A punch to the back of the head may have caused a deadly car accident in 2009, according to testimony in a trial this week.
The Virginian-Pilot has reported that driver Richard B. Freeman was traveling down Granby street with three passengers, heading home from a bar in Ghent. When an argument erupted, Freeman alleged, a punch was thrown at his head, causing him to lose control of his car. Alcohol may have been involved, as the police reported smelling it on Freeman at the time of the Granby car crash. This accident ended with two deaths and injuries to two survivors. Freeman was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Driver distractions – be it texting, eating, or even talking while driving – have been cited as major catalysts for serious Virginia car accidents in recent years. However, distractions from backseat passengers can be just as deadly as other influences like texting while driving. We often forget that our friends and family along for a ride can be just as distracting as a ringing cell phone or dropped french fry.
According to the DMV, young drivers and passengers are particularly at risk for injuries in distracted driving crashes. In fact, two out of three teens who die in car accidents are passengers.
As Virginia injury lawyers who have handled dozens of car wreck cases, we fully understand the risks associated with distracted drivers. In fact, we have represented victims and family members who lost loved ones due to distracted and reckless drivers. It is the type of accident where punitive damages may be involved.
To learn more about distracted driving and important safety tips, take a look at this free consumer report written by our firm attorneys
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About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, which has offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.
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