Newport News Motorcyclist is Badly Injured by Red Light Runner on Jefferson Avenue

Recently I made a video about the dangers of Jefferson Avenue in Newport News and its many hazardous intersections.

I have also made many videos about the risks motorcyclists face from drivers who fail to notice them when making a turn or even when they run a red light.

That’s exactly what happened on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News this morning, say police. A motorcyclist was turning left onto Jefferson Avenue from 74th Street when he was struck by a driver who ran a red light.

Police said the Harley rider, a 54-year-old man was left in a critical condition. He was hit by a 58-year-old woman who ran a red light, according to investigators.

You don’t expect to be hit by a red light runner but too many drivers take the risk, even in Newport News where some intersections on Jefferson have red light enforcement cameras. If you try to beat the lights, you may end up hitting and hurting an innocent motorist, cyclist, pedestrian or a motorcyclist.

According to WAVY.com, Holly McPherson with the Newport News Police Department said the wreck happened around 6:10 a.m. in the area of Jefferson Avenue and 74th Street. A 2003 Pontiac Grand Am was heading northbound on Jefferson Avenue when it ran through a red light and struck a motorcycle turning left onto Jefferson Avenue from 74th Street.

Both the motorcyclist and the driver of the Pontiac were treated for injuries. McPherson said the motorcyclist’s injuries are “possibly life-threatening.”

The roadway was shut off to motorists for some time and the scene cleared by 8:30 a.m.

At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers we represent many motorcyclists whose rights have been violated in Virginia. We represent many people who have been hurt by red light runners.

Motorcyclists who have been injured in Newport News and elsewhere ask us many questions. What is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents? What if I was injured when I was not wearing a helmet? How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

I can tell you the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is other cars. You can see answers to this and other questions by viewing our FAQs for motorcyclists who are injured in Virginia. If you have been injured on a motorcycle, your injuries may be very serious. You will need to recover as much as you can to cover medical costs. Call Cooper Hurley at 757.455.0077.