Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents: Lengthy prion term imposed

As the weather warms up, many motorcyclists take to the streets to enjoy a peaceful ride, as Pennsylvania offers beautiful scenic routes. But operating a motorcycle comes with reservations for many, including the lack of security that a car would provide. With more motorists on the road with even more distractions to take their eyes from the road, motorcycle accidents are an all-too-common occurrence. With warmer weather making its debut, social interactions involving alcohol make the road an even deadlier place for bike riders.

Around 8:30 p.m. one night last May, a 28-year-old man was driving his pickup truck near his home. When he made a left-hand turn to enter his driveway, he struck a motorcycle heading eastbound. The driver of the motorcycle, a 48-year-old off-duty police officer, was killed upon impact.

Authorities report that the driver of the pickup was operating a vehicle on a suspended license and had a blood alcohol level of .18, which roughly twice the legal limit. A neighbor who witnessed the crash allowed police access to his security cameras. Investigators reported that the driver did not utilize his turn signal. He was recently sentenced to state prison for a term of from 6 and 1/2 to 22 and 3/4 years.

A motorcycle accident can be especially difficult to survive. Many motorcycle accidents are the fault of a negligent driver of another vehicle. Victims of such accidents, including the surviving families of deceased victims, may be entitled to legal recourse. Seeking the counsel of a Pennsylvania attorney can help those affected seek compensation to help cover medical costs and/or final expenses, along with other financial losses recognized by law. 

Source: NBC Philadelphia, “DUI Driver Who Struck, Killed Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced“, David Chang, March 6, 2018