Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Route 230 Claims Life of Pratts Resident Eldon L. Yoder, 73, in Madison County, Virginia
VSP investigate two incidents of pedestrian crashes
With the sun setting earlier and snow causing some people to utilize the road to walk caution is advised.
On January 10, 2025, a tragic pedestrian accident occurred on Route 230 in Madison County, Virginia, resulting in the death of 73-year-old Eldon L. Yoder from Pratts. The incident took place during the evening hours when Mr. Yoder was walking southbound along Route 230. A westbound Ford F-350 pickup truck, operated by a 41-year-old Culpeper resident, struck Mr. Yoder. Emergency responders from Madison County Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene promptly, but unfortunately, Mr. Yoder was pronounced deceased at the location. The driver of the Ford F-350, who was properly restrained with a seatbelt at the time of the collision, emerged physically unharmed. Both the pedestrian and vehicle remained at the scene following the impact, allowing Madison County Sheriff's deputies to conduct their initial investigation.
Location and Infrastructure Analysis
Route 230 in Madison County traverses through the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, serving as an important connector between rural communities in central Virginia. This two-lane highway winds through agricultural areas and small settlements, experiencing moderate traffic flow throughout the day, with increased volume during morning and evening commute hours. The section where the accident occurred lies within a predominantly rural stretch of roadway between the towns of Madison and Syria. The road's pastoral setting means it lacks dedicated pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks or marked crosswalks in many sections. The route's rolling topography and periodic curves can create challenging sight lines for both drivers and pedestrians.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-924, pedestrians and drivers share specific rights and responsibilities on public roadways. The presence of hazardous conditions, such as sun glare and limited pedestrian infrastructure, may significantly impact liability determinations in this case. Virginia follows the contributory negligence doctrine, which can affect recovery in personal injury cases. Families of accident victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a wrongful death claim under Virginia Code § 8.01-244. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages. Insurance considerations may involve both auto liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. The timing of the accident during winter conditions and reduced visibility periods could introduce additional factors for insurance adjusters and legal professionals to evaluate. An experienced Madison personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources: Madison County Emergency Services 911 Emergency Response Madison County Sheriff's Office: (540) 948-5161
Traffic Safety Resources Virginia Department of Transportation - Culpeper District: (540) 829-7500 Virginia Highway Safety Office: (804) 367-6641
Victim Support Services Madison County Victim/Witness Program: (540) 948-7179 Virginia State Police Victim Services: (804) 674-2000
Legal References Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles - Traffic Laws Virginia Code Title 46.2 - Motor Vehicles
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