically absolve drivers of responsibility in accidents. Insurance companies may attempt to deflect liability by citing weather conditions as the primary cause. However, drivers can still be held accountable if they failed to take reasonable precautions, such as reducing speed, using appropriate lighting, or properly clearing their vehicles of snow and ice before driving. If you’ve been involved in a weather-related crash, Munley Law’s Pittsburgh car accident attorneys can help evaluate whether driver negligence contributed to the incident. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.