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Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ChristyH ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:22PM

On Georgetown Pike - Driver was killed on impact
Attachments:
KuVle.jpeg

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:28PM

holy SHIT! that is a HUGE tree

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:35PM

Kinda strange that the headlights are still on. Also interesting is how the roots of that are ripped right across the ground line.

Massive tree. At least driver didn't suffer -- perhaps never knew what hit her/him.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: the end is near ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:39PM

This is why i drink and smoke on a daily basis.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: reddit ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:40PM

i know i brought you here christy.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:42PM

On a side note, this picture is the poster child for not having HOV3 roads.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ChristyH ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:44PM

reddit Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> i know i brought you here christy.

Yes, yes you did.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ChristyH ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:46PM


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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: reddit ()
Date: July 17, 2012 11:47PM

upvoted.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: timber ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:09AM

tree 1
driver 0

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: not low in fairfax ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:11AM

Ito Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Kinda strange that the headlights are still on.
> Also interesting is how the roots of that are
> ripped right across the ground line.
>
> Massive tree. At least driver didn't suffer --
> perhaps never knew what hit her/him.

If i understand correctly those lights are from the work trucks. The guy in the Mercedes died. Still weird that he has his break pressed.

19049221_BG6.jpg

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:21AM

Yeah its hard to tell what part of the car you're looking at from the original picture. I watched the video in the link and witnesses said the driver heard something happening and hit his breaks. Sad because he probably would have survived if he hadn't.

They say he was a man in his 60s.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: insurance ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:29AM

Those wheels are probably still good. 19 inch, aluminium alloy. Could probably get rid of those for around $1200.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: timber ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:35AM

Such a ghastly image. May our memories be colored not by death and tragedy, but by the grace and wonder of a life long lived. Here, the marvelous tree, in its full glory:


View Larger Map

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: T ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:40AM

Looks like it was probably one of these two trees. Bus route, good thing it's summer. That tree looks long dead too, should have been cut down long ago.
Attachments:
trees.jpg

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:43AM

timber Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Such a ghastly image. May our memories be colored
> not by death and tragedy, but by the grace and
> wonder of a life long lived. Here, the marvelous
> tree, in its full glory:
>
> View Larger Map


So you're saying that this was a murder/suicide committed by this tree?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ChristyH ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:44AM

And who knows how long ago Google captured the image of that tree- If that is the actual tree (obviously rotting/not sound) it really is a shame the county didn't take it down before... or at least Derecho.

What a shame.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: reddit ()
Date: July 18, 2012 12:51AM

for some reason, the popped tires are, by far the most haunting aspect of this picture.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Janz ()
Date: July 18, 2012 01:03AM

They should be checking that fallen tree for a carpenter ant nest.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 18, 2012 01:07AM

When a tree falls like this during Tom & Jerry, Tom usually just slides out from under the car and continues running on his toes.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: 70chip ()
Date: July 18, 2012 01:22AM

Happened 2 blocks from my house.. Awful scene. Guy just coming home from work going westbound right in front of the firestation. Nothing could of saved him. 100ft 40 TON RED OAK with a trunk 6ft in diameter. The huge Road Runner crane that lifts 18 wheelers couldn't even budge it. They brought in an additional hydraulic jack that lifted it enough to yank the car out 4 hours after it had fallen.. extremely ghastly sight when they pulled the car away. It looked as if half of Fairfax County Fire & Rescue were there. Awful scene and prayers to the family who more than likely lost their bread winner tonight. Enjoy today.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: timber ()
Date: July 18, 2012 01:34AM

Ito Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> timber Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Such a ghastly image. May our memories be
> colored
> > not by death and tragedy, but by the grace and
> > wonder of a life long lived. Here, the
> marvelous
> > tree, in its full glory:
> >
> > View Larger Map
>
>
> So you're saying that this was a murder/suicide
> committed by this tree?


Not at all. It was just the tree's time. But by such power that the mighty oak wields we are fragile and insignificant. To be near that power is to consign and intertwine one's fate with the vagaries of nature's most graceful giant. To be in its presence alone is humbling, but to share intimately its moment of demise is as noble a way to go as any.

If this beauty should go unnoticed by the funeral parlor and a consummation of the meeting of these two souls not eternalized in a custom casket then there will be a great injustice.

The wood would even be free.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: X ()
Date: July 18, 2012 02:05AM

70chip, did you hear it fall?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Clobbersaurus ()
Date: July 18, 2012 02:36AM

Damn trees kill again

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Kite Eating Tree ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:07AM

Ito Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> timber Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Such a ghastly image. May our memories be
> colored
> > not by death and tragedy, but by the grace and
> > wonder of a life long lived. Here, the
> marvelous
> > tree, in its full glory:
> >
> > View Larger Map
>
>
> So you're saying that this was a murder/suicide
> committed by this tree?

Heh, today a mercedes tomorrow a Mustang!
Attachments:
talking-tree.jpg

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: lolyer ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:24AM

wow.. what are the odds of shit like this happening..

