One Dead After Off-Road Accident in Monroe County
An off-road accident recently resulted in the death of Monroe County Assessor Norbert Netzel’s wife, Erin Netzel, aged 60.
Mrs. Netzel’s sister, Kelly Crosier, is hospitalized with severe injuries and in stable condition at a Roanoke, Virginia hospital. Claire Gibson, the third injured person, suffered a leg injury.
According to Monroe County Sheriff Jeff Jones, the three women were riding along a trail on top of Peters Mountain when the accident occurred. Described Jones, “They heard a pop and could smell the brakes and as they went down off the mountain, they heard another pop and they had no brakes at all. They went off the trail and hit a tree.”
Relatives of the three women confirmed the Sheriff’s description of the incident. They also stated the emergency brake was used and the vehicle slowed enough to allow the two survivors to jump out before the vehicle crashed. Mrs. Netzel did not jump.
Mrs. Netzel and her sister are the daughters of former Monroe County Sheriff, the late Gerald Crosier. Crozier also served five terms in the House of Delegates.
State Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Off-Roading Accident Victims Need Support from an Experienced Legal Professional
Off-roading is a popular pastime through Virginia, West Virginia, and the surrounding area. Unfortunately, the excitement of speeding down a dirt trail is often accompanied by dangerous consequences.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, ATV accidents have resulted in the deaths of more than 15,000 people during a nearly 30-year period. Many of the victims involved in these accidents weren’t even old enough to drive cars. Even those who survived these accidents – more than 93,000 – suffered serious injuries that required a visit to the emergency room over the course of a decade.
Off-road accident injuries have a variety of causes including:
- Speeding
- Attempting dangerous stunts
- Lack of training
- Driving on a paved road
- Overloading the vehicle with a passenger
- Distraction
- Carelessness
- Intoxicated driving of the vehicle
Many off-road accidents are caused by negligence, but some also involve issues with the manufacturing of the vehicle, such as a defective part or design.
If you or a loved one was the victim of an off-road accident caused by negligence, you are entitled to compensation. It’s important to contact an attorney with experience dealing with off-roading accidents. For more information, contact Heavens Law at 888.897.5377.
