When sport utility vehicles saw a meteoric rise in popularity in the 1990s, many buyers in Pennsylvania and across the country were attracted to them based on the belief that they were safer than smaller passenger cars. The larger the vehicle, the reasoning went, the more protection its occupants had in an accident. No longer would drivers have to worry about being crushed by the frame of a small car, because there was so much extra room on the inside — if not much room left in a driver’s wallet after filling up the gas tank.
That may be true in some cases, but the SUV has also has a few drawbacks when it comes to safety. No. 1, SUVs are more prone to roll-over accidents than other cars. No. 2, the heavier weight and higher bumpers of an SUV present more danger to other motorists. Motorcycles in particular don’t stand up very well to an SUV in a collision, as was tragically evidenced in a recent accident in York Township, Pennsylvania.
A 31-year-old motorcyclist driving south on a road in York was about to drive through an intersection last week when an SUV heading toward him suddenly made a left turn. With little to no time for the driver to react, the motorcycle slammed into the side of the SUV. Although he was wearing a helmet, the motorcyclist suffered multiple injuries that proved fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A sergeant with the regional police department said the motorcyclists’ speed may have been a factor in the fatal crash, but he also likely had the right of way if the SUV was turning.
Now the motorcyclist’s loved ones — including his fiancée, who was pregnant with the man’s second child — must find a way to survive without the Navy veteran, who was very physically active and loved motorcycle riding. As the investigation into the crash continues, the man’s family may want to explore their legal options. If the SUV driver is found to be at fault — even negligent — in the collision, they may be able to pursue compensation for his funeral and burial expenses and gain some financial relief for his fiancée and children.
Source: York Dispatch, “Coroner’s office releases name of motorcyclist killed in York Twp. crash,” Liz Evans Scolforo, Feb. 13, 2013
- Our firm works with Pennsylvania residents who have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident. To learn more about our practice, visit our Harrisburg motorcycle accident page.