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: GreenThumb ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:28AM

That tree has been neglected since the day it sprouted way back when. Look at that thing. Pruning is your friend.

I'd sue the Hispanic landscape company who cut it's roots to edge and then mulched them over to rot away. Oh wait, the County should pay out a lump sum to everyone involved because they licensed the landscape company and ignored the problem tree when they last paved and painted it.

Trees kill people. Cut those fuckers down.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gerry Connolly ()
Date: July 18, 2012 06:58AM

Our government should ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. Falling trees kill thousands of people every year. I plan to introduce legislation regulating the planting and growing of trees to address this problem. Vote for me and together we can ensure that no family suffers a tragedy like this again!

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: geeze ()
Date: July 18, 2012 07:07AM

Wow, I use to drive by that tree everyday headed to work and always thought one day it would fall over and crush a car..

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Treelover ()
Date: July 18, 2012 07:20AM

That tree has been a piece of shit and should have been removed ten years ago. The trunk has been rotted out way longer than that. I think they did even more damage when they upgraded tbe firestation and road. Not sure who neglected to cut it down but it was an obvious danger fir a long time. I hope the family gets paid huge on that one.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 18, 2012 07:27AM

@all y'all saying the tree is such an obvious danger: then why didnt you notify someone about this obvious danger you saw?


edit - they are cutting down the other tree right now as I type this......................



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/18/2012 07:45AM by Gordon Blvd.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: John Muir ()
Date: July 18, 2012 07:55AM

Kill all the trees

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: SUE!!!! ()
Date: July 18, 2012 07:58AM

ChristyH Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And who knows how long ago Google captured the
> image of that tree- If that is the actual tree
> (obviously rotting/not sound) it really is a shame
> the county didn't take it down before... or at
> least Derecho.
>
> What a shame.


I wonder how many calls the widow got from ambulance chasers. I bet she gets a nice settlement from whoever owns the tree.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 18, 2012 08:03AM

@Sue - it's an act of God - I'd love to see how some shyster would plan to deliver the documents...............

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ganja McDoogle ()
Date: July 18, 2012 08:47AM

Gerry Connolly Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Our government should ensure that nothing like
> this ever happens again. Falling trees kill
> thousands of people every year. I plan to
> introduce legislation regulating the planting and
> growing of trees to address this problem. Vote
> for me and together we can ensure that no family
> suffers a tragedy like this again!

Have you ever seen a marijuana plant fall over and kill anyone?

NOPE.

You need to redirect your resources to better serve the community. Just legalize it already. All the uptight bitches can get off prescription meds and smoke a joint to mellow out man.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Sue!!!!!!!!! ()
Date: July 18, 2012 09:42AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Sue - it's an act of God - I'd love to see how
> some shyster would plan to deliver the
> documents...............


If you have a good enough lawyer, they find a way. This lawsuit has a degree of difficulty of 2.5.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: taxpayer ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:08AM

I think that tree, the other one they cut down, plus the one at Georgetown pike and walker rd were the subject of discussion. People got5 riled up when they cut one down at that intersection---the pruning, the cut roots. If the county decided to leave the thing after looking at it then WOW! What abouit all these trees where the roots grow out of hollowed hills on Georgetown Pike, River Bend, and Old Dominion?

I see electric lines. Dominion Power must have been trimming the thing whose trunk was between the lines and the street!!!!

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Consulor ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:10AM

I like to call my first witness...


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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: BEH ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:23AM

The interviewers voice sounds familiar. Is that the guy from WTOP whose voice cracks and sounds like he's going to cry?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:28AM

Excuse me sir, how can you tell that the dead, hollow tree with no roots lying on the ground behind you is actually dead?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Date: July 18, 2012 10:38AM

That tree had been dead along time! There were no leaves on it at all ,only huge dry limbs. The state is responsible for Georgetown Pike. But the state , Fairfax County and all of us who saw the tree are responsible. Also the shopping Center that looked at it everyday, even the Fire Department had to see it everyday! It is total negligence that it was not removed! All the tree work that was just done on Georgetown Pike because of the Derecho, and they leave the deadliest tree!

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Warhawk ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:42AM

That is something totally out of the show "Dead Like Me".

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: German Safety ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:47AM

Is this going to tarnish Mercedes stellar crash and safety ratings?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 18, 2012 10:48AM

I believe the horses have left the barn on this one already. How about people go around the county looking for more dead trees instead of being an expert on the one that is lying on the ground?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Two Cents ()
Date: July 18, 2012 04:56PM

There hasn't been a case this blatant since the Charlie Brown vs. The Kite Eating Tree Trail of 1998!


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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:00PM

insurance Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Those wheels are probably still good. 19 inch,
> aluminium alloy. Could probably get rid of those
> for around $1200.




No, all that weight even popped the tires. The wheels are probably oval shaped...

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: [From Hell It Came] Killer Tree Attacks! ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:05PM

.


