At the intersection of Village Field Lane and Osborne Turnpike in Henrico County, Virginia, a bicyclist was fatally killed by a drunk driver. An SUV driven by 18-year old Jeffery Brooks hit Carla Holland and a second cyclist who was with her at the time. Mr. Brooks struck and killed the 49-year old bicyclist at 7:15 a.m. on August 13th, 2022. The other cyclist was in critical condition and ushered to VCU Health. Mr. Brooks was found to be intoxicated when he hit both bicyclists, who were each wearing protective gear.
A witness who works nearby, Anette Price, informed 8News that she saw the aftermath of the accident as she was pulling into work. She states that Osborne Turnpike had become known for its reckless drivers, as she has seen people speed more than 80 MPH, despite the 55 MPH maximum zone. She says bicycle safety is a concern in their area. The community feels the weight of this loss, and urges people to be more careful around bicyclists, as if they were their very own loved ones. The cyclist killed was a deeply valued member of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden team. Beth Rilee Monroe, the chief marketing director for the botanical garden, says Carla inspired her colleagues and many others.
As a personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg VA residents trust at MartinWren, P.C. knows, victims of bike accidents are just like everyone else, and they probably have people back home who would be devastated to lose them. Our team is well aware that bicyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury or death because they share the road with motor vehicles. Car drivers are often speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, plowing through red lights and stop signs, or engaging in other behaviors that are risky. For bike accidents, it is typically the car driver who was at-fault. Drivers must pay more attention to the presence of bicyclists.
Unfortunately, many car drivers view themselves as a hierarchy above cyclists, when in reality, we should all be considerate in sharing the road. In the case of this fatal bike accident in Henrico County, VA, if the driver had not been intoxicated or reckless, then the beloved bicyclist would not have lost her life. When someone is at-fault for the injury or death of another, they should be held liable for the consequences of their own actions.
At our law firm, we bring the victim’s story into the light through filing a lawsuit, either initiated by the victim themselves or the surviving family members. We have a consistent track record of yielding successful cases for clients who have been hurt or killed due to the negligence of another. Let us intervene and hold the offending person accountable for the tragedy they caused. We are ready to support you.