Driver’s Medical Condition May Have Led To Accident that Left More than 50 Walkers Injured in Damascus, VA

As a personal injury lawyer who has represented clients in the rural areas of western Virginia, I was saddened by the weekend’s accident in Damascus that left 50-60 walkers injured when a car ploughed into their parade.

AP reported that authorities believe the driver who hit dozens of hikers marching in the Virginia mountain town parade suffered from a medical condition, according to emergency officials.

See this video by my colleague Jim Hurley on accidents inolving pedestrians

Our Virginia auto injury lawyers reported on how an elderly man drove his car into the hikers during the Hikers Parade at the Trail Days festival, the annual celebration of the Appalachian Trail in Damascus in south western Virginia about a half-hour drive east of Bristol.

AP reported officials did not have a formal confirmation about the man’s condition, but based on the accounts of authorities and witnesses on the scene, they were confident the issue was medical, according Pokey Harris, Washington County’s director of emergency management. “There is no reason to believe this was intentional,” she said.

Even if this terrible accident was not intentional the victims may have grounds to make personal injury claims.

Three of the most seriously injured in Damascus were flown by helicopter to area hospitals.

Two people were kept at hospitals overnight. Although they were described as being critically injured on Sunday night, their situation has improved. I was relieved to hear most of the people who were hurt in this incident did not suffer from serious injuries.

If you have been injured in a car wreck you should consult an experienced Virginia car accident injury lawyer.

The Norfolk, VA based personal injury law firm, Cooper Hurley with client meeting locations in Virginia Beach and Hampton, handles automobile, truck, and motorcycle injuries as well as wrongful death, railroad injury cases and medical malpractice. John Cooper and Jim Hurley have over 40 years of combined experience in handling auto injury accident claims. Attorney John Cooper has been named to Virginia “Super Lawyers” since 2010. Cooper Hurley represents people hurt in accidents in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News and throughout VA. If you need help or advice about a serious injury, please call us at (757) 455 -0077 or see CooperHurley.com