Virginia Teenager Dies in One-Vehicle Car Crash | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

What Happened

A 17-year-old driver was killed after he lost control of his 2000 Ford Mustang. The car ran off the road and struck a tree.  The car subsequently caught fire. A photo of the car was published, showing a vehicle with a completely mangled and burned front end.

The driver was airlifted to Richmond’s VCU Medical Center but he died from his injuries. His 15-year-old companion was also airlifted to VCU with non-life-threatening but serious injuries. While the police report that alcohol was not involved, speed likely was, and neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.

Here is a map indicating where the Amelia County accident occurred


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Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Perspective

There is a reason that seat belt laws exist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 75,000 lives were saved by seat belts between 2004 and 2008 and that seat belts could prevent many deaths and injuries if even 90% of motorists used them.

Young drivers are the drivers who most frequently forgo seat belt use, resulting in more injuries, more severe injuries like brain damage, and death.

Currently, all but one U.S. state has some sort of seat belt law in place. 31 states plus D.C. have laws where police can actually stop and ticket a motorist for not having their seat belt buckled, while 18 states have a law that states that police can stop and ticket a non-compliant motorist only if they are pulled over for another offense.

Combine the lack of seat belt with unsafe speeds and you’ve got trouble. Add dark country roads and you’re in a downright lethal situation. Practicing safety precautions like wearing seat belts and keeping speeds at the speed limit are crucial.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries or is killed by a speeding or reckless driver, you deserve to be compensated for the pain and suffering a tragedy like this causes. While there is no guarantee on the amount of compensation you will receive in your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit,

For More Information

Read about how our Virginia Beach personal lawyers won a $170,000 settlement for a married mother of two who developed chronic pain after a two-car accident. Another car pulled in front of her, causing her to broadside it.

Have Questions?

Read our Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries in Virginia, a helpful report created by our lawyers.

 

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