Two High School Seniors Killed in Virginia Crash Caused by Speeding

April 16, 2023

Wrongful Death in VA

The Chesterfield community is grieving the tragic loss of life of two high school seniors. The two boys were killed early Tuesday evening in a crash on Old Gun Road West in Chesterfield County. According to police, one of the victims killed was driving a BMW when he entered a curve at speeding. He lost control of the car, which then hit a retaining wall, flipped over, and caught fire. Both victims were trapped inside the car and died at the scene.

Records from the Virginia DMV show that there have been at least 30 car accidents reported on Old Gun Road in the past five years. The road is narrow and winding, making it a potentially dangerous one for anyone who goes over the 35 m.p.h. speed limit.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 11,000 people are killed each year in car crashes caused by speeding. This amounts to almost 30 percent of traffic deaths every year.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our Virginia wrongful death attorneys know how devasting a fatal crash can be for the families of the victims. This is why our legal team works diligently and aggressively to ensure that our clients get the financial justice they deserve for the death of a loved one, whether or not the driver responsible faces criminal charges.

The Perils of Speeding

Unfortunately, almost every driver is guilty of going more than the posted speed limit at one time or another. Many of us have hectic schedules, with work, family, and other obligations and it often feels as if we are always on the move and often running behind. However, it is critical to really understand the dangers that speeding poses and how it can inhibit the vehicle’s safety systems, as well as interfere with the control the driver has over the vehicle. Additionally, a crash that involves a speeding vehicle causes catastrophic damage because of the powerful force of the impact.

Although not every crash is preventable, there are things that drivers can do that can help minimize the extent of their injuries and possibly save their lives. The easiest step is wearing a seat belt every time you get in a vehicle, no matter how close or far you are traveling. The NHTSA data shows that approximately 15,000 lives are saved each year because vehicle occupants are wearing their seat belts. Insist that any passengers in your vehicle also buckle up.

Drivers should also travel at appropriate speeds based on the speed limit and road conditions of the area they are driving in. For example, if the posted speed limit is 55 m.p.h., but there are heavy rains, drivers need to slow down their speed in order to avoid crashing. Also, make sure to avoid any distractions while driving.

The reality is that drivers can take all kinds of safety precautions but are still vulnerable to the actions of other drivers. This is why it is important to be able to identify a dangerous driver. If a vehicle is going at high speeds, lane jumping, or tailgating, this is often a sign of an aggressive or dangerous driver. It is best to create as much space between your vehicle and theirs.

Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by another party, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have. If you have lost a loved one in a crash, our firm can also help you pursue legal action against those responsible.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we are dedicated to helping injured clients and their families obtain the financial compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost income, and other losses their injuries have caused. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.

 

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