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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: NRA 75 ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:11PM

Bad shit happens enjoy each day, you never know when a giant fucking oak might fall on your ride.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: meh ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:14PM

Dearest OP,

tits or gtfo

thx

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: $$ payday ()
Date: July 18, 2012 05:41PM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Sue - it's an act of God - I'd love to see how
> some shyster would plan to deliver the
> documents...............


Not hard, dominion power is resposible for pruning and tree maintaince within x amount of feet from powerlines. First I would slap dominion with a 5 million dollar suit then I would go after the tree company becuase they sub it out and you can clearly see from the pics is was only pruned on one side (the side that fell over). The tree was not cut down due to the cost of bringing in a crane. It's much cheaper for a tree to first fall then remove and restore power. Then I would slap the landscape company and property owner for 800k for poor maintance around the base as someone else stated .

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ThePackLeader ()
Date: July 18, 2012 08:08PM

There's something that's rotting out the core of a lot of trees in the area lately. The one we had hit our house was overall a healthy one until recently, and when it fell the stump and roots stayed in the ground, but it snapped off about two feet up. The only part of the tree hollowed out and dark was near the base, but not at it.

I spent a lot of time in Downtown Great Falls over the years, and I clearly remember those huge trees. Great Falls always suffers massive tree falls during big storms, it's a well known hazard over there, but this sucker was most likely further weakened by the Super Derecho a while back (Contrary to what one tree guy said, yes, the Derecho DID hit Great Falls, as it wasn't an isolated event, and tons of trees were knocked over there weeks ago).

==================================================================================================
"And if any women or children get their legs torn off, or faces caved in, well, it's tough shit for them." -2LT. Bert Stiles, 505th, 339th (On Berlin Bombardier Mission, 1944).

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: elvis ()
Date: July 18, 2012 08:17PM

There is a similar tree on a foot path near my house. I always suspected it was out to get me. Who should I notify?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Warhawk ()
Date: July 18, 2012 08:44PM

Flawless Victory....Fatality....

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Whobe ()
Date: July 18, 2012 09:31PM

vdot claimed it's their responsibility today and on their property. Their company arborist claims they didn't know about the tree, complete bullshit since they have in the last couple years redone the road right next to this tree. Funny how they tried to say they need help from the public to let them know about trees like this. They must have the same defense as DC where trees like this are left until they fall all of the time and I doubt they pay out for the complete neglect.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: WTF!?! ()
Date: July 19, 2012 04:55PM

Whobe Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> vdot claimed it's their responsibility today and
> on their property. Their company arborist claims
> they didn't know about the tree, complete bullshit
> since they have in the last couple years redone
> the road right next to this tree. Funny how they
> tried to say they need help from the public to let
> them know about trees like this. They must have
> the same defense as DC where trees like this are
> left until they fall all of the time and I doubt
> they pay out for the complete neglect.

VDOT took responsibility for it, which means the victims relatives will surely sue.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Jonni ()
Date: July 19, 2012 05:06PM

State has a limited liability, payout maxes out at 100K.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: racks on rack ()
Date: July 19, 2012 05:14PM

Is that an s550? A nice little tip from the insurance company should be coming.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Efteling The Talking tree ()
Date: July 19, 2012 08:01PM

NRA 75 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bad shit happens enjoy each day, you never know
> when a giant fucking oak might fall on your ride.



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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 19, 2012 08:10PM

Whobe Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> vdot claimed it's their responsibility today and
> on their property. Their company arborist claims
> they didn't know about the tree, complete bullshit
> since they have in the last couple years redone
> the road right next to this tree. Funny how they
> tried to say they need help from the public to let
> them know about trees like this. They must have
> the same defense as DC where trees like this are
> left until they fall all of the time and I doubt
> they pay out for the complete neglect.


So VDOT is supposed to be omnipotent? i dunno what sorta all-knowing Godlike entity you think they are in yr head but last i checked they were just human like the rest of us. if maybe only 10% of all the people claiming they knew this tree was dead had bothered to call vdot or the county to tell them, Mercedes boy may still be alive.........

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Two Cents ()
Date: July 19, 2012 08:13PM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Whobe Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > vdot claimed it's their responsibility today and
> > on their property. Their company arborist claims
> > they didn't know about the tree, complete
> bullshit
> > since they have in the last couple years redone
> > the road right next to this tree. Funny how they
> > tried to say they need help from the public to
> let
> > them know about trees like this. They must have
> > the same defense as DC where trees like this are
> > left until they fall all of the time and I doubt
> > they pay out for the complete neglect.
>
>
> So VDOT is supposed to be omnipotent? i dunno
> what sorta all-knowing Godlike entity you think
> they are in yr head but last i checked they were
> just human like the rest of us. if maybe only
> 10% of all the people claiming they knew this tree
> was dead had bothered to call vdot or the county
> to tell them, Mercedes boy may still be
> alive.........

Gordo is it too much to expect them to be competent?

