On a recent Saturday afternoon, a trooper with the Virginia State Police pulled over a car on the eastbound side of Interstate 66. When the vehicle was originally stopped, the driver was asked to exit the vehicle and was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant issued by a police department in the area where the traffic stop had taken place. What happened next ended in a car accident involving three passenger vehicles.
During the stop, a passenger in the vehicle decided to get into the driver’s seat of the car and speed away. The driver exited the interstate once and merged back onto the highway, presumably in an attempt to evade police. As the vehicle continued eastward, traffic became heavier, and the vehicle slammed into the back of one vehicle, which went into a spin before coming to rest. The fleeing vehicle then hit a second vehicle.
Most of the injuries sustained by the occupants of the two vehicles that were struck were minor. However, one person suffered serious injuries. That victim’s current condition is unknown. The man who took over the fleeing vehicle was also in the hospital at last report. He remains in police custody on outstanding warrants from two Virginia counties.
Authorities indicate that charges in connection with this car accident are pending. Meanwhile, the seriously injured victim is likely amassing a substantial amount of medical bills; and those expenses could continue to rise, depending on his or her recovery needs. Further, he or she may also be losing income. Fortunately, the victim may file a personal injury claim against the driver. A successful claim could result in an award of damages that might help defray the costs being incurred by the victim.
Source: wtop.com, “Six injured in police chase and accident on I-66 in Va.“, , Aug. 3, 2014