Virginia State Police were recently called to the scene of an accident involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Both the driver of the car and the motorcycle rider died. The crash is still under investigation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the motorcycle was northbound on Route 501, and the car was heading west. The car was in the process of crossing over the northbound lanes of Route 501 when the motorcycle slammed into the driver’s side of the passenger vehicle. The impact of the motorcycle was so hard that it caused the car to flip over.
Even though the 21-year-old motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet, the injuries he suffered were too severe, and he died at the scene. The 24-year-old woman in the car was properly restrained. She survived the crash initially and was taken to an area hospital to be treated for serious injuries. Unfortunately, medical personnel were not able to prevent her from succumbing to her injuries.
According to witness statements, the motorcycle was exceeding the posted speed limit at the time of the crash. An accident reconstruction team with the Virginia State Police was called in to assist with the investigation. It does not appear at this time that alcohol was a factor.
Since both drivers perished because of the injuries they suffered in the crash, the family of the deceased woman may exercise their right to file a wrongful death claim against the estate of the motorcyclist in order to receive some measure of justice for their loss. If it is satisfactorily proved that the motorcyclist was negligent, and he is deemed responsible for the crash, the family may receive an award of damages. Those damages may not only provide some financial restitution to the family, but some peace and closure as well.
Source: wdbj7.com, “Two killed in accident on Route 501 in Campbell County“, Tim Saunders, June 9, 2014