Motorcyclist, wife struck and killed by car in Pennsylvania

When Pittsburgh residents watch the evening news, it can often seem as though they are in danger from any number of threats. In reality, however, individuals are typically far more likely to be injured from more common causes, including a car accident that occurs during a simple drive to work, school or the grocery store.

At the same time, the risks for some motorists may be higher than others. For instance, a motorcyclist and his wife were recently killed after another driver on the road lost control of his car while rounding a curve. The car slid sideways, crossed lanes and struck the motorcycle that was coming from the opposite direction. The motorcyclist was killed because of blunt force trauma, while his wife was later pronounced dead after being first airlifted to the hospital.

Accidents like the above are unfortunately common for motorcyclists, who are less protected and less visible on the roadway. Indeed, motorcyclists are about 26 times more likely to die in a crash, as compared to a person in an automobile.

While the risks may be greater for motorcyclists, the standards of care for drivers on the road remains the same. Motorists have a duty of care to everyone on the road, whether they are in an automobile, truck or motorcycle. A lawsuit involving an accident with each of these vehicles will turn on whether the driver was negligent, regardless of the specific type of vehicle involved in the crash.

This is also true after individuals are killed and a wrongful death lawsuit is commenced. If the other driver was negligent and caused the crash, the family members of the deceased may obtain an award of damages to compensate them for their loss.

Source: Penn Live, “Violent car vs. motorcycle crash leaves 3 dead in Pa.,” John Luciew, June 27, 2016