One person was killed and another was left in serious condition following a three-vehicle collision On Sunday, October 29th in Gloucester County. According to Virginia State Police, to fatal motorcycle accident took place in the area of Woods Cross Road and Route 17 at about 12:20 p.m.
Why are motorcycle accidents usually worse than car accidents?
An initial investigation revealed that a 2019 Nissan driven by George E. Asbell was heading eastbound along Davenport Road. Asbell failed to yield at the intersection, where he crashed into a northbound motorcycle. The impact caused the bike to collide with a 2013 Chevrolet that was at a stop sign.
The motorcycle’s driver, Jack John Russo, Jr., 68, and passenger, Angela Marie Russo, 56, were both ejected from the bike. They were transported by paramedics to an area hospital in life-threatening conditions. Mr. Russo was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The driver of the Chevrolet was unharmed during the accident.
Asbell, a resident of Gloucester, is facing charges of reckless driving. Both speed and intoxication have been ruled out as factors in the crash, which remains under investigation at this time.
If you were injured or lost someone you love in a Virginia motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, reach out to the Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp for a free review of your potential motorcycle accident or wrongful death case.
What Are Motorcycles Dangerous?
Motorcycles lack the characteristics of occupant protection and crashworthiness found in traditional automobiles. They are also more difficult to see, less stable, and much smaller. Due to this, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable during an accident as their bodies are the only thing they have to absorb the impact.
It is not uncommon for riders to be thrown from their bikes, causing them to make contact with the asphalt or an object in their path. Although helmets and other safety equipment are readily available, they can only do so much when not accompanied by a roll cage, airbags, or seat belts. In terms of safety, riders are largely at the mercy of other motorists, and current weather and road conditions. Almost 63% of all fatal motorcycle accidents in 2021 were multi-vehicle accidents, so drivers need to be extra cautious around them on the roadway. Failure to do so could be a breach of the negligent driver’s duty of care resulting in a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents can result in multiple types of injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Avulsion injuries/Road rash: One of the most common accident-related injuries for a motorcycle rider is road rash. This type of avulsion injury can range from mild to very serious. Road rash is an abrasion to the skin that happens when a rider is ejected from their bike and their skin is forcibly peeled away as it drags across the asphalt. Road rash injuries can lead to severe complications such as nerve damage and widespread infections. Protective clothing, such as bike leathers, can help decrease the frequency and severity of road rash during single or multi-vehicle collisions.
- Broken bones: Another injury frequently sustained by motorcyclists during an accident is broken bones. Common bone breaks among bikers include forearms, femurs, forearms, pelvic bones, and shins.
- Spinal cord injuries: Although the entire spine is at risk during a motorcycle crash, the thoracic spine is the area most often damaged. When an accident results in a spinal cord injury, it is often permanent. Spinal cord injuries can also cause paralysis, nerve damage, chronic pain, and even death.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
A serious motorcycle accident can result in piles of medical bills, missed work, and innumerable other emotional and tangible damages. Filing a lawsuit al you lows you to pursue the financial compensation that will help you cover your economic and non-economic damages.
Potentially recoverable damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs
Although no amount of compensation can ever turn back the clock to before your accident, having strong legal representation with access to the necessary resources can ensure that you collect maximum recovery as you try to move on with your life.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Virginia, contact our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys at (833) 997-1774 and schedule a free consultation.