December 10, 2014
Richmond, Va.
The victim in a fatal car crash late Tuesday night has been identified as Marquis Morgan, a 50-year-old Richmond city resident.
Mr. Morgan lost control of his vehicle shortly after 8 p.m. while traveling west on Jahnke Road, causing him to cross the center line and collide with an eastbound vehicle near Spruance Road. Mr. Morgan eventually sheared a utility pole, which caused his vehicle to roll over before coming to rest against a tree.
Morgan was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
While it is unclear what exactly caused Mr. Morgan to cross into oncoming traffic, it is possible that dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident. Federal, state, and local governments are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions must make repairs if a roadway becomes dangerous. If a government’s negligence in maintaining roadways was a contributing factor in this accident, Mr. Morgan’s loved ones may be entitled to damages.
In Virginia, a wrongful death claim must be filed by one or more “statutory beneficiaries” – family members or dependents of the deceased – within two years of the deceased person’s death. Mr. Morgan’s loved ones are urged to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney to ensure adequate investigation of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Morgan’s death as well as maximum compensation under the law.