Motor vehicle accidents always have the potential to be deadly. This is particularly true when one of the vehicles involved is a motorcycle. Even when dressed in protective clothing and wearing a helmet, a motorcycle rider is grossly exposed. Unlike a person encased in the steel frame of a car, there is virtually nothing to absorb the energy of a car crash except the rider. In addition, because there is nothing holding a rider to the bike, the motorcyclist can be thrown from the vehicle upon impact.

A man from Pittsburgh was killed after a collision with a SUV in Canton Township. The Washington County accident occurred over the past weekend as the man rode down Jefferson Avenue, also known as Route 844. The SUV was driving on the same road and apparently entered the path of motorcycle. It is unclear why the SUV moved into the motorcyclist's path.

The 55-year-old man riding the motorcycle died at the scene from his injuries. The coroner has determined the man's death was the result of an accident and thus far no charges have been filed against the driver of the SUV.

When someone dies because of the negligence of another person it can be unbelievably difficult for the loved ones the person left behind. While there is nothing that can be done to bring that person back, they may be able to seek compensation that could make it easier for the family to move forward. This is done by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in a civil court. An experienced attorney can help to guide one through the process.

Source: WTAE.com, "1 Dead After SUV, Motorcycle Collide," Oct. 9, 2011