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you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 19, 2012 09:07PM

to know about the condition of every single tree in the state?

you really need to stop thinking they are headquartered at Hogwarts, yo..............................

if you dont let them know what YOU know, they how are they going to know?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: mikecash33 ()
Date: July 20, 2012 10:41AM

What a horrible accident. If I'm not mistaken, the giant oak tree that fell once sat in the front yard of the Oliver farm house on Georgetown Pike. The neighborhood across the street from the Safeway was once known as Oliver Estates because it sits on what used to be Oliver property. It was sub-divided into neighborhood lots in the mid 1960s. Here is an old picture (circa early 80s) of what was once a beautiful tree and somewhat of a Great Falls landmark.

My condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2012 10:46AM by mikecash33.
Attachments:
great falls tree.jpg

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Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Two Cents ()
Date: July 20, 2012 11:36AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> to know about the condition of every single tree
> in the state?
>
> you really need to stop thinking they are
> headquartered at Hogwarts,
> yo..............................
>
> if you dont let them know what YOU know, they how
> are they going to know?

Along VA roads that pose a hazard, yes. That's part of their job and this tree hasa been there a looooong ass time. They knew it was there, they knew it was a problem and did nothing about it. They proved my point, once they took responsibility for it.

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Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 20, 2012 04:04PM

Two Cents Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Along VA roads that pose a hazard, yes. That's
> part of their job and this tree hasa been there a
> looooong ass time. They knew it was there, they
> knew it was a problem
and did nothing about it.
> They proved my point, once they took
> responsibility for it.


and how do you know they KNEW there was a problem? And just because you think they have pshchic powers and can read our minds...........well we dont really consider that "proof" in the grown-up world. You can assume they "knew" about the tree all you want but all that really proves is that you have conspiracy theory-itis, is all.

like I said in the other thread, if like 10% of the ppl claiming they "knew" this tree was a problem, if they had bothered to call VDOT about it, then Mercedes Boy would still be alive prolly.

Takes a Village, yo. VDOT ain't God.

edit: no matter how much you think they are LoLz



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2012 04:05PM by Gordon Blvd.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Timber!!! ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:31AM

Driver Killed When Tree Falls on Moving Car
Large oak topples on Georgetown Pike, killing man in Mercedes.
By Karen Goff
July 18, 2012
http://reston.patch.com/articles/driver-killed-when-tree-falls-on-moving-car

Fairfax County Police said a 64-year-old man was killed Tuesday when a large tree fell into the road on Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, crushing him in his car.

Albert Carl Roeth III was driving his 2008 Mercedes CL600 southbound on Georgetown Pike shortly after 6:30 p.m. As he was passing through the 9900 block of Georgetown Pike, a very large tree unexpectedly fell from the right side of the roadway directly onto the Mercedes.

The tree crushed the driver compartment of the car killing Roeth. He was the sole occupant of the car and there were no other vehicles involved.

Alcohol and speed were not factors in this incident.

Police shut down Georgetown Pike overnight as crews removed the tree and investigated the strength of roots on another nearby tree.


View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com.


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Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Two Cents ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:32AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two Cents Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Along VA roads that pose a hazard, yes. That's
> > part of their job and this tree hasa been there
> a
> > looooong ass time. They knew it was there, they
> > knew it was a problem and did nothing about it.
> > They proved my point, once they took
> > responsibility for it.
>
>
> and how do you know they KNEW there was a problem?
> And just because you think they have pshchic
> powers and can read our minds...........well we
> dont really consider that "proof" in the grown-up
> world. You can assume they "knew" about the tree
> all you want but all that really proves is that
> you have conspiracy theory-itis, is all.
>
> like I said in the other thread, if like 10% of
> the ppl claiming they "knew" this tree was a
> problem, if they had bothered to call VDOT about
> it, then Mercedes Boy would still be alive prolly.
>
>
> Takes a Village, yo. VDOT ain't God.
>
> edit: no matter how much you think they are LoLz

It was on the news, they were already aware of it and just hadn't gotten around to removing it. The same was true with another tree about 30 to 40 feet away.

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: arbor ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:33AM

I've lived here for the past 35 years and I love the large trees that we are so lucky to have. Examples of primary (not secondary) growth abound here. They provide shade and cool the air and are also scenic. I also remember that a few years ago, when a few very old and sick oaks were removed a from a site probably not 100 yards from this tree, such removal was occasioned by a sophomoric protest that featured signs proclaiming "trees being murdered." People were up in arms over the removal of similar dangerous and ill trees; never-mind that the property owner had no "nefarious" motives such as development or anything (the site remains undeveloped) but was simply removing them as he had a professional opinion that the trees were dangerous. He was acting in his and the public's interest. This episode was occasioned by an inordinate amount of compliant and acrimony - where are those people now? Several other of the trees in this vicinity don't look so hot either - to my eyes. I will pray for this person and their family. It is a sad - but potentially avoidable - tragedy.

