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Washington Motorcycle Accident Kills Child

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Nehalah May, a 9-year-old girl was killed in a May 10, 2009 Washington car-motorcycle accident after the motorcycle she was riding on crashed into another vehicle. According to a KXLY news report, 51-year-old Robin Scholz of Colfax was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle on northbound Highway 195 with Nehalah when 89-year-old Esther Mae Westlund who was driving south on the highway made a left turn at Meadow lane, in front of Scholz. Washington State Patrol officials say Scholz probably did not have sufficient time to stop the motorcycle before striking Westlund’s 1986 Oldsmobile.

Nehalah May was taken to an area hospital where she later died. Scholz also suffered serious personal injuries. Westlund was uninjured and was cited at the scene for second degree negligent driving. Troopers say Westlund caused the fatal car versus motorcycle crash by failing to yield right of way to Scholz’s Harley. Both Scholz and Nehalah May were wearing helmets at the time of the Spokane motorcycle-car accident.

My heart goes out to the family of young Nehalah May for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It’s extremely unfortunate that this little girl died because of another driver’s negligence. I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved Nehalah. I also wish Robin Scholz the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

According to the Washington Department of Transportation’s 2007 traffic accident statistics, there were a total of 68 fatalities and 460 major personal injuries involving motorcycle accidents in Washington State. Out of the fatalities, a majority (62) involved drivers and four involved passengers. Also, 2,031 drivers and 171 passengers suffered injuries as a result of motorcycle collisions in 2007.

In this particular case, it is quite evident that the driver of the Buick, Esther Mae Westlund — was at fault for failing to yield the right of way to Scholz. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.61.185) states: “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”

There is no question that Westlund should be held liable. But experienced Washington personal injury attorneys will also be able to look into other factors including a dangerous roadway condition that may have caused or contributed to the motorcycle accident. If that was the case, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that section of the roadway could also be held liable.

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4 responses to “Washington Motorcycle Accident Kills Child”

  1. Reanna says:

    I passed this scene on sunday and my heart goes out to the family. I myself just lost someone to a motorcyle accident. Now is the time to give your support and help.. I am sure that baby will be truly missed.

  2. Lea Claire Halfon says:

    I think this story is really sad. Mr.Scholz, who is the brother of Robin, is my intensive reading teacher, and when he came back from Washington, he looked misarable. Even though we all know how sad he must feels, he tries to still make us laugh and make us feel like he is ok. I know how hard it must be for him so I thank him for trying. And I hope he feels better. Lots of love to the ones who are lost and the ones who suffered.

  3. Michael Pickett says:

    Nehalah May was my step-daughter. I am proud to say there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t recognize what a gift she was.

  4. Gener says:

    I was hit on my road king in 2007. i spent two weeks in the hospital and now have a few pounds of metal in my ankle and leg. i was hit, t-boned by an elderly women 81 years old who did not yield the right of way. till this day i’m still very upset because i know if this person had a drivers test prior to the accident she probably would not have been on the road. i would take the test every six months to 1 year if it would save someone a lot of pain, disfigurement or there life. i would hate to have something like that on my conscience.

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