Archive for June, 2012

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28
Jun

Driver Killed as a Result Of Roanoke Trucking Accident

June 28, 2012

The driver of a commercial tractor-trailer was killed recently when his vehicle was struck by a tire off of a trailer being hauled by a vehicle in front of him. According to WSLS 10 News, the Roanoke Trucking Accident happened at around 8 a.m. on Interstate 81 near the Roanoke/Montgomery County line.

Virginia State Police believe that the truck was heading northbound that morning when a wheel and tire off of a horse trailer in front of the tractor-trailer came off the axle. The tire then bounced down the highway before crashing through the truck’s windshield and striking the 44-year-old driver from Texas.

Troopers added that the driver of the pickup that was hauling the trailer was cited for having defective equipment and could face additional charges once a full investigation has been completed.

Defective wheels and tires have been known to play a part in deadly crashes prior to this incident. In fact, they were determined to be the cause of 271 fatal accidents and hundreds of other crashes resulting in serious injuries when Bridgestone Firestone admitted to putting faulty tires on Ford automobiles. The company agreed to pay a settlement to Ford for $240 million and spent a total of near $500 million recalling the defective products.

The Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyers with the Skolrood Law Firm say this is why it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your vehicle’s tires.

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21
Jun

Two Killed In Virginia Auto Accident Caused By Reckless Driving

June 21, 2012

A Virginia car accident caused by reckless driving left two people dead in Campbell County earlier this week. Reports from WSLS 10 News indicate that the crash happened just after 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Sunburst and Leesville Roads.

The Roanoke Auto Accident occurred when the driver of a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R600 motorcycle, traveling eastbound along Sunburst Road at a high rate of speed, failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection with Leesville Road. A 2003 Nissan Murano SUV, which had the right-of-way, struck the motorcyclist which caused the rider to be thrown from the bike. The motorcycle then collided with the side of a nearby home.

The Nissan SUV ran off the road and struck a tree. The driver was declared dead at the scene, while the passenger died from her injuries shortly after arrival at a local hospital.

The motorcyclist was treated and released. He was arrested and charged with reckless driving shortly after being discharged. Investigators are continuing to look into the crash and say that more charges may be pending against the driver of the motorcycle.

The Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyers understand how devastating it must be to lose a loved one to such a careless act on the road. That is why the firm would like to send out their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the two women who lost their lives in this tragic accident.

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14
Jun

Importance of Seat Belts Highlighted After Fatal Virginia Crash

June 14, 2012

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows that seat belt usage improves your chances of survival in a crash by nearly 50 percent, and an estimated 17,402 lives would be saved yearly if all drivers buckled up. Despite these numbers, millions of motorists are killed every year after being in an accident without a seat belt on.

Failure to wear a seat belt bred tragedy in a recent Roanoke Auto Accident that claimed the lives of three. An article from WSLS10 News stated that the crash happened just before 9:00 p.m. on Route 220. Officers reported that a 1992 Dodge pickup was traveling the wrong way on the road when it collided with a 2004 Chrysler sedan nearly head-on.

Two vehicles following the Chrysler, a 2008 Dodge minivan and a 2006 Toyota Tundra, were then unable to avoid the collision in front of them and struck the wreckage.

The 52-year-old driver of the Dodge pickup and both occupants of the Chrysler were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash and died at the scene. The occupants of the other two vehicles were properly restrained and walked away without any serious injuries.

The Roanoke Personal Injury Lawyers with the Skolrood Law Firm would like to remind citizens that the law requires everyone inside a vehicle to wear a seat belt at all times, and that seat belt usage decreases chances of serious injury or death.

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7
Jun

Olympic Hopeful Overcoming Odds Following Traumatic Brain Injury

June 7, 2012

A US women’s volleyball star is overcoming great odds presented to her by a traumatic brain injury that occurred just last year. In a story ran by FOX Sports News, the player says that despite lingering effects of the injury, she is still hopeful to play in the Olympics this summer.

The 34-year-old woman suffered the injury in April of 2011, when a bus that she and her team were riding on in Brazil overturned. At first, the injury appeared to be minor cuts and bruises, but later it was discovered that there was bleeding and swelling in the left hemisphere of her brain. This forced doctors to put her into a medically induced coma.

Since the accident, her vision and sense of balance have not fully returned, despite her strict training regimen. She says that medical professionals have told her that, “…with a brain injury, you have to wait for the brain. It’s a unique thing, you have no control of it and every individual is different.”

The injury forced the woman to adapt her playing style to better fit the needs of her team, and her skills will hopefully win her a spot playing on the Olympic team.

The Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers with the Skolrood Law Firm understand just how difficult overcoming a traumatic brain injury can be and would like to wish this inspiring athlete the best of luck in her pursuit of Olympic gold this summer.

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