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Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: kerri knows ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:34AM

We have a family friend, active in Great Falls, who has been arguing for cutting down some of these trees for years. He had lots of hate mail from local activists - the "trees being murdered" types - which halted the cutting down of these rotted trees. This is the same mentality of those in California who won't allow homeowners to remove brush, ending up in homes being burned down. Activism has its consequences.

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Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Reston Mom ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:36AM

Also still trying to figure out exactly where that tree was. Which corner was it -- the NE, NW, SE, or SW corner of the intersection? I drive by that corner 4x/day between Sept-June with kids in my van...that so easily could have been any number of us parents (or heaven forbid a school bus!) ferrying kids to+from Great Falls ES. Scary.

Here's the picture that was in the patch article
Attachments:
b47b5700c682e13a27f5d59705d2fdfa.jpg

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:40AM

@kerri/arbor - THANK YOU for your honesty. Cause you all know pretty well had VDOT or county tried to cut down this same exact tree back in April or May, ppl in the G-F would have been RIOTING over it.....

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: you do know there are more trees than just that one, right?
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:40AM

arbor Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've lived here for the past 35 years and I love
> the large trees that we are so lucky to have.
> Examples of primary (not secondary) growth abound
> here. They provide shade and cool the air and are
> also scenic. I also remember that a few years ago,
> when a few very old and sick oaks were removed a
> from a site probably not 100 yards from this tree,
> such removal was occasioned by a sophomoric
> protest that featured signs proclaiming "trees
> being murdered." People were up in arms over the
> removal of similar dangerous and ill trees;
> never-mind that the property owner had no
> "nefarious" motives such as development or
> anything (the site remains undeveloped) but was
> simply removing them as he had a professional
> opinion that the trees were dangerous. He was
> acting in his and the public's interest. This
> episode was occasioned by an inordinate amount of
> compliant and acrimony - where are those people
> now? Several other of the trees in this vicinity
> don't look so hot either - to my eyes. I will pray
> for this person and their family. It is a sad -
> but potentially avoidable - tragedy.

I wonder if there's a potential for the family suing both VDOT and any activist groups. After all if VDOT did want to remove the tree(s) and some activist group sued them to prevent them from doing so, wouldn't they (activist group) be held responsible?

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Mixed ()
Date: July 21, 2012 09:40AM

Mothernature strikes again..now imagine if that had been a Smartcar..

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 10:24AM

@Mixed - um, I'm pretty sure the results would be the same - CERTAINLY the outcome would be..................

@ivy - Why is it you see this tragedy and look at it like some sorta lotto payday? Why not sue Culpeper County, Proctor and Gamble and the Daughters of the American Revolution as well since none of them OBVIOUSLY didnt do anything to prevent this tree from falling, either............ o_0

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 21, 2012 10:28AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @ivy - Why is it you see this tragedy and look at
> it like some sorta lotto payday? Why not sue
> Culpeper County, Proctor and Gamble and the
> Daughters of the American Revolution as well since
> none of them OBVIOUSLY didnt do anything to
> prevent this tree from falling, either............
> o_0

Well VDOT is responsible for maintaining the tree and it fell down on a car and crushed the driver. So yes, I can see a lawsuit in the future, but more than that I was more curious to see why VDOT hadn't removed it. Appears that there is or are "groups" that protested the removal of those old trees. Either way, a man is dead because someone else screwed up. If he was my hubby, oh yes I would be suing someone.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 10:32AM

@Ivy - lol - I feel ya there. But all I'm saying is that you'd be hard pressed to prove liability on VDOT's fault unless you could prove they a) KNEW tree was in distress and b) purposefully didnt take it down knowing it was in distress. You'd have to show paperwork to a judge documenting VDOT looked at the tree, knew it was in bad shape and still didnt do something - dig what I mean?

And taking it onto protest groups - well, to find them liable you'd have to override the 1st amendment and I dont think that's gonna happen ;)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/21/2012 10:33AM by Gordon Blvd.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 21, 2012 10:42AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Ivy - lol - I feel ya there. But all I'm saying
> is that you'd be hard pressed to prove liability
> on VDOT's fault unless you could prove they a)
> KNEW tree was in distress and b) purposefully
> didnt take it down knowing it was in distress.
> You'd have to show paperwork to a judge
> documenting VDOT looked at the tree, knew it was
> in bad shape and still didnt do something - dig
> what I mean?
>
> And taking it onto protest groups - well, to find
> them liable you'd have to override the 1st
> amendment and I dont think that's gonna happen ;)

It's not quite as hard as you might think. Let's pretend that I'm the victim's wife. Here's what I would do:

1). Pull all the news reports that have VDOT stating that they are/were responsible for the tree.

2). I'd have my lawyer subpeona VDOT's records for any work done on that road near the vicinity of the tree. If VDOT had done any pruning, trimming, etc. My lawyer could make the argument that VDOT had "serviced" the tree but failed to remove it (or failed to plan on moving it, etc).

3). My lawyer would have to prove to the court, that by failing to remove the tree (which VDOT has confirmed on TV, on the news, to a news reporter that they are responsible for), they did not perform their job and as a result my husband died in a car accident, where said tree fell over and killed him.

