While no one died, at least three people were injured severely enough that emergency responders felt the need for helicopters to fly them quickly to local medical facilities for treatment. 12 to 15 other injured pedestrians were rushed to hospitals via ambulance soon after the incident. All other injured victims received first aid at the scene of the crash.
]]> Luckily a number of emergency personnel and paramedics were participants in the parade and were right there when the accident happened. The elderly motorist was described as male and a participant in the parade, with his 1997 Cadillac towards the rear of the group. The local police chief stated that it was believed that the man may have experienced a sudden medical problem while behind the wheel.His vehicle, which had been going very slowly, quickly sped up to approximately 25 mph and went onto a two lane bridge, hitting many people. The driver himself was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.
Observers estimated that the car traveled at least 100 feet through the crowd before finally coming to a stop. They also said that they observed a handicapped parking sticker on the vehicle. Parade participants banded together to lift the stopped car off of a woman who was pinned beneath it when it stopped.
The investigation into the causes of the accident is continuing. Those injured in the accident could pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver to recover medical expenses, lost income and compensation for pain and suffering.
Source: AJC.com, "Up to 60 injured after car drives into Va. parade" Debra McCown, May. 18, 2013
]]>The scene of these accidents is where there is a bend in the road. The road is only two lanes at that location, and it is described as exceedingly narrow, with the road lacking shoulder on either the left or right sides. The posted speed limit is 45 m.p.h., which may be alright for driving on the road when it is going straight, but some say the problem which gives rise to repeated accidents is that when a sudden bend in the road is encountered, it is then too late to slow down.
]]> Local authorities have recognized the problem and say that they are planning to widen two curves in the road. In the absence of doing that, however, they may have had a responsibility to post warning signs or take other measures to prevent further accidents that have taken the lives of innocent motorists or passengers.Their failure to take such measures in the face of a known problem foreseeably leading to further accidents, injuries, and deaths could be the basis for personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. The planned construction to remedy the problem will not even begin until January of next year, so it is entirely possible that yet more lives may be lost simply because no warning sign has been posted or the posted speed limit on the stretches of road near the curves has not been altered to encourage motorists to slow down when approaching the problem areas.
Source: WTKR.com, "Residents say Elbow Road is dangerous after man is killed in crash" Becca Mitchell and Gabriella Deluca, May. 08, 2013
]]>State police investigators stated that she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. As a result, she was flung from the car and suffered critical injuries. While emergency personnel rushed to the scene, they were not able to revive her. She was pronounced dead at the crash site.
]]> The high school senior was popular with her fellow students and in the community, and over 100 people attended a memorial service for her after her death, including family members, coworkers and fellow students, remembering her as friendly and dedicated to helping other. A minister who was a friend of the family praised her for making a difference in the lives of many others.The exact causes of the accident are not yet known. In some other instances in which motorists or their passengers have been injured or killed in vehicle rollovers, there have been mechanical defects in the vehicles involved or design defects in the vehicles themselves, making them highly susceptible to rollovers. In other cases, erratic driving by other motorists has caused a driver to veer off the highway and subsequently rollover. In some instances, injured persons or the family of deceased persons involved in such accidents may have personal injury, wrongful death, or products liability lawsuits or insurance claims that they can pursue. Following such accidents, they should promptly consult an attorney.
Source: DailyPress.com, "Mathews High senior remembered through her hugs and smiles" Eric Gillard, Apr. 23, 2013
]]>The car accident has given way to a feel--good story in the town, where men and women from around the country are offering their financial support and words of encouragement for the families of two men — ages 19 and 18 — that were involved in a single--vehicle accident.
]]> Back in March, the two young men were riding in an SUV along Hankey Mountain Road in Churchville, Virginia. The 19—year--old man was behind the wheel at the time. The driver suddenly swerved piloting the vehicle off the road.Due to the vehicle’s momentum, the SUV flipped over twice. Media reports stated that even though the two men were wearing their seat belts, the driver was ejected. Both men suffered serious injuries and were brought to the University of Virginia Medical center to receive treatment.
The driver was put into a coma to allow his severe brain swelling to go down. He was in the coma for a matter of weeks before doctors lifted him out of it. Still, he has not shown much improvement, according to one of the victim’s family members.
The passenger has been released after suffering a number of broken bones. He also broke his back. One of his family members said that he has a long road to a full recovery.
No criminal charges were filed in the case. While it might not seem very sensitive, it is important to look at what caused the crash. If the driver was negligent, he could be held accountable in civil court, even though he was also injured. His passenger suffered life--changing injuries at his hands.
Source: newsleader.com, "Teen still in hospital after car accident" Megan Williams, Apr. 26, 2013
]]>A Glen Allen woman lost her daughter, age 2, to this type of car accident in 2005. A contractor's truck backed over the girl in the family's own driveway. The devastated woman vowed to press lawmakers to make a change that would ensure this does not happen to other families in the future.
