ALLENTOWN, LEHIGH CO. (WOLF) — The family of a New Jersey man who was killed while attempting to move his disabled vehicle from Interstate 78 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two trucking companies and two truck drivers, alleging negligence and reckless conduct contributed to the fatal crash.
According to the complaint filed in Philadelphia County Court, Tyler Kolaja, 33, was traveling eastbound on Interstate 78 in Northampton County on June 16, 2025, when his vehicle became disabled along the shoulder of the highway. His girlfriend moved into the driver’s seat while Kolaja exited the vehicle and attempted to push it to safety.
The lawsuit alleges Kolaja’s vehicle had its hazard lights and rear lights activated when a tractor-trailer operated by Goce Josifoski struck both Kolaja and his vehicle. The impact allegedly crushed Kolaja between his vehicle and a separate disabled tractor-trailer that was parked on the shoulder. He died from his injuries…