Marine Dies in Motorcycle Crash
Posted on August 22, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
Motorcycle (Photo credit: gullevek)
You see motorcycles zoom past you on the freeways, sometimes weaving in and out of traffic. In the state of California, motorcyclists are allowed to split traffic and ride between lanes. This freedom to swerve between lanes increases the chances of personal injury a rider can attain when out on the road. Sadly, this was the case for one motorcycle rider.
On Saturday, August 18, an unfortunate accident took the life of a marine. Joshua Vielstich, 21, was thrown off his motorcycle when he was involved in an accident on a freeway. While driving on Interstate 10, the marine rear-ended a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta being driven by 40-year old Anika Heidman. Vielstich was riding at a high speed for about 90 minutes before he collided with the Jetta.
California High Patrol came onto the scene which happened about a mile west of North Indian Canyon drive. The crash happened at around 8:16 p.m. Officials believe that Vielstich did not have his motorcycle helmet properly secured. When he rear-ended the car in front of him, he flew off his motorcycle and died at the scene immediately.
Vielstich, who was originally from Utah, served in the U.S. Marines. In January 2011, he was deployed to Afghanistan until July of 2011. He was sent to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Some awards he received while on duty include: the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medical, the National Defense Service Medal, and the NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. Clearly, Vielstich was an accomplished young man who was willing to serve his country.
In February 2012, Vielstich was promoted to corporal. His family back in Utah described him as “an energetic adventure seeker” but above all, they described him as a marine.
Vielstich’s home military base was in Palm Springs. When Vielstich met his tragic end last Saturday, his family knew what had happened the moment they saw Marine officers standing at their front door of their Utah home.
His family said that there are still many memories of their loved one and that they will keep those memories alive. His mother has stated that it was a heartbreaking moment when she found out about her son’s death.
It is extremely sad to lose a Marine corporal in a motorcycle accident. Once a family looses a loved one in a wrongful death accident, emotions are on full blast and sometimes it may be confusing as to what to do next.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, call a car accident attorney today to file a claim.
