Perhaps the biggest risk motorcyclists in Ohio and Pennsylvania face is that drivers of motor vehicles will fail to see them on the road. This is one of the most commonly cited reasons drivers give for hitting individuals riding motorcycles. It is apparently behind a motorcycle accident that occurred earlier this month in Highland Township.

According to police officers from Ridgway, the collision between the car and motorcycle occurred on state Route 66 where it intersects with SR 948. The incident occurred when the 29-year-old driver of a car who was on SR 948 attempted to turn left onto Route 66. Not seeing the motorcycle ridden by a 40-year-old man, he pulled his car out onto the road, into the path of the motorcycle which then ran into it.

The man on the motorcycle was seriously injured in the early evening crash. Accordingly, he was flown via helicopter to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The nature of his injuries is not known but they were characterized as "major."

Readers will probably not be surprised to hear that the occupants of the car that hit the motorcyclist were not hurt in the accident. While undoubtedly the fact they were wearing seatbelts contributed to that outcome, so too did the fact that they were incased inside a much larger steel vehicle.

The man who was driving the vehicle that pulled in front of the motorcycle will apparently be cited for summary violations. It is highly likely that he will also face a civil personal injury lawsuit from the motorcyclist. This would particularly be helpful if the injured man is facing a long road to recovery.

Source: Gant Daily, "Motorcycle Rider Flown with Major Injuries after Highland Township Accident," Aug. 20, 2012