4). If my case where to be a jury trial, my chances are even better. If I have children by this man (let's say a son and a daughter), I should be able to sue to lost wages/child support lost by VDOT's neglience.

5). There are alot of if's, but if I could prove all of that (and I have enough to probably do that), I figure I'd walk away with about 1 to 4 million dollars.

The only thing that could probably save VDOT would be the activitists that another poster mentioned. If VDOT had been hampered by a court order, lawsuit, etc. Then that would be a speed bump. My question was this...Could the family sue that activist person or group for impeding VDOT in performance of their duties?

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 11:21AM

activist answer: you could sue, sure. But to prove liabilty and win - well, who knows.

Lotsa ifs, yea. But if VDOT produces papwerwork that shows yeah they looked at tree and it looked fine when they last checked it, then you are kinda out of luck with the following steps.

And to be honest, that's prolly what you are gonna find. That last time they checked out the tree, it was fine.

About lawsuits. It's yr right to think that way and everything - but not everybody does. If I died like this, I would NOT want my family suing the state for something I see as an "Act of God" unless I'd complained about the tree before or it had been a big deal prior to my death. Just seems cheap to me.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 21, 2012 11:30AM

The victim was in his 60s, he was driving a nice car and lived in Great Falls. Chances are he and his family were not hurting for money.

I don't know whether a lawsuit will be forthcoming. If the guy was loved by his wife, chances are she is missing him at this point and is not worried about some sort of financial settlement. In fact, I would hope that is the case.

When people die, it doesn't necessarily mean that his loved ones look at it as some sort of payday.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 21, 2012 11:40AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> activist answer: you could sue, sure. But to
> prove liabilty and win - well, who knows.
>
> Lotsa ifs, yea. But if VDOT produces papwerwork
> that shows yeah they looked at tree and it looked
> fine when they last checked it, then you are kinda
> out of luck with the following steps.

You raise an interesting point. Let's say I'm the wife, and VDOT produces paperwork that the tree was okay. Well that helps my case even more, because I should be able to prove (beyond a reasonable doubt), that the tree was in fact NOT okay based on its condition. I could probably make the case that VDOT was incompetent in that matter or so. Anyway, I wanted to make this clear...

1). I wasn't looking at it as a "Payday".

2). I was looking at it from a widow's perspective. I've got kids with this man, our main source of income is gone, we have a mortgage and bills to pay, etc.

3). Alot of people I think forget that families are hurting financially as well as emotionally after a loved one passes away.

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 01:40PM

Ivy Bigbee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gordon Blvd Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > activist answer: you could sue, sure. But to
> > prove liabilty and win - well, who knows.
> >
> > Lotsa ifs, yea. But if VDOT produces
> papwerwork
> > that shows yeah they looked at tree and it
> looked
> > fine when they last checked it, then you are
> kinda
> > out of luck with the following steps.
>
> You raise an interesting point. Let's say I'm the
> wife, and VDOT produces paperwork that the tree
> was okay. Well that helps my case even more,
> because I should be able to prove (beyond a
> reasonable doubt), that the tree was in fact NOT
> okay based on its condition. I could probably make
> the case that VDOT was incompetent in that matter
> or so. Anyway, I wanted to make this clear...
>
> 1). I wasn't looking at it as a "Payday".

you say that now - but you stated your agenda earlier to us from a lawsuit. And it was not to improve VDOT safety measures. Not to get tree and other right-of-way issues pushed into the forefront. Not to insure something like this never happens again. You said "I figure I'd walk away with about 1 to 4 million dollars. "

Now THAT'S a payday LoLz



>
> 2). I was looking at it from a widow's
> perspective. I've got kids with this man, our main
> source of income is gone, we have a mortgage and
> bills to pay, etc.

Understood - however if that is truly your main concern, you would have life insurance like everybody else
>
> 3). Alot of people I think forget that families
> are hurting financially as well as emotionally
> after a loved one passes away.

Not doubting that at all - however trying turning a loved one's death into a lotto ticket isnt necessarily the way to solve those problems.

Like I said before, you most CERTAINLY have the right to feel the way you do about liability and whatnot. Just there are others who look at it as cheap to put a pricetag on tragedy. I mean, look at this shit: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/20/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-injured-idUS387141306620120720

bodies arent even cold and ppl are already looking to get lotto $$$$ out of it...............

and it's that "There's got to be someone to blame so I can get some $$$$" mentality that is helping to clog our court system to hell. Some of us just dont agree with that sentiment, is all.

