Bethlehem, PA (June 13, 2026) – A three-vehicle collision on Daly Avenue near the Wind Creek casino left two people dead and another hospitalized on Friday evening, June 12.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders discovered a crash involving two motorcycles and an electric bicycle. Despite the life-saving efforts of emergency personnel, the local coroner was called to the scene and confirmed that both motorcyclists had sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
The operator of the e-bike was stabilized on-site before being rushed by ambulance to a regional trauma center with severe physical injuries.
The Bethlehem Police Department is leading the investigation.
Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the two people who lost their lives, and we hope that the injured rider makes a full recovery.
How Do Liability Laws Apply to an Accident Involving Motorcycles and E-Bikes in Pennsylvania?
Liability laws in Pennsylvania regarding accidents involving motorcycles and e-bikes dictate that the party whose negligent behavior caused the collision is legally responsible for all resulting injuries and wrongful death damages.
Because Pennsylvania utilizes a modified comparative negligence system, investigators must evaluate the actions of each operator involved to assign a specific percentage of fault. However, unlike traditional auto accidents, motorcycles are exempt from the state’s choice no-fault insurance legislation.
This exemption means injured riders or their surviving estates can immediately pursue full compensation for pain and suffering from a negligent driver without first needing to meet a specific medical tort threshold.
Establishing this direct liability is critical because collisions involving open-frame vehicles like motorcycles and electric bicycles are uniquely catastrophic. Lacking structural enclosures or crumple zones, riders are frequently ejected onto the asphalt at significant speeds, sustaining fatal trauma, severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, or internal organ damage.
Consequently, beyond the immediate physical emergency, surviving victims and grieving families are instantly forced to navigate overwhelming medical invoices and sudden funeral arrangements.
Determining fault is further complicated by the interaction of multiple insurance lines in a three-vehicle crash involving both motorized and low-speed electric vehicles. For instance, adjusters will scrutinize whether the e-bike is classified as a pedal-assist or a high-speed throttle model under Pennsylvania law, as this status dictates the traffic regulations the operator has to follow.
To counter this regulatory confusion and prevent insurers from shifting blame to minimize their financial exposure, a victim or their estate must secure definitive physical evidence, including onboard vehicle data, toxicology reports, and independent witness statements.
Piecing together this evidence while managing grief and physical pain can be impossible for a family alone, which is why an attorney can provide crucial assistance. A personal injury lawyer can seamlessly manage the complex intersection between probate court requirements for the deceased and the injury claims of the survivor, ensuring no procedural deadlines are missed.
Ultimately, this proactive legal guidance protects your family’s rights by immediately issuing preservation notices for nearby commercial surveillance footage of the impact. By handling all communication with insurance adjusters and building a robust case, an attorney shields your family from external stress so you can focus entirely on emotional and physical recovery.
At Edelstein Martin & Nelson, we help families across Pennsylvania after fatal motorcycle crashes and other serious accidents. Our team can investigate the wreck, gather key records, and guide you through each step with clarity.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in Pennsylvania, you can call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (888) 630-4409 for a free conversation about your legal options. Our team is ready to help you understand what comes next and protect your family’s rights.