When a car turns and strikes a 50-year-old biker in Fairfax, it resonates with me, as I am now a half century and often ride on the County streets and trails of Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. The Fairfax Times reported that Crash Reconstruction detectives are seeking witnesses to a crash that occurred on Sunday, November 14th near the intersection of Fort Hunt Road and Belle Haven Road. At around 3 p.m., a bicyclist was headed eastbound on Belle Haven Road. At the same time, a four-door 2005 Toyota Corolla attempted to turn left onto Fort Hunt from westbound Belle Haven. The bicyclist and the car crashed and the cyclist, age 50, was thrown from his bike. He was medevaced to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Detectives ask anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

A local biker contacted Abrams Landau after being struck by a car in Sterling Virginia and being issued a Traffic Court Summons at the hospital. As the local biker was headed West on the W&OD Trail from Herndon toward Sterling Virginia, he came to Sterling Virginia and then two lanes of motor vehicles heading South toward Route 28 (Sully Road) in Loudoun County.

There was no traffic in the first two lanes, so the cyclist crossed safely to he center grass and paved strip. the car in the first Southbound lane stopped and waved him and another cyclist to proceed. The other cyclist proceeded safely to get back on the W&OD Trail, however the local biker was struck broadside in the 4th lane by a car that never saw the athlete or his bicycle. The local cyclist was taken to the emergency room after this "T-bone" crash with fractures, lacerations and permanent injuries and scarring. However, the police officer charged the biker. Citing the lack of certain reflectors; lights during the evening ride and failure to wait for both lanes of Southbound traffic to stop and signal that it was safe to proceed, the Virginia law enforcement authorities charged the bike rider after the crash.

The lesson to be learned is that a cyclist should make sure that ALL lanes are clear before leaving the island or safety of the median strip. If you are not waived through and making eye contact, then think twice about cycling across the road. Just because you are following the W&OD Trail, it does NOT mean you have the right of way or superior rights when crossing the lanes of motorized traffic. Your bicycle commuting time, training ride or recreational spin make take longer, but your odds of returning safely should be your primary focus. Be alert, be smart and cycle safely.

After finishing today's bicycle ride through Hamilton, Purcellville and Lovettesville, Loudoun County bike accident lawyer Doug Landau was reminded of late Fall cycle safety tips.

• Keep the extremities warm - if you can't feel your fingers, you cannot safely brake in time to avoid an accident.
• Because of the sun low in the sky during daylight hours, good anti-glare sunglasses can help prevent momentary blindness and crashes. Good sports eyeglasses can also serve as eye protection from sticks, leaves and other debris that can be thrown up into a cyclist's face.
• Having easy to see, bright colored clothing can help cars, trucks and motorcycles see you and give you plenty of room when passing.
• Leave the ear buds, telephone earpiece and other audio equipment at home, in the car or at home. If you cannot hear, see or otherwise sense oncoming or passing traffic, you are dangerous - to yourself, to others on the roads, trails and bike paths.
• If you are going out near sunrise or sunset, reflectors, lights in front AND behind and reflective clothing can save a cyclist from a fatal bike accident or "near miss."

Know that it may take longer to brake and come to a safe stop when fall leaves are on the road surface. While today's leaves were dry during Landau's 40 mile bike ride from the Loudoun County High School in Leesburg, when there is morning dew or frost under fallen autumn leaves, or there has been recent rain, bicycle tire traction may be compromised. Test your brakes, make sure they are in good working order, and add more time and space for coming to a full and complete stop. Also turning may require slower speeds and avoiding leaf piles that may cover wet spots or hidden frost.

Autumn can be a wonderful time to ride your bike in Virginia. The smell of the leaves, the fall foliage, colors and cool air can all be part of an enjoyable athletic experience. The improvements to the W&OD Trail near the Loudoun 4-H Center heading West make for a smooth ride. However, falling leaves, sticks and frost require extra cycling safety precaution. The leaves are lovely, but they can mask dangers underneath.

On August 10^th, Forsyth News Reporter Julie Arrington wrote about two separate wrecks leading to deaths. At the time, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department could not identify the badly burned body of the driver involved in a fiery, single-vehicle wreck on Pendley Road. A motorist had reported the incident at 6:30 a.m. when the 1991 Honda Accord left the road and struck a tree. When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, the car was engulfed in flames. Forsyth County Fire Captain Jason Shivers could not determine whether the death was caused by the impact of the collision or the blaze that started thereafter. Vehicle fires can ignite quickly, especially if a fuel line ruptured during the wreck. It was later determined that the person killed in the early morning crash was James A. Cash, 59, of Cumming, GA.

Less than thirteen hours earlier, a second deadly wreck took place around 5:00 p.m. on August 9^th, claiming the life of Roger Lee Adams, 60, of Lakeside Trail. Adams had been riding a 1990 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle westbound on Pirkle Ferry Road when Diego Castaneda, 21, of Canton, pulled his 2001 GMC Yukon out of a parking lot and into Adams’ path. The motorcycle struck the driver’s side door of the Yukon. The impact was so great that Adams died of head injuries suffered from the collision after being transported to North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, GA. Although Adams wore a helmet, the injuries were too severe to overcome. Forsyth County Sheriff Captain Frank Huggins believed Castaneda would be charged in connection with the wreck. On August 10^th, Castaneda was arrested and charged with one count of vehicular homicide. He was booked in Forsyth County Adult Detention Center and posted a $2,200 bond. Castaneda’s court date was scheduled for November 5^th.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers are reporting a tragic story in the news yesterday about a Westland motorcycle-pedestrian accident that took place on Merriman Road in the p.m. hours.  According to police, an elder man was struck by a motorcycle when he was crossing at the intersection of Merriman and Grand Traverse.  Due to the impact of the crash, the motorcyclist lost control of the bike, hit a pole and was killed.  The pedestrian struck was taken to the hospital and suffers injuries.

I am very sorry to hear about this accident. I hope the injured man has a fast recovery without any permanent damages and my condolences go out to the family of the deceased victim.

Our Michigan motorcycle accident attorneys advise victims of their legal rights. Due to the fact that the motorcycle accident did not involve contact with another motor vehicle, the only claim that can be made is against the individual police determined to be negligent in the motorcycle-pedestrian accident.

If the pedestrian is considered to be at fault, the family members of deceased biker may be able to make a claim for a Michigan wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent individual. At the very least, the surviving family and injured parties should hire the best possible lawyer to look into these possibilities.

In addition, the accident injury victim may also have claims for personal injuries against the driver if determined to be at fault in this accident. The insurance company for the negligent driver typically pays a settlement for this type of case. In this lawsuit, the injured victims can claim damages and compensation for the injuries suffered in the accident.