Woman Killed in Crash; Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A 56-year-old wife and mother was killed in a crash on January 14, 2021, at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Gainsboro Road NW in Roanoke.

According to reports from Roanoke Police, officers were notified of a hit and run that had occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. near the area of Orange Avenue and Plantation Road NE. When they arrived at the scene, the two occupants of the vehicle that was hit told officers that another vehicle had slammed into theirs and then fled the scene heading west on Orange Avenue NE. Both victims denied medical assistance.

As police were taking down the information from the victims, they were notified of another crash about a half-mile away, at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Gainsboro Road NW, near the Holiday Inn Express just off Interstate 581. They were told that this crash was possibly connected to the accident they were currently investigating since one of the vehicles matched the description of the hit and run suspect vehicle.

Officers arrived at the scene of that crash and found three vehicles with significant damage, one of which matched the description of the suspect vehicle from the nearby hit-and-run. The victim was located in one of the vehicles and was transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

A man in a different vehicle was taken to the hospital to be treated for what police described as serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the suspect vehicle was located at the second crash. Witnesses say he ran a red light in this accident. The 41-year-old Salem man was also transported to Carilion for medical assessment. He was later charged with DUI manslaughter. His first court date is set for February 25th.

Drunk Driving Accidents

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people die every day in this country because of alcohol-related crashes. This comes out to one death every 50 minutes. More than 10,000 people die each year in crashes caused by a drunk driver, accounting for more than 30 percent of all traffic fatalities. The yearly cost of drunk driving crashes is more than $44 billion.

Families who have lost loved ones in drunk driving crashes should consider contacting a Virginia wrongful death attorney to discuss what legal recourse they may have for their pain and loss. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our attorneys have successfully sought and obtained financial justice for many families who have lost a loved one in accidents caused by a drunk driver

Although nothing will ever make up for the death of a DUI accident victim, Virginia law allows families to seek justice in civil court under the wrongful death statute. This is separate from any criminal charges the driver may be facing.

Our law firm also offers a free wrongful death guide for families who have lost a loved one in an accident. The guide covers topics such as the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, what types of damages can be pursued, and who can be appointed as personal representative.

If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact our office to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Call our office today at (833) 997-1774.

 

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