A motorcyclist was injured this past weekend when he rode into the side of an Amtran bus. The incident occurred just before 1:00 p.m. on Juniata Gap Road. Though the 24-year-old was wearing a half helmet (also known as a shell), he was reportedly seriously hurt in the incident. Accordingly, he was eventually transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh to be treated.

It does not appear that anyone else was injured in the crash.

It is not exactly clear what happened to cause the motorcycle accident, but it appears that something led the motorcycle to run into the right side of the bus, hitting just behind the wheel. An investigation has been launched into the incident. As a part of that investigation, the scene was reconstructed.

When an accident involving a mass transit vehicle occurs, in addition to the investigation run by the police department, under the Federal Transit Authority guidelines, certain things have to be done. Accordingly, the General Manger of Amtran said the driver of the bus was tested for alcohol and drugs.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Amtran takes motor vehicle accidents seriously. It has a plan that it follows when they do occur. Even when alcohol and drugs are not found to have played a role a driver may still be disciplined. The discipline starts with written warnings and could lead to suspension. In the most serious situations a driver involved in an accident could be fired.

The investigation will likely reveal the missing pieces of the puzzle. In addition to determining potential consequences for the bus driver it could also determine if a personal injury lawsuit will be filed.

Source: The Altoona Mirror, "Crash leaves motorcyclist injured," Greg Bock and William Kibler, Sept. 15, 2012