Person Trapped After Vehicle Crashes into Tree in Lancaster County

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA (May 6, 2025) —— One person was trapped in a vehicle after it crashed into a tree in Manheim Township on Tuesday, May 6.

The wreck happened at Valley and Fiddlers Green roads at 5:09 a.m..

Emergency responders freed the trapped individual. There is no update on the status of the person’s health or the cause of the accident.

Investigations continue.

When Cars Meet Trees: Legal Steps After a Collision

Car accidents involving trees are among the most dangerous single-vehicle crashes that occur on our roadways. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fixed object crashes, including those with trees, account for nearly 20% of all fatal accidents in the United States.

Why Tree Collisions Are Particularly Dangerous

Tree collisions are especially hazardous because trees don’t move or absorb impact like another vehicle might. When a car strikes a tree, especially at high speeds, the tree often remains firmly planted while the vehicle absorbs the full force of the collision. This can result in severe injuries or fatalities, even in modern vehicles equipped with advanced safety features.

Common Causes of Tree Collisions

These accidents typically result from:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Poor weather conditions
• Swerving to avoid another hazard
• Vehicle mechanical failures

Legal Steps to Take After a Tree Collision

If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a tree, taking proper legal steps is essential to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first, and medical records will be crucial evidence.
2. Document everything – Take photos of the accident scene, the damaged vehicle, the tree, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.
3. Gather witness information – If anyone saw the accident, their testimony could be valuable.
4. Report the accident – File a police report and notify your insurance company promptly.
5. Determine liability – While many tree collisions are single-vehicle accidents, other factors may have contributed to the crash. These might include poor road design, inadequate signage, or improper tree maintenance by property owners or municipalities.
6. Consult with an experienced attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine if there are additional liable parties, navigate complex insurance claims, and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Remember, even in single-vehicle accidents, you may be entitled to compensation through your own insurance policy or from third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident.

If you’ve been involved in a tree collision, contact our experienced team at Munley Law for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you were involved in a car accident, the Lancaster car accident attorneys at Munley Law can help. Contact us today 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.

Disclaimer: The photos used in this post were not taken at this accident scene. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.