Archive for the ‘ Auto Accident ’ Category

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1
Feb

Fatal Car Crash Caused by Texting While Driving

February 1, 2012

Two friends were killed in a tragic accident along the Chippenham Parkway in Richmond, Virginia, Saturday afternoon. According to reports from CBS 6 News, the accident happened while the 27-year-old driver of the vehicle was speeding and texting while driving.

The accident happened at 4:35 PM as the driver was traveling north along the highway with a 22-year-old passenger. Right after the Stony Point exit, the driver was texting when she veered the vehicle across and over the center median and into southbound traffic where she collided with another car head-on. Both the driver and her passenger were declared dead at the scene.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was seriously injured, but was taken to VCU Medical Center, where he remains in serious by stable condition. Officers are still investigating the crash.

Legislation is currently before the Virginia General Assembly that would make texting and driving a primary offense–meaning the act would be enough for an officer to pull over and cite a driver. The law only makes texting and driving an offense now if officers catch the driver committing another crime while behind the wheel.

The Virginia car accident lawyers with Geoff McDonald and Associates ask motorists not to wait for legislation to pass to stop the dangerous behavior of texting and driving. Instead, choose not to use your phone while driving. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, contact an experienced attorney today.

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25
Jan

Richmond Valet Driver Charged With Death Of Pedestrian

January 25, 2012

The valet driver who hit and killed a woman in October of last year as finally been charged in connection with the accident. According to Channel 12 News, the driver was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month.

The accident happened on a brisk fall evening near the intersection of 5th and Broad Streets in Downtown Richmond, Virginia. The 23-year-old victim and her husband were walking on the sidewalk near the Hilton Garden Inn when the young driver hit the couple as they attempted to cross a street at a crosswalk. The young woman was taken to VCU Medical Center, where she died a short time later.

The 26-year-old valet driver could face up to 20 years in prison and a five-year license suspension if convicted of the crime.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 4,092 pedestrian lives were lost and 59,000 injuries occurred in 2009, with a majority of these fatal pedestrian accidents happening at intersections with crosswalks.

While the number of pedestrian fatalities may be on a slow but steady decline, the Virginia auto accident lawyers with Geoff McDonald and Associates ask that pedestrians and motorists be cautious of one another and become educated on pedestrian safety. If you have been injured by a motorist at no fault of your own, contact an experienced attorney today.

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28
Dec

Virginia Driver Arrested After Texting And Crashing

December 28, 2011

A driver was arrested on charges of reckless driving and drug possession in Henrico, Virginia, after driving his truck into a utility pole. According to CBS 6 News, the man admitted to officers he was texting at the time of the crash.

The accident occurred last Saturday at the intersection of West Nine Mile Road and Bridge Street. A search of the vehicle by police uncovered drugs in the car. The man was subsequently charged with reckless driving for texting while behind the wheel and possession of marijuana.

Although the driver was not hurt, the accident serves as a lesson to others of the dangers that distracted driving poses.

Researchers with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have found that cell phone use while driving is directly correlated with distracted driving fatalities in our country.

The Virginia auto accident attorneys with Geoff McDonald and Associates encourage drivers to put the phones down while behind the wheel of the car. If you have been injured by a distracted driving accident, contact an experienced attorney today to get the help you need.

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21
Dec

Virginia Toddler Expected To Recover After Being Hit By SUV

December 21, 2011

A 2-year-old Richmond, Virginia, toddler isn’t expected to suffer any permanent injuries after being hit by an SUV in the driveway of a home. Channel 12 News reported yesterday that the accident occurred at around 2:00 in the afternoon Tuesday on Powell Road in South Richmond.

The Richmond Police Department has not released many details regarding the case, but has confirmed that the child was hit, and not run over, in a driveway. The child was taken to the VCU Medical Center to receive treatment. The toddler, whose third birthday is less than a week away, was last listed in good condition and is expected to make a full recovery soon.

Police say their investigation continues, as they look to find out how far the vehicle rolled before the accident occurred and who was driving the SUV, in order to determine fault in the case.

According to KidsandCars.org, a non-profit organization aimed at ending accidents involving children and motor vehicles, 136 children died nationwide last year in similar accidents, 15 of which occurred in Virginia. That number was even higher in 2009 with 175 deaths.

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to be vigilant of your surroundings at all times when behind the wheel. Another important step is double-checking your mirrors before backing out. Many of the back-over accidents that occur are preventable if a driver simply looks twice before moving a vehicle.

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7
Dec

Deputy And Another Man Injured In Head-On Collision

December7, 2011

A Sussex County Sheriff’s Deputy and another man were injured following a head-on collision this morning. According to CBS 6 News, the crash occurred while the deputy was responding to a crash involving two tractor-trailers on I-95.

Investigators stated that the trooper had his lights on as he sped down Route 40 to the scene of the tractor-trailer crash. Virginia State Police Sergeant Michelle Anaya stated the deputy lost control of his vehicle. The squad car went off the road and the deputy over-corrected, causing him to collide head-on with a blue sedan. Both the deputy and the other victim were unresponsive when they arrived. Paramedics quickly called in a Med-Flight helicopter to transport both victims to local hospitals for treatment.

The Deputy remains in serious but stable condition this afternoon. The condition of the other victim has not been released. The accident remains under investigation by state police.

