Crash Injures Virginia (VA) Fire Chief and Son when Pickup Hits Motorcycle | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Tazewell, Virginia (VA), Fire Chief George Pilkins and his 12-year-old son were injured in a motorcycle accident on June 29, 2011, SWVA Today reported. Their injuries were serious enough for the two to be airlifted to Holston Valley Medical Center. George Pilkins had surgery to mend a leg that was broken in three places. His son sustained a broken ankle and was released from the hospital the following day.

State troopers suggested the driver of a Chevrolet S10 pickup crossed a center line before the impact. The at-fault driver has been charged with reckless driver.

“The 2004 Suzuki motorcycle operated by George Pilkins and the truck were going in opposite directions and tried to pass in a curve. The two vehicles collided resulting in injuries to Pilkins and his 12-year-old son, SWVA Today reported.

Our experienced Virginia (VA) accident injury lawyers have reported on numerous cases in which injuries and deaths have resulted from crashes between motorcyclists and trucks. Usually the consequences are worse for the motorcyclists.

For instance, on June 30, 2011, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a trash truck in Alexandria, Virginia (VA). And motorcyclist Ethan Kenney, 26, died July 2, 2011, following a collision with the pick-up truck at the intersection of Gordonsville Road and Klockner Road in Albemarle County, Virginia (VA), another case of an accident involving a pick-up truck on a rural road.

Despite the risks, increasing numbers of people appear to be riding motorcycles in the United States. U.S. Department of Transportation figures reveal there are now about 5 million motorcycles registered in the country. Inevitably, this means there will be more accidents involving motorcycles and sadly more deaths.

With this in mind it’s crucial that riders do everything they can to protect themselves by taking safety courses, wearing helmets and avoiding excess speed and reckless driving, factors that appeared to be involved in a five vehicle crash on I-64 in Norfolk, VA, I reported on, on July 1 that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.

DM