]]> Since 2008 alone, 1,000 people have died as a result of backover accidents while a staggering 70,000 have been injured by them.With the introduction of the Transportation Safety Act in 2008, it appeared that the United States Department of Transportation was going to take action to address this serious concern. The act said that US DOT would introduce standards addressing blind spots for drivers who could not see behind them while they are backing up. Sadly, the standards have still not been set, thus, we continue to see heartbreaking accidents unfold.
Part of the delay stems from the cost that is tied in with equipping vehicles to eliminate this blind spot. This is most effectively achieved via back-up cameras, which would tack on $200 to the price of a new vehicle.
The local woman is fed up with waiting and she is bringing her fight to our nation's capitol. She is asking why it's taking lawmakers so long and pointing out that the extra costs are worth it as long as they save lives.
Backover accidents can be a result of driver negligence, especially when the driver is not paying attention. These negligent drivers can be the subject of a civil lawsuit used to recuperate money for medical bills and general pain and suffering.
Source: WTVR.com, "Glen Allen mother pleads with lawmakers to help prevent backover accidents," Jerrita Patterson, April 11, 2013
]]>Still, these drivers can present a hazard out on the roadways, sparking accidents that could cause a fellow motorist's wrongful death.
]]> This may have been the case in a devastating car accident that played out just recently in the Richmond area. A 70-year man from Richmond caused an accident that claimed both his own life and the lives of four other individuals.The elderly man was driving a 2006 Honda Ridgeline on Interstate 85; only, he was heading the opposite direction of the flow of traffic. This error behind the wheel caused him to collide head-on with a 2011 Toyota Corolla, which was carrying four individuals.
Reports following the crash revealed that the man had a documented history of insomnia and he was also a dialysis patient. The man's neighbor speculated that he was heading home during those early morning hours when he got turned around and caused the crash, although, police reports did not confirm what they believe caused the accident. The man's driving record was nearly spotless. He was cited for failure-to-yield two years ago.
Family of the four victims are now left to seek compensation for their devastating loss from anyone who might be considered negligent in the matter. The family could sue the man's estate; his actions that night sparked the accident. Competent legal help in a civil court will help the families of the victims determine whom to name in a civil suit.
Source: WTVR.com, "Driver who caused 5-fatality crash had health, sleeping problems, neighbor said," Mark Holmberg, April 4, 2013
]]>The study was featured in the monthly periodical Accident Analysis and Prevention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deaths as a result of car accidents would plummet by about 45 percent if every driver and front-seat passenger utilized their seatbelts when riding in the car. The statistics also revealed that 15 percent of drivers and front-seat passengers do not buckle.
]]> A researcher at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute pondered the reasoning why so many people forgo buckling their seatbelts when it has proven to save lives, thus leading to the study.The study equipped 100 vehicles in Virginia and Washington D.C. with sensors to determine driver behavior. The year-long study monitored 108 primary drivers and 299 secondary drivers on more than 150,000 trips in the car. This was all paired with in-depth information on each one of the drivers and secondary drivers.
The study showed that drivers wore their seatbelt 72.7 percent of the time during trips where the average speed was 30 mph. This average speed indicated that the trip was likely a short one where a driver navigated around town, perhaps on a brief errand. When the average speed of the trip moved to 50 mph, belts were utilized 80 percent of the time.
This proves that drivers are more liberal with their seatbelt use when venturing on short journeys. However, negligent drivers can strike at any time. Seatbelts are an important precaution to take.
Drivers who have been injured at the hands of other motorists do not have to take on massive medical bills alone. They can file a civil lawsuit against the negligent party to recover such expenses.
Source: News Medical, "Virginia Tech study suggest convenience factor affects belt use while driving," March 27, 2013
]]>The accident occurred while the man was on Spring Break, vacationing back at his home in the northern portion of the state. Police reported that the man's behavior turned negligent when he decided to accelerate his vehicle, reaching speeds of roughly 90 mph during the very early morning hours one day.
]]> He commanded the vehicle over the Key Bridge at the high rate of speed before the front driver's side wheel of his car hit the curb and forced the car to spiral out of control. The gruesome accident saw the man's car flip over three times. When it came to rest, it was upside down.Two members of the Virginia Department of Transportation caught a glimpse of the accident and phoned authorities. First responders rushed to the scene where they tended to both the driver and his passengers -- one of which had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
The driver of the car was pronounced dead on the scene, apparently from a blow to his head. The other two sustained serious injuries, but survived.
One of the driver's friends said that he was surprised the man exhibited such reckless behavior. Police tested the driver for drug or alcohol use, but results are not expected for many weeks yet.
