Williams v. Harrison

In this appeal, we consider issues of contributory negligence and last clear chance.

On the night of December 14, 1994, Harvey R. Williams, Jr. (Harvey), Jeffrey L. Harrison, and two of their friends were driving through a subdivision in Fairfax County in four separate cars. Har vey’s vehicle was second in the line, followed by Harrison’s vehicle. Harvey and Harrison were driving at speeds of approximately 60-65 miles per hour and 45 miles per hour, respectively. The speed limit was 35 miles per hour.

Shortly after cresting a hill, Harvey braked suddenly, skidding in a straight line. When…