When a tractor-trailer is involved in an accident that also involves passenger vehicles or motorcycles, the consequences are typically devastating. Motorcycle accidents often leave victims with severe injuries. Two Pennsylvania bike riders were fortunate to survive an incident involving a tractor-trailer on a recent Tuesday morning.
A preliminary accident report indicates that the two bikers were traveling in York County on Interstate 83 when a tractor-trailer pulled onto the roadway, directly into their path. Reportedly, the truck was stationary on the shoulder before pulling onto the interstate without checking for approaching traffic. One motorcyclist managed to avoid the big-rig, but the other one’s bike went down, causing a 300-foot skid.
That 55-year-old motorcyclist was rushed to a hospital for treatment of injuries to his shoulder and chest. The driver of the tractor-trailer reportedly continued driving and is still at large. State police are investigating the accident, and they may learn more from surveillance footage that was provided by PennDOT. All that is currently known is a description of the big-rig.
Injured victims of motorcycle accidents that were caused by the negligence of other parties may pursue financial relief. However, in a case such as this one in which the identity of the truck driver is still unknown, legal action will have to wait until he or she is identified and the person’s whereabouts become known. At that time, a personal injury claim may be filed in a Pennsylvania civil court. Regardless of when such a lawsuit is filed, negligence on the part of the truck driver will have to be established before the court will consider awarding compensation for documented claims.
Source: wgal.com, “Tractor-trailer pulls into path of motorcycles, rider goes down, police say“, April 5, 2016