Available 
PITTSBURGH, Allegheny County, Pa., Sept. 20, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries on Saturday afternoon, September 19, after colliding with a vehicle that was reportedly making an illegal U-turn near Station Square in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said crews were called to West Carson Street near Station Square around 3:45 p.m. A man riding a motorcycle reportedly struck a vehicle in the middle of an illegal U-turn.
Medics took the motorcyclist to a hospital with injuries described as serious. His current condition has not been released.
The driver of the other vehicle, an SUV, remained at the scene and is expected to be cited in connection with the crash, officials said. The SUV was later towed from the area, and the motorcycle was left lying near the roadway, according to witnesses on scene.
No further details have been released. The incident remains under investigation by Pittsburgh police.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
When U-Turn and Turning Crashes Put Motorcyclists at Risk
Turning crashes involving motorcycles tend to cluster around ordinary daytime driving, not just nighttime hours. Mid-afternoon and early evening, when traffic is heavier and drivers are making more turns and lane changes, are common windows for these collisions. A U-turn or left turn across traffic asks a driver to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles in a split second, and a motorcycle's narrower profile makes that judgment harder to get right.
Weekends add another layer. More riders are on the road for recreation, and traffic patterns near commercial or entertainment areas, like a business district or riverfront corridor, shift throughout the day. Drivers making sudden turns in and out of parking areas or making U-turns to correct a missed turn are a recurring factor in these crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Turning and crossing-path collisions, where another vehicle turns into or across a motorcycle's path, remain one of the most common ways these crashes happen, regardless of time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles?
Drivers should check twice before turning or changing lanes, since a motorcycle's smaller size can make it harder to judge its speed and distance. A quick second glance at mirrors and blind spots before any turn can make a real difference.
What should a rider do after a motorcycle crash?
If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or fractures, aren't obvious right away. Getting contact information from witnesses and documenting the scene can also help later.
Are motorcycle crashes more common at intersections and turns?
Yes. A large share of motorcycle collisions with other vehicles happen when a car or truck turns across a rider's path, usually because the driver didn't see the motorcycle or misjudged its speed.
How does road surface affect motorcycle safety?
Motorcycles have less contact with the road than cars, so wet pavement, gravel, or uneven surfaces affect braking and stability more. Riders frequently need extra following distance and slower speeds in poor conditions.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Pittsburgh, PA
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash in Pittsburgh, get to a safe spot and call 911 right away. Even if you feel able to walk or move around, ask for a medical evaluation at the scene or head to an emergency room soon after. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures, road rash, or head injuries in the first hours.
Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, and if there were witnesses, get their names and contact information before they leave. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and anything else relevant if you're able to safely. Keep records of any medical visits, and follow up with your doctor if new symptoms appear in the days after the crash.
