Pennsylvania Turnpike Motorcycle Accident Leaves Biker With Serious Injuries

A recent accident on the PA Turnpike resulted in a motorcyclist being taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Drivers can help prevent motorcycle crashes by staying alert and taking other precautions.

What Happened on the Turnpike?

Around 5:30 p.m. on September 24, 2024, Pennsylvania State Troopers responded to a call for help on I-476. On the southbound side near mile marker 25.7, an injured motorcyclist laid on the roadway. 

The motorcyclist, a 52-year-old man, had crashed on the Turnpike. His motorcycle landed in the center lane of traffic while the motorcyclist was in the right lane. 

Emergency medical personnel treated the motorcyclist at the scene and then transported him to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. His injuries included a head injury, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. 

The crash closed multiple lanes of I-476 southbound for several hours during the evening of September 24 as emergency medical personnel worked to treat the motorcyclist. Police officers secured the scene to investigate the causes and events of the crash. 

Police are likely still investigating the crash, as they could not immediately ascertain its cause. 

Common Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcyclists share the roads with vehicles much larger and better protected than they are. While this freedom is part of the joy of riding a motorcycle, it also exposes drivers and riders to the risk of more serious injuries in a crash. 

Common injuries that can occur in PA motorcycle crashes include:

• Head and brain injuries. Damage to the skull, face, eyes, ears, brain, and other important and sensitive body parts can easily occur during a motorcycle crash. Even a mild concussion can cause weeks or months of symptoms; moderate and severe head injuries can cause permanent, serious disabilities.
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries. From the neck muscle strain commonly called “whiplash” to total spinal cord destruction, these injuries can be both expensive and difficult to treat. They can require surgery, and they can cause lifelong disabilities.
• Broken bones. Broken bones can occur when a motorcyclist “wipes out” on the roadway or has a limb struck or pinned during a crash. These injuries may require surgery to treat. Physical therapy and other treatments can help injured people recover various functions, but pain and scarring may persist for a lifetime.
• Amputations and crush injuries. Damage to skin, muscles, nerves, and other tissues can be so severe that a limb must be amputated to save the person’s life. In some crashes, the force of the crash tears a body part away. 
• Internal organ damage and other injuries. Internal injuries can be extremely dangerous because there may be little or no sign they’ve occurred. Organ damage and internal bleeding can permanently impair organ function or even be fatal.

Psychological injuries, like post-traumatic stress symptoms, are also common after a serious motorcycle accident. These injuries may disrupt one’s life, and they may also require professional medical treatment. 

Why Drivers Should Look In All Directions For Motorcyclists

Everyone who shares the road shares the responsibility of keeping the roads safe. Since many motorcycle accidents are caused by surrounding drivers instead of the bikers, drivers can and should take steps to raise their awareness and avoid a motorcycle crash. 

To keep yourself out of an accident and keep motorcyclists safer on the roads:

• Minimize blind spots. Adjust your vehicle’s mirrors to minimize blind spots around your vehicle. Small convex mirrors to help reduce blind spots can be purchased at many auto parts stores, and these can attach to your existing mirrors to provide additional views. Know where your vehicle’s blind spots are, and always check them before you shift lanes or make a move into that space.
• Eliminate distractions. Think of distractions as an infestation and stamp them out. Never use your phone while driving. Set the radio and GPS before you put the car in drive. Minimize situations in which you eat while driving. 
• Pay extra attention at intersections. Many motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, where bikers can be harder to see. Keep this fact in mind and scan intersections closely for motorcyclists before you proceed. 
• Respond to the weather. Rain, fog, snow, ice, and other inclement weather conditions make driving harder for everyone. They can make the roads especially challenging for motorcyclists. Slow down, use your headlights, and watch closely for any motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians who are also trying to travel in bad weather. 

If you’re injured on Pennsylvania roads, the team at MyPhillyLawyer can help. Reach out to us today to learn more.