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 21, 2012 01:53PM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Ivy Bigbee Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Gordon Blvd Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > activist answer: you could sue, sure. But
> to
> > > prove liabilty and win - well, who knows.
> > >
> > > Lotsa ifs, yea. But if VDOT produces
> > papwerwork
> > > that shows yeah they looked at tree and it
> > looked
> > > fine when they last checked it, then you are
> > kinda
> > > out of luck with the following steps.
> >
> > You raise an interesting point. Let's say I'm
> the
> > wife, and VDOT produces paperwork that the tree
> > was okay. Well that helps my case even more,
> > because I should be able to prove (beyond a
> > reasonable doubt), that the tree was in fact
> NOT
> > okay based on its condition. I could probably
> make
> > the case that VDOT was incompetent in that
> matter
> > or so. Anyway, I wanted to make this clear...
> >
> > 1). I wasn't looking at it as a "Payday".
>
> you say that now - but you stated your agenda
> earlier to us from a lawsuit. And it was not to
> improve VDOT safety measures. Not to get tree and
> other right-of-way issues pushed into the
> forefront. Not to insure something like this
> never happens again. You said "I figure I'd walk
> away with about 1 to 4 million dollars. "
>
> Now THAT'S a payday LoLz
>
>
>
> >
> > 2). I was looking at it from a widow's
> > perspective. I've got kids with this man, our
> main
> > source of income is gone, we have a mortgage
> and
> > bills to pay, etc.
>
> Understood - however if that is truly your main
> concern, you would have life insurance like
> everybody else
> >
> > 3). Alot of people I think forget that families
> > are hurting financially as well as emotionally
> > after a loved one passes away.
>
> Not doubting that at all - however trying turning
> a loved one's death into a lotto ticket isnt
> necessarily the way to solve those problems.
>
> Like I said before, you most CERTAINLY have the
> right to feel the way you do about liability and
> whatnot. Just there are others who look at it as
> cheap to put a pricetag on tragedy. I mean, look
> at this shit:
> http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/20/tagblogs
> findlawcom2012-injured-idUS387141306620120720
>
> bodies arent even cold and ppl are already looking
> to get lotto $$$$ out of it...............
>
> and it's that "There's got to be someone to blame
> so I can get some $$$$" mentality that is helping
> to clog our court system to hell. Some of us just
> dont agree with that sentiment, is all.

You're just being unrealistic. This was 100% preventable and now the widow will have to pay bills, etc. My point is, this was VDOTs responsibility and as a result of their failure a person was killed. Therefore the widow and family are entitled to sue for damages based on that neglience. You know its not easy to pay off bills if your a single parent. I'd be curious to know if the widow works or is retired. Funeral costs alone will cost them about 10K or higher.

I think I would be more in your camp if the tree was healthier and been knocked over during the storm. But that's not the case here. Look at the comments above. Everyone who's been down that road knew the state of that tree and I think its a reasonable assumption people complained about it. (see arbor and kerri knows above). So again, if there is a giant tree like that, and people had been complaining about it, and VDOT admits its their responsibility, AND my family lost their father (and primary source of income) of course I have a case for suing them and getting money to cover our expenses as a result. This is not a case for saying, "let's sue for millions and millions of dollars and go a trip around the world." This is..."How am I going to pay my mortgage, how am I going to pay off my kid's college, student loans, car payments, etc. Regardless of what money they may have, its going to be a huge cost. The family will probably have to sell off the house, and other things to pay the bills and creditors. And why? because VDOT was too lazy, and didn't cut down a gigantic, dangerous, overhanging tree.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 02:08PM

@Ivy - here's the part or yr point that you are missing.
You say: "So again, if there is a giant tree like that, and people had been complaining about it, and VDOT admits its their responsibility................."
and I'm telling you that those same ppl that are saying the tree is bad now are only saying that because it fell. Those same ppl would prolly be the ones all upset at VDOT if they had tried to cut down the tree in April.

If you can prove ppl complained and VDOT did nothing, then yes, you definitely have a case there. I just dont think you will find that to be the case, is all. Only time will tell. And any half-ass decent lawyer will be able to show how the Deracho storm prolly loosened the soil to make the tree fall anyways.......................

And all that other stuff you talk about - mortgage, college, etc? If you dont have life insurance, then that's why you are having trouble not VDOT's fault. They are not God - they dont have to hold yr hand and make you get life insurance that's your job as parents, y'know? What if it wasnt a tree - it's an unemployed drunk driver with no insurance? Who yo gonna sue then?

In any event, I'm betting if enough ppl had actually complained about the tree being dead, or if it had really been seen as a true road hazard, it would have been cut down already as VDOT would rather deal with political bs than a money losing lawsuit.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: yeah ()
Date: July 21, 2012 03:25PM

Mixed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ...now imagine if that had been a Smartcar..

Yeah man, the dude would be even deader!

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: vdot ()
Date: July 21, 2012 03:31PM

All you Perry Masons out there can just shut up. The Commonwealth has immunity against stuff like this.

The guy's insurance company will pay whatever the going rate is for a 64 year old dead guy and that's that. (they really do have a formula for what a human life is "worth" in various situations---kid, adult, head of household breadwinner, etc)

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 21, 2012 03:50PM

@vdot - now that makes waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more sense - at the end of the day, there's a math equation to figure out how much you are worth. Sad, but true

"It's all about the Benjamins, what?"

