As Virginia prepared for the 57th Presidential Inauguration in January, we were reminded of the 19 law enforcement officers that have been killed in the line of duty while assigned to presidential protection details or by criminals who tried to harm the president.
Being chosen to protect the President is an honor for many. However, it can also be dangerous, and serving in the presidential escort can be even more challenging for motorcycle officers. Not only do they have to navigate the special challenges of riding a motorcycle, they also need to be on the lookout for suspicious persons or objects along the route. In fact, one of the first Virginia state troopers killed in the line of duty was Inspector Phillip C. Via who died while providing an escort for President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. More recently, a Virginia state trooper was injured when his bike slid off an exit ramp from I-95 while riding in front of President Obama’s motorcade, and a Florida motorcycle officer died after being struck by a pickup truck, also on I-95.
Without the protections of metal casings, roll bars and airbags that cars offer, accidents involving motorcycles can result in serious injuries and frequent death. In 2011, there were 2,288 motorcycle crashes in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Those crashes accounted for 2,036 injuries and 90 fatalities.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all officers injured in the line of duty, and to the families of those who have lost their lives. Our firm is available if you wish to speak to a personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
Posted in Personal Injury, Workers Compensation
Tagged killed in line of duty, motorcycle accidents, personal injury, workers compensation attorney
