A motorcycle driver was killed and a passenger badly injured after colliding with a FedEx van on Tuesday in Chadds Ford. Pennsylvania State Police said the pair was traveling north on Route 1 near Painters Crossing Condominiums when they were struck by a FedEx truck that turned into their path.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger was airlifted to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia with serious injuries. Officials said the FedEx driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing.
Drivers turning into the path of oncoming motorcycles are a common and leading cause of severe and often fatal crashes. Drivers frequently misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance when making a turn or fail to notice the motorcycle at all. When a vehicle suddenly pulls into a motorcycle’s path, the biker often has no time or space to avoid a crash, resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
In Pennsylvania, drivers turning left at intersections must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic, including motorcycles. Failing to do so can result in traffic citations and potential liability for damages when accidents occur. Drivers who cause accidents resulting in a fatality may face felony charges such as homicide by vehicle, which can carry significant penalties, including imprisonment, significant fines, and a lengthy license suspension.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can help. Call 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.