Chesapeake, VA (July 9, 2025) – An afternoon incident involving a vehicle veering off the roadway and into a BP gas station parking lot along South Military Highway near the Gilmerton Bridge left one pedestrian dead and another hurt. On July 8, at around 1 p.m., Chesapeake police responded to reports of a vehicle striking two men outside the BP station located at 2155 South Military Highway.
According to preliminary findings, an adult woman was driving down the road toward the Gilmerton Bridge when, for reasons yet to be determined, she lost control of her vehicle. The car left the roadway, entered the gas station premises, and struck the two pedestrians standing in the parking lot. Witnesses at the scene called for immediate assistance, prompting a swift response from police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
Both male pedestrians were quickly transported to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. Tragically, one of the victims was pronounced deceased after arrival due to the severity of his injuries. The second pedestrian was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. The driver, who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, was also taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Officers with the Chesapeake Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Team spent several hours examining the crash scene and gathering evidence to piece together what led to the vehicle leaving the road. As of now, charges against the driver may be pending, though no details about potential citations or criminal allegations have been shared yet. Police continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward to aid their investigation.
We hope the injured pedestrian recovers quickly and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim who lost his life in this tragic accident.
Car Accidents In Virginia
Motor vehicle accidents remain a significant issue in Virginia, with thousands of crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities each year. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were over 122,000 traffic crashes reported across the state last year alone. These incidents often lead to life-altering consequences for victims and their families.
Understanding how these events happen is crucial for prevention. Below are some common causes that often lead to accidents like this one:
- Driver Distraction: Distracted driving is a major contributor to roadway accidents. Cell phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers can take a driver’s attention off the road for precious seconds. Even a brief glance away can lead to loss of control and tragic outcomes.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions increases the likelihood of losing control. Speeding not only reduces a driver’s reaction time but also amplifies the force of impact during a crash, making injuries more severe.
- Medical Emergencies: Sometimes, unexpected health conditions like heart attacks or seizures cause drivers to lose control. It’s vital for drivers with medical conditions to seek regular checkups and discuss safe driving practices with their doctors to reduce such risks.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, faded lane markings, and slippery surfaces contribute to vehicle mishandling. When roads are not properly maintained, even the most cautious driver may find it difficult to maintain control, especially in inclement weather.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Mechanical failures, like brake problems or tire blowouts, can instantly turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help reduce these risks and ensure vehicles remain roadworthy.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, it’s vital to connect with a trusted pedestrian accident attorney. An experienced legal advocate will help protect your rights, communicate with insurance companies, and secure fair compensation. The sooner you reach out for legal help, the better your chances of gathering crucial evidence, preserving your claim, and reducing additional stress. Let a knowledgeable attorney guide you during this difficult time so you can focus on healing.
When you need compassionate legal guidance, Blaszkow Legal, PLLC is here to stand by your side. Our firm is dedicated to helping injured victims and their families get the justice they deserve. We offer free consultations and are ready to review your case with care and attention to detail. Call our Chesapeake car accident attorneys at 703-879-5910 today to learn more about how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We know how challenging it can be to recover after an accident, so let us help shoulder that burden. Reach out now to get started and remember, you do not have to face this journey alone.
Note: When creating these blog posts, our team of writers utilizes external sources, including local and state news sources, social media platforms, police accident incident reports, state police accident reports, and at times, eyewitness accounts. Please contact us immediately if you discover any incorrect information so that we can update the post with the most current, accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided in this blog post should be interpreted as medical or legal advice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. This post’s featured image was not captured at the actual accident scene.