The injured victims in the case might consider filing a civil lawsuit, even though the negligent driver did not survive. Personal injury lawyers are ideal in helping clients determine who they should direct such suits at in order to recover compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
Source: Collegiate Times, "Tech student dies in car crash over break," Mallory Noe-Payne, March 18, 2013
]]>Unfortunately, the standout player did not get to participate; her wrongful death occurred when the vehicle she was riding in was involved in the crash.
]]> The Virginia State Police explained that the girl was riding in the back seat of a 2008 Nissan Sentra when the accident occurred. The Sentra's driver was maneuvering the vehicle in the car-pool lane of the highway. Two vehicles were also in the lane ahead of the driver. Those vehicles were stopped and trying to merge on to the highway.Instead of stopping for these vehicles, the driver of the Sentra plowed into the back of one of them. The force of the impact caused that vehicle to hit the one in front of it. The 18-year-old victim was wearing her seatbelt during the accident, but still did not survive the crash. There were no other casualities in the incident.
The 52-year-old woman driving the vehicle was hit with reckless driving charges as a result. Media reports did not specify how many other people were in the vehicle or if the driver and the victim were related in any way.
The teen's soccer team was so overcome with grief that they opted not to compete in the soccer tournament.
By police and media accounts, the driver of the Sentra was considered negligent in the accident. The teen's family could opt to file civil charges against the woman. They could be in line for compensation for their pain and suffering, in addition to medical and funeral costs.
Source: NBC12.com, "Local soccer players mourn loss of soccer standout," Jessica Jaglois, March 15, 2013
]]>The potential civil charges stem from a pedestrian accident that involved the man and an SUV. The man was walking near the intersection of Hungary Road and Fairlake Lane when he was struck by the SUV.
]]> Media reports stated that the man was one of two people trying to cross the road at the intersection. The other individual made it across the street safely. The victim was sent to the hospital with what proved to be fatal injuries.The loud sounds of the crash caught the attention of neighbors that lived in the area, sending them out into the street to investigate. One nearby resident said that when she approached the scene, she could easily tell the man was severely injured.
Media reports did not offer a description of the SUV's driver other than the fact he was a male. After striking the pedestrian, the man reportedly crashed into a nearby fence. He was transported to the hospital to be treated for superficial injuries.
After a preliminary investigation, police do not believe speed was a factor. They have not announced whether alcohol could have played a role in the crash.
Meanwhile, residents in the area admitted the stretch of road is very hazardous and that traffic lights are very much needed.
It does not matter that the driver was not charged criminally in the matter. Criminal and civil law are two totally separate arenas. The man's negligence still could be proven in a civil court, granting the victim's family compensation for the pain and suffering they are no doubt experiencing.
Source: NBC12.com, "Pedestrian dies after being struck by SUV in West End," Ashley Monfort, March 11, 2013
]]>The driverless race car rolled across the median and came to a stop in the northbound traffic lanes. The sudden obstacle set off a chain reaction - a truck accident followed by an 18-wheeler accident and two additional crashes involving cars.
]]> A Mitsubishi truck was the first to slam almost head on into the race car. The occupants of the pickup, a Smyth County man and woman, were flown from the accident scene with severe injuries.A 39-year-old Fed-Ex driver managed to steer his 18-wheeler away from the Mustang by turning toward a ditch. During the evasive maneuver, the rear of the tractor-trailer crashed into the wrecked Mitsubishi.
A third and fourth car struck the Mustang. One vehicle was driven by a 27-year-old Dan woman. A second car was operated by a 56-year-old Wytheville man. The Fed-Ex worker and two car drivers were not hurt seriously.
Reports failed to mention how the car broke free from the trailer.
An accident investigation could result in further criminal charges. The race car hauler and possibly a third-party responsible for loading the Mustang could be named in personal injury lawsuits initiated by the victims of the crash.
Medical expenses from the time of an injury accident through a victim's recovery add up quickly. A person injured by a negligent driver may not be fit to return to work for an extended period. A family's economic and emotional stability could be threatened.
Accident victims have the right to pursue damages for harm caused by someone else's carelessness. Damage claims must be filed in a timely manner, which is why experts suggest contacting an attorney as promptly as possible following an accident.
Source: tricities.com, "Two injured in five-car crash on I-81 near Chilhowie," Kevin Castle, March 2, 2013
]]>The chain of events that led to this man's death began when officers were called to a home in the 4800 block of Tapestry Drive on a report of a domestic situation. An officer went to the home and spoke with a man there and then reported that the man sped away down Roberts Road.
]]> Evidently, the man then turned onto Little River Turnpike and began heading the wrong way into traffic.The officer involved in the crash was responding to the first officer who had reported to the apparent domestic situation. He was westbound on Little River Turnpike around the I-495 overpass when he struck the motorist.
