Albemarle County, VA Truck Accident Leads to Serious Passenger Injury

A truck was traveling down central Virginia's Thomas Jefferson Parkway when the life of a passenger may have been changed forever.

The vehicle, a Ford pickup carrying three people, flipped on its side while rounding a curve on Route 53 just past Michie Tavern in Albemarle County, VA. During the truck accident, one of the passengers was pinned underneath the truck, according to nbc29.com.

The passenger had to be pried from under the truck with the jaws of life and her condition is categorized as "serious" at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

We don't know the full extent of the victim's injuries, but it is likely that she will need months, maybe even years, to fully recover. Getting pinned underneath a vehicle usually results in major injuries like head trauma, multiple broken bones, torn muscles, lacerations, and even paralysis.  

The at-fault truck driver was charged with misdemeanor DUI and causing serious bodily injury as a result of driving while intoxicated, which is a felony.

It is so frustrating to read about these types of accidents since it appears it could have been avoided if the at-fault driver had been more responsible and not gotten behind the wheel after consumin alcohol. It's been said before, but bears repeating: Drinking and driving is wrong and irresponsible.

When our firm represents a victim who suffered a serious injury due to a drunk driver, we pursue punitive damages. This is a form of additional compensation that is meant to send a message to society that the behavior leading to the damages is unacceptable.

PA