Mounting Pennsylvania motorcycle deaths punctuated by devastating crash

On October 19, Pennsylvania experienced one of the worst motorcycle accidents in its history. During the early afternoon, four motorcyclists – a man and a woman each on two motorcycles – were traveling through south-central Pennsylvania when disaster struck. For reasons that are not yet clear, a northbound SUV crossed the center line and struck one of the motorcycles head-on.

Absorbing the impact, the SUV spun, putting it broadside to the second motorcycle. Unfortunately, it was too late for the operator of the second motorcycle to stop.

All four motorcyclists lost their lives. A passenger in the SUV was also killed. The driver of the SUV was hospitalized for injuries that were not life-threatening.

While a devastating motorcycle accident of this scale is rare in Pennsylvania, the October 19 crash may only be the latest tragic symptom of a growing problem.

Fatal Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents up by more than a third over last decade

Of course, statistics for 2013 are not in yet, but the year started deadly for motorcyclists in Pennsylvania, and the latest crash in the south-central portion of the state is yet another indicator of the mounting challenges motorcycle riders have faced on the road in recent years.

According to figures from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities within the state have increased by 35 percent since 2003. In 2012, 210 deaths resulted from motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania, up from 199 in 2011.

Nonfatal motorcycle injuries are also at relatively high levels. On average, in each of the last five years, more than 3,750 motorcyclists suffered an injury on Pennsylvania’s roads, accord to PennDOT data.

Recoup substantial costs of a motorcycle crash by contacting a personal injury attorney

A fatal accident can not only be devastating emotionally, but it can also leave the victim’s family in a tough spot financially. According to 2012 data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the financial toll of a typical motorcycle fatality can top $1.2 million when taking into account emergency medical services, additional medical expenses, and lost wages and productivity. Even if death does not result from a motorcycle accident, serious injury can create economic concerns of its own: according to the CDC, the average cost of medical bills and lost wages and productivity for a serious motorcycling injury is $172,000.

With the number of motorcycle deaths growing in Pennsylvania, the roads are not as safe as they once were for riders. If you have lost a loved one, or if you have been injured yourself, you may be entitled to compensation from those at fault for causing the crash (or their insurers).

The value of your claim may vary substantially from the CDC’s figures based on your unique circumstances, but between medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent physical impairments, the compensation you ultimately recover could be substantial. Talk to a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney today to explore your right to compensation.