Specific injuries a victim can sustain in head-on collisions include:

  • Brain Injury
  • Broken Bones
  • Burns
  • Death
  • Head Injury
  • Lacerations and Bruises
  • Spinal Cord Injuries, including Paralysis
  • Whiplash

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates have experience handling cases for victims who were hurt in accidents at no fault of their own. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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23
Nov

Richmond Woman And Daughter Killed In Chesterfield Car Crash

November 23, 2011

A Richmond, Virginia, woman and her daughter died after being involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer Saturday morning. CBS 6 News reported Sunday that accident happened at 10:20 AM on Chippenham Parkway, just before Jeff Davis Highway.

Virginia State Police say that the 29-year-old driver of a 2000 Lexus SUV was heading north along the highway with her 7-year-old daughter and 11-month-old son. For an unknown reason, the woman did not react to the slowing truck in front of her and plowed into the rear of the box truck. Although the woman was buckled in at the time of the crash, she died at the scene with her daughter, who was not buckled when the accident occurred. The woman’s infant son was properly restrained in a car seat, but was taken to Chippenham Medical Center to be treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Neither the driver nor the passenger of the box truck was injured in the crash.

Investigators are hoping to speak with individuals who may have witnessed the accident in order to gain a better understanding of what happened.

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates handle cases for injured car accident victims. If you have been hut in a crash, contact us today by filling out a free online consultation form.

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16
Nov

Toddler Hit By Car In Virginia Shoney’s Parking Lot

November 16, 2011

An employee at a Shoney’s restaurant in Henrico, Virginia, may have saved a toddler’s life on Monday night after a car hit the boy. According to CBS 6 News, the accident happened around 8:45 PM as the 3-year-old and his mother, who is five months pregnant, were walking into the restaurant.

The boy apparently got away from the mother as they were walking into the building and darted into the busy parking lot. The mother attempted to grab the young boy and pull him out of harms way from an oncoming car, but the two were struck. Luckily, an employee who was just getting off their shift who had EMT training saw the incident happen and came to the rescue.

Witnesses say the woman stabilized the boy until paramedics could arrive. The mother and her unborn child only suffered minor injuries and did not need medical attention. The young boy was taken to the VCU Medical Center to receive treatment for head injuries. He is still there listed under serious but stable condition.

Although the Shoney’s employee did a noble thing by helping in this situation, most legal professionals would urge someone not to help unless licensed to do so, as getting involved puts you at risk or fault if something goes wrong.

Accidents like these can cost thousands of dollars and your insurance company may not be willing to pay for it. If you find yourself stuck in a similar situation, contact the Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates for a free consultation of your case.

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26
Oct

Woman Hits Steel Beam on Interstate After VDOT Wall Collapses

October 26, 2011

A woman was injured last week in Richmond, Virginia, after her car struck a steel beam that was part of a temporary wall being used during construction of a bridge along Interstate 95. According to CBS 6 News, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is blaming the accident on a human error as well as a possible mechanical error.

Reports say the accident happened on October 19, at 3:00 in the afternoon as the 53-year-old victim was driving her Mitsubishi SUV southbound along the interstate. For a reason that has not been released yet, the wall gave way, sending a beam pummeling across the southbound lanes of the highway and blocking traffic. The woman did not have time to respond and hit the beam head-on, sending her car into the wall. Luckily, the woman only suffered minor injuries and was taken to VCU Medical Center for treatment.

Construction stopped at the site while VDOT, Police, and the contractor each conducted an investigation into the accident and to determine what steps can be taken to prevent an accident like this form occurring again. Investigations are expected to be completed by next week.

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates often handle cases involving auto accidents. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an accident, contact Geoff McDonald & Associates for a free initial consultation today.

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19
Oct

Richmond Cyclist Hit By Minivan

October 19, 2011

A cyclist was struck by a minivan Tuesday morning in Richmond, Virginia on her way to the Occupy Richmond protest. According to CBS 6 News, the accident happened mid-morning on 8th Street, between Canal and Cary Streets.

Reports say the female cyclist was riding near Kanawha Plaza to participate in the Occupy Richmond protest. A tan minivan struck her and sent her to the asphalt where she lay until paramedics arrived. The victim was only able to move an arm as she was loaded into the ambulance to be taken to a local hospital to be checked for injuries. The driver of the minivan was uninjured in the accident.

Investigators are still working to determine fault in the accident, but reports show that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. This could have proved deadly as the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of injury and fatality.

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates urge cyclists to do their part in maaking roads safer by wearing proper safety gear and obeying traffic laws. If you have been the victim of a cyclist accident, contact our attorneys for a free initial consultation to answer any questions you might have regarding your case.

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12
Oct

One Marine Killed And Two Others Injured While Training

October 11, 2011

A Marine was killed and two others were injured when a vehicle struck them while they were training along a road in Yorktown, Virginia. According to Channel 12 News, the accident happened on Halstead Road outside the Naval Weapons Station where the men were posted.

It happened 6:45 Tuesday morning as the daylight just began to break over the horizon. The men were running in formation as part of routine morning training, when a vehicle plowed through their ranks. One Marine sustained life-threatening injuries and rescuers attempted to airlift the soldier to Norfolk General Hospital; however, he coded in the helicopter and was taken to Mary Immaculate Hospital instead, where he was declared dead just after 8:00 AM. The other two injured Marines were taken to Riverside Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia, where they were treated and released.

The Marines were part of the 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Security Force Regiment. A spokesman for the Marines stated that all the soldiers were wearing reflective clothing at the time of the accident.

The Virginia Auto Accident Attorneys with Geoff McDonald & Associates understand the difficulty in handling the details of such an accident. That is why they urge anyone who has been injured by a vehicle at no fault of their own contact them for a free evaluation of your case.

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