Pittsburgh Area Man Dies in Fatal Motorcyclist Crash
A Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer explains why fatal crashes are on the rise
A motorcyclist sadly died in a horrible motorcycle accident in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania involving a driver who pulled out of a nearby access road directly into the path of the victim, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The fatal motorcycle wreck happened on Route 366 near the intersection of Westmoreland Avenue on a recent Saturday afternoon. The 20-year-old motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident but was “separated from the motorcycle” during the collision, according to the coroner’s report quoted in the article.
Tragically, these types of motorcycle crashes are happening too frequently in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania.
Motorcycle accidents, by the numbers
Motorcycle wrecks are some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Each year, more than 5,000 riders die in crashes nationwide, many of which involve other vehicles. According to the most recent statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 5,014 motorcyclists died in accidents nationwide in 2019, which accounts for 13.8 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the country.
As for Pennsylvania, there were 176 motorcycle fatalities in 2019, according to the NHTSA. That figure represents 16.6 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in Pennsylvania for that year. Roughly half (85 fatalities) involved motorcyclists wearing helmets. Another 87 motorcycle fatalities in Pennsylvania involved unhelmeted motorcyclists. The helmet status of the remaining four motorcycle fatalities is unknown.
Common reasons why other drivers cause motorcycle wrecks
Motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles typically occur because the at-fault driver was behaving in a reckless, inattentive, or negligent manner.
Specific causes may include:
- The driver doesn’t yield the right of way before pulling out into an intersection or making a left turn into the path of an oncoming rider, which represents one of the most dangerous scenarios for a motorcyclist.
- Driver distraction, including texting while driving, looking up directions while driving, adjusting the radio, talking to a passenger, etc.
- Aggressive drivers who follow too closely and don’t leave enough space between their vehicle and a motorcycle.
- Speeding drivers who don’t have time to stop and avoid a collision with a biker.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or other mind-altering drugs.
Whatever the cause of your motorcycle accident, don’t simply assume you will be fairly compensated, even if another driver clearly caused your crash. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying you as little money as possible, which is why you can and should talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to go over your legal rights and options.
Legal help is available for injured motorcycle riders
We know how to deal with insurance companies and aggressively advocate for the compensation you need and deserve. That’s why the Romanow Law Group has such a strong track record of success in Pittsburgh.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, you have recourse through the civil justice system. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, your pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.
Learn more about how we can help you and contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh motorcycle accident lawyer.