Sadly there do not seem to be a shortage of stories about motorcycle accidents that result in death. These fatal accidents take place throughout all of Pennsylvania including the Pittsburgh area. While these accidents often involve only the motorcycle and no other motor vehicles, this is not always the case.

A man riding his motorcycle on Route 51 earlier this week, died when he was involved in a collision with another vehicle. According to the police, the accident, which took place in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, occurred when a vehicle, heading the opposite direction, turned in front of the motorcycle while trying to get to a gas station. The man riding the motorcycle died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Drivers of cars involved in motor vehicle accidents with motorcycles often claim to have not seen the much smaller vehicle. Perhaps not surprisingly, this was what the woman behind the wheel of the car that hit the motorcycle told police officers after the accident.

An investigation into the matter is currently underway including blood tests to determine if the woman in the car was under the influence of anything when the collision occurred. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, there is a good chance that the family of the motorcyclist that was killed will file a wrongful death lawsuit. Such lawsuits seek to recover monetary compensation from the party responsible for the accident. Though clearly not a substitute for the life of the person who has died, the money recovered in a successful wrongful death lawsuit often makes it easier for those left behind to move forward with their lives.

Source: msnbc, "Motorcyclist killed following crash in Perryopolis," May 23, 2012