On Jan. 3, 2013, a motorcycle rider died from injuries suffered in a collision with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Warwick Boulevard and Enterprise Drive in Newport News, VA. The deadly crash happened shortly after 6 am, and police told reporters that the motorcyclist was traveling straight while the big rig was making a left-hand turn.
No charges have been filed against the truck driver, but an investigation into whether he or the 25-year-old biker, identified by WTKR 3 as Robert Francis Miner III, was at fault for causing the accident. Police also stated that even though the truck driver completed his turn and continued driving away from the scene after the crash, he probably would not face hit-and-run charges because he was unlikely to have felt or seen the impact of the motorcycle.
The Virginia Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers’ Perspective
This is the second fatal left-turn accident involving a motorcyclist going straight through an intersection we have commented on in less than a week. There really is nothing to say beyond offering heartfelt condolences to those who knew and loved the deceased victims and urging all car and truck drivers to constantly watch for motorcycles. Being vigilant for two-wheeled vehicles is rarely more important than when making a left-hand turn, especially when one is behind the wheel of a semi. This could not be more starkly illustrated than by the acknowledgement of law enforcement officials that the trucker involved in the Newport News wreck simply did not realize an accident had occurred while he was turning in front of the motorcycle rider.
Potentially Helpful Info
If you or a member of your family suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, consider downloading this free report written by Virginia personal injury and wrongful death attorneys to begin learning about your legal rights and options for filing claims for compensation.
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EJL