Skateboarder Hit By Vehicle Near Old Dominion University

A recent accident near Old Dominion University in Norfolk has illustrated the vulnerability of skateboarders in Hampton Roads. Around noon on December 8, a skateboarder was hit by a car and seriously injured close to Old Dominion University. The 19 year-old was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for treatment. As a personal injury attorney and an alumnus of Old Dominion University, I know that being a pedestrian, a cyclist or a skate boarder near the ODU campus can be perilous.

The accident took place at the corner of 39^th Street and Hampton Boulevard—an intersection on the edge of the ODU campus.

Students continuously cross over Hampton Boulevard throughout the day to get to and from dorm rooms, parking garages, classrooms, and restaurants. Despite some safety improvement in recent years, there are many dangers for those on foot.

Media reports stated the skateboarder was struck by a Kia. The driver of the car and the skateboarder were unable to see each other due to a tractor-trailer being stopped at the intersection. As of now, no charges have been filed, WVEC reports.

We recently sought to help our friends and members of the public by sharing some pedestrian safety tips and rules. Pedestrians usually suffer more serious injuries than drivers when they are in collisions with vehicles. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you use extra care when crossing major roadways. Hampton Boulevard is a fast-moving and busy highway with six lanes of traffic. Many tractor trailers use the highway. Make sure you utilize the crosswalk and abide by the traffic signals and timers.

I was extremely saddened to read about this serious collision. I wish a speedy recovery to the young skateboarder. It is unfortunate that these types of accidents happen more frequently than you would imagine. Crossing busy streets can feel like you are in a real-life game of Frogger, only the stakes are much higher. Please be careful at these intersections, never assume a car will stop even if you are on a crosswalk. If you’ve been injured, do not hesitate to contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757-455-0077 for a free, no obligation consultation. See our information about accidents involving cyclists and bicyclists in Virginia for more information.