Local 21 News reported that tragedy struck in Cumberland County on Monday, May 8, 2023, when a 17-year-old rider was killed in a motorcycle accident. Pennsylvania State Police say the 1999 Kawasaki motorcycle crashed with a 2017 Kenworth truck tractor on the 3000 block of Ritner Highway in West Pennsboro Township.
Police reported that the motorcycle hit the trailer of the truck tractor as it pulled out of a driveway. The 17-year-old driver of the motorcycle was not identified and was killed in the crash. Fortunately, the tractor-trailer driver was not injured in the accident.
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the accident and the cause of the crash. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea is an experienced truck accident lawyer in Pennsylvania. Brian often represents injured victims or their surviving families for compensation after a truck accident. During a recent interview, he discussed when families could file a wrongful death claim for a truck accident.
"As an attorney who specializes in truck accidents, I understand that truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty of care when it comes to operating their vehicles on the road. That duty of care requires that they drive safely and obey all traffic laws, as well as make sure their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis.
When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to uphold their legal responsibility and an accident occurs, victims injured or killed in the accident may have legal recourse. Victims may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent driver or trucking company, seeking compensation for their losses. This could include payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition, those affected by a tractor-trailer accident may be able to pursue punitive damages in certain cases. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent driver or trucking company for their reckless conduct and are available in cases where the negligent party acted with gross negligence or malice.
Tractor-trailer accidents are serious matters that can have devastating consequences. It is important for victims to understand their legal rights and seek the proper legal representation in order to protect those rights and pursue justice."