Shepherdstown, PA (January 18, 2025) – Multiple people were injured in a wrong-way crash that took place along U.S. Route 15 in Cumberland County on Friday evening, January 17.
The incident happened at around 4:40 p.m. on the northbound side of the road. According to officers with the Upper Allen Township Police Department, a vehicle entered the northbound lanes near mile marker 37 and traveled south for at least four miles. The crash happened around mile marker 37, with police stating that the wrong-way driver struck at least four other vehicles. Both the north and southbound sides of Route 15 were shut down as multiple crews responded to the scene.
Upper Allen Township police later confirmed that multiple people suffered serious injuries. According to PennDOT, one person was flown to Penn State Hershey. Police have opened an investigation into the crash and requested that anyone with information call the department, though no further details were released in the meantime.
Our thoughts go out to the injured victims and their family members in hopes of their complete recovery.
Wrong-Way Accidents in Pennsylvania

Fatal motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania take the lives of more than 1,100 people annually, and many of these deaths are caused by wrong-way collisions. Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous types of vehicle collisions, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents occur when a driver travels in the opposite direction of traffic, typically on highways, interstates, or divided roadways. In Pennsylvania, wrong-way crashes remain a critical safety concern, raising questions about how they happen and what victims can do to protect their rights.
One of the leading causes of wrong-way accidents is driver impairment. Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs judgment, making it more likely for a driver to enter a roadway in the wrong direction. Fatigue and distractions, such as texting or GPS use, can also lead to these devastating mistakes. Poorly marked roadways, missing signage, or confusing intersections contribute to the problem, highlighting the importance of proper infrastructure to keep drivers safe.

The consequences of wrong-way crashes are often catastrophic. Due to the high speeds typically involved, victims may suffer life-changing injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or internal organ damage. Tragically, many wrong-way accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with unexpected and overwhelming loss.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way crash, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Pennsylvania law allows injured parties to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. In cases involving wrongful death, families may also pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
Determining liability in a wrong-way crash can be complex, especially when multiple parties or factors are involved. For instance, while the driver traveling the wrong way may be primarily responsible, other contributing factors—such as defective roadway designs or insufficient signage—may also play a role.
If you’ve been affected by a wrong-way crash, it’s important to act quickly. At Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer, our skilled team of legal advocates understands the difficulty associated with these types of devastating crashes and will fight to protect the rights of victims. With our experience and knowledge, our Shepherdstown car accident lawyers can work diligently toward obtaining fair justice and compensation for a wide array of financial damages.
No one should ever be alone after sustaining serious injuries or losing a loved one in a car accident. Contact Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer today at 1-800-905-3425 to get started on this journey toward closure and peace of mind. Insurance companies FEAR THE SPEAR.
Note: Our team of writers relies on various secondary sources to create this post, including local and state media outlets, police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts of serious accidents in Pennsylvania. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer, immediately so we can correct the information and ensure the post reflects the most accurate details. Posts can also be removed upon request.
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.
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