Driver Dead, Passenger Critically Injured in Virginia Red-Light Running Accident

A tragic red-light running car accident on Route 234 outside Montclair has caused the death of one victim and left another with life-threatening injuries. The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Dumfries Road and Country Club Drive on July 21 at approximately 8:30 a.m.

According to police, a driver traveling northbound on Dumfries Road came up to a red light at the intersection of Country Club Drive. Instead of stopping, the man drove his 2018 Ford F-150 through the traffic signal and into the intersection. The truck then slammed into a 2018 Lexus E300H that was in the intersection making a left turn from Country Club Drive onto Dumfries Road. The force of the crash impact sent the Lexus into the southbound lanes.

The 76-year-old driver of the Lexus was transported to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. A 73-year-old woman who was in the front seat of the Lexus was also transported to the hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the F-150 was not injured in the crash. Police continue to investigate the accident, but say charges are pending.

Red-Light Running Accident Statistics

Car accidents are usually caused by the negligence or recklessness of a driver. These acts often involve some type of traffic violation. Running red lights is one of the most common. In fact, red-light running accidents are responsible for more than 900 deaths every year. More than 115,000 are seriously injured. Half of those killed are pedestrians, bicyclists, and people in other vehicles who were hit by the red-light runners.

While many drivers would never think of running a red light, statics show that there are far too many drivers who have no problem with breaking the law, despite putting innocent people at risk of death and injury. In one major study conducted right here in Fairfax, Va., researchers spent several months at five major intersections where there were no red-light cameras installed. They found that a driver ran red light an average of every 20 minutes at each of the intersections. This number was even higher during peak travel times.

T-Bone Crashes

When a driver blows through a red light, the most common type of accident that occurs is a T-bone crash, sometimes referred to as a broadside accident. In these types of vehicle accidents, the front end of one vehicle slams into the side of the other, forming a “T” shape. These accidents are one of the deadliest, especially for victims who are in older vehicle models that do not have safety features available in some of the new models of vehicles, such as crumple zones, side-curtain airbags, and more.

Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney

No matter how many safety devices and guidelines are put in place, vehicle accidents will still happen, and most often caused by the acts of another driver. If you or a family member have sustained injuries in a crash caused by another party, call a Virginia car accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have for your pain and loss. Under Virginia law, victims who are injured due to the actions of another person are entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, emotional distress, and other losses they may have suffered due to those injuries. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

 

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