Speeding Drunk Driver Strikes Cyclist in Fairfax County

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

On June 1, a woman was charged with DUI and felony hit and run after driving her car at a high speed for five miles on a trail and striking a cyclist. According to the Fairfax County Police, the cyclist, a 65-year-old Vienna man, was seriously injured.

The Washington & Old Dominion Trail is designed for walking, running, and bicycling. Police received numerous calls from people on the trail who were almost hit by a 2005 Toyota, driven by 28-year-old Mehak Chopra.

Chopra struck the cyclist from behind, knocking him off his bike and onto the shoulder of the trail.

Police believe Chopra drove onto the trail and traveled five miles before exiting into Vienna toward Tysons Corner. The officer pulled Chopra over and took her to the Vienna Police station, where she was charged with driving while intoxicated. She was then taken to the Adult Detention Center where she was charged with felony hit and run.

Our Virginia Injury Attorneys Care about Keeping Bicyclists Safe

In 2009 alone, traffic accidents claimed the lives of 630 cyclists and injured about 51,000 others. Although riding a bicycle alongside motorized vehicles can be dangerous, bicyclists and drivers alike can take steps to prevent bicycle accidents.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or if a loved one died in a bicycle accident, contact us today at (202) 659-5500, or visit our website.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.