The 40-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer suffered "numerous injuries" and had to be extricated from his squad car, which was severely damaged in the crash. At last report, the officer was in stable condition at a local hospital.
One thing we noticed about this story is that given what we know about the apparent domestic situation and the reports that the now-deceased man "sped away," it seems heightened emotions were involved. Because we work with people who are injured in car accidents, we are all too familiar with situations in which inflamed passions lead to irresponsible choices or dangerous situations. We wish there were something you could do to proactively protect yourself from drivers in such emotional states, but unforunately, there is not.
We extend our sympathies to the family of the deceased man and wish the officer all the best with his recuperation.
Source: The Fairfax County Times, "One dead after fatal head-on crash with police cruiser," March 1, 2013
For further information, you are welcome to visit our Car Accidents page.
]]>While many negligent drivers have been cited for such offenses in the past after causing an accident, this case was unique. The woman charged in the single-car accident, which sent the vehicle's other four occupants to the hospital, was not driving - she was a passenger in the back seat
]]> Prosecutors determined that the woman, who was believed to be intoxicated as she sat in the backseat, reached up and grabbed the wheel from the driver. Her actions caused the vehicle to run off the Virginia 24. The vehicle overturned as a result.An assistant county prosecutor pointed out that if a person is drunk and takes control of a vehicle in any form - as they believe the woman did - that person is technically driving under the influence of alcohol.
Authorities that investigated the accident conducted an interview with the passenger that was seated in the front seat. The woman told them that the backseat passenger made several attempts to grab the wheel and when she finally did, it caused the accident.
One of the passengers in the vehicle suffered what police labeled life-threatening injuries. The intoxicated "driver" also went to the hospital to receive treatment and was reportedly verbally abusive while there.
To make matters worse for the woman, her license was already suspended, so she was also charged with driving on a suspended license.
The woman's hasty actions caused a serious car accident and brought injuries to four other women. The criminal charges show that police believe she was negligent in the matter. This could work in favor of the victims, who now have the option of holding the woman accountable in civil court to secure compensation for their medical bills and pain and suffering.
Source: Roanoke.com, "Passenger who caused crash in Bedford County now faces DUI, other charges," Neil Harvey, Feb. 21, 2013
]]>However, in this case, where a woman was struck on her bike, authorities believe that they have the man responsible. The 31-year-old old man recently appeared in court.
]]> During the course of the trial, the jury was presented with testimony by everyone from forensic experts and a medical examiner, to a woman who was with the man on a date the night of the crash.The medical examiner showed the jury some of the woman's autopsy photos to illustrate the extent of her injuries. The medical examiner determined that she died from blunt force trauma. Evidence linking the man to the accident included an impression of the woman's bike on the spoiler of the man's vehicle.
The man contends that immediately following the crash, he thought he had hit and deer and continued on. The next day, it dawned on him that he hit the woman. Testimony indicated that the man told his father what he believed he had done at noon on the next day. Further testimony stated that it took him four hours longer to notify authorities.
The man had been out on a date that night. His date indicated that he consumed a glass-and-a-half of red wine at a restaurant and wait staff testified that he did not appear intoxicated following the meal. He struck the woman as he headed down River Road that evening.
The man seems to be admitting guilt in the accident, but is fighting the notion that he knowingly drove away without administering care. Regardless how the criminal case turns out, the victim's family could take the man to civil court and pursue compensation from him for the accident.
Source: NBC12.com, "Hit and Run trial: Webb testifies about night of crash," Ashley Monfort, Feb. 12, 2013
]]>The accident played out near Kernstown, Va., along I-81. A 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee had come to a stop due to traffic that was backed up in front of it. A tractor-trailer was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear of the Jeep. The vehicle went up in flames and claimed the lives of two individuals inside.
]]> The truck driver was charged with reckless driving and operating a vehicle with faulty brakes. Still, he might not have been the only culprit in the deadly crash.A woman that witnessed the crash was unable to do anything to save the victims. However, her father managed to pull one of the survivors out from the wreckage. Now the woman is taking action in the form of circulating a petition that asks government officials to remove Jeep Grand Cherokees made between 1993 and 2004 off the road for good.
The woman points out that the vehicles from this era are equipped with a plastic gas tank behind the rear bumper. Such placement makes them especially prone to deadly fires when struck from behind.
Through the woman's research, she discovered that the gas tank could explode upon impact as low as 40 mph. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety has been investigating the safety of these vehicles for the last three years, but has not taken any form of action.
Hard evidence has pointed to the dangers of these vehicles. With such legal ammunition, victims of crashes such as the recent one can pursue legal action against a negligent automaker in civil court.
Source: NVDaily, "Crash survivor petitioning for Jeep recall," Joe Beck, Jan. 24, 2013
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