Passengers are Injured as Driver, 70, Loses Control of Car on Virginia’s Route 460

A 70-year-old man lost control of his car on Route 460 in Virginia and caused a crash that injured four passengers, according to media reports.

The News and Advance reported on how five people were hospitalized after the car overturned in Bedford County.

News reports stated the car veered off of the road and rolled over a median. Police investigations say that the driver overcorrected when his car went off of the road on July 6. Police said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was charged with failure to maintain control of a vehicle and failure to wear his seat belt, police said. The crash remains under investigation.

Three adult passengers and a small child were transported to the hospital with injuries. I was relieved to read their injuries were not described as life-threatening. We wish all of those who were hurt a speedy recovery.

It’s not clear what caused this accident. When passengers are hurt by the actions of a driver they may have grounds to file a claim to cover factors such as injuries, pain and suffering and medical bills, against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.

Statistics show single vehicle accidents are the most common type of accident in Virginia. Tragically single vehicle accidents can be tragic, in particular when drivers hit trees.

If you are driving with passengers there are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers:

1. Take frequent breaks, particularly if you are older or have health issues;
2. Make sure not to be distracted by cell phones or other devices;
3. Always wear a seat belt and make sure your passengers wear them;
4. Slow down on curves and keep to speed limits;
5. Do not tailgate and drive close to large trucks which have blind spots

If you are a passenger you have the right to expect that the driver exercises caution on the road. If you end up in a hospital due to the fault of another, you have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757-333-3333 for a free consultation or visit us online at www.cooperhurley.com.  When it really counts, count on Cooper Hurley!