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: taxpayer ()
Date: July 22, 2012 07:39AM

VDOT and the county have stated they have no record of a complaint. Was there even a stump to grind? I suppose we all now have to have records of phone calls and letters or emails to document any complaints about anything they think they have NO MANDATE to do anything about.....maybe we all need to organize and drive around with photo stamp function for date /time on a camera. Send a letter or email with the pictures.....


-remove those trees that grow out of dirt cliffs along roads
-trim down to 10 ft below power lines not the current which appears to be at the line
-property owners trim down non right of way stuff to fall within 15 ft of the lines

let HOA's pay to bury lines in neighborhoods...ideal if screamers don't want trimming ... utilities route lines just to the 'hood

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 22, 2012 07:42AM

@taxpayer-wow. well, you are proof to us of at least one thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PR_rzF8ofw

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 22, 2012 06:22PM

vdot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> All you Perry Masons out there can just shut up.
> The Commonwealth has immunity against stuff like
> this.
>
> The guy's insurance company will pay whatever the
> going rate is for a 64 year old dead guy and
> that's that. (they really do have a formula for
> what a human life is "worth" in various
> situations---kid, adult, head of household
> breadwinner, etc)

So I guess it sucks to be the family then.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 23, 2012 07:14AM

Ivy Bigbee Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> So I guess it sucks to be the family then.




Ivy..............................it's sucked to be them since the tree fell. Just because they cant get a lotto payday out of it from the state doesnt change that.

And again, it is a situation like this what Life Insurance is for.............

you gotta protect YOURSELF and YOUR OWN FAMILY! It is not anybody else's responsibility to do so.................

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Mr. Insensitive ()
Date: July 24, 2012 06:26PM

Gordon if VDOT says they're responsible for the tree, then aren't they responsible for the tree falling on the car? LOL

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 24, 2012 07:34PM

@Mr I - they are also responsible if a kid climbs the tree and falls out of it too, right?

A dog eats and acorn from the tree, chokes and dies. SUE THE COMMONWEALTH!! Nothing less that $750 large!!!

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: The Illuminati ()
Date: July 24, 2012 08:40PM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Mr I - they are also responsible if a kid climbs
> the tree and falls out of it too, right?
>
> A dog eats and acorn from the tree, chokes and
> dies. SUE THE COMMONWEALTH!! Nothing less that
> $750 large!!!

The victim was a key obstacle in our plans to dominate Fairfax County with ignorant black and asian men, so we paid the tree to fall over on him at that particular moment. Accidents happen right? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Sincerely,

The Illuminati

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 24, 2012 08:54PM

You'll have to forgive GordonBlvd, in his/her world the government can do no wrong and the citizens have no rights. Oh well, so what if the gas mains blow up right? It was an act of God right? Why waste the taxpayers money in court with a petty lawsuit about other taxpayers dying because of someone's incompetence.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: GFer ()
Date: July 24, 2012 10:14PM

vdot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> All you Perry Masons out there can just shut up.
> The Commonwealth has immunity against stuff like
> this.
>
> The guy's insurance company will pay whatever the
> going rate is for a 64 year old dead guy and
> that's that. (they really do have a formula for
> what a human life is "worth" in various
> situations---kid, adult, head of household
> breadwinner, etc)

You were right about sovereign immunity, but his insurance company will pay what he was covered for - not based on some formula. If he had $1M in life insurance, they'll pay $1M. No more, no less. If he had no life insurance, he gets zero.

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You'll have to forgive GordonBlvd, in his/her world the government can do no wrong and the citizens have no rights. Oh well, so what if the gas mains blow up right? It was an act of God right? Why waste the taxpayers money in court with a petty lawsuit ab
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 24, 2012 11:55PM

LoLz - that's a very good point, GFer.
@Ivy - so you seriously, SERIOUSLY do not see the difference between a tree and a gas main? I'll give you a hint. You will not be able to Google the address of the manufacturer of the tree...............
@Illuminati 8-)

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: ishciohwdviopdfhipsvdn ()
Date: July 25, 2012 01:10AM

The bitch of this is that witnesses have stated that he braked to try and avoid falling the tree. Had he sped up or even maintained his speed, he probably would have been fine. With his braking attempt, he managed to get the tree to land directly on the front portion of the passenger compartment.

Sucks.

Physics kids. Study it.

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Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Ito ()
Date: July 25, 2012 01:16AM

ishciohwdviopdfhipsvdn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Physics kids. Study it.

Yep. Its almost like he was Wile E. Coyote.

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: You'll have to forgive GordonBlvd, in his/her world the government can do no wrong and the citizens have no rights. Oh well, so what if the gas mains blow up right? It was an act of God right? Why waste the taxpayers money in court with a petty lawsui
Posted by: Ivy Bigbee ()
Date: July 25, 2012 05:03AM

Gordon Blvd Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @Ivy - so you seriously, SERIOUSLY do not see the
> difference between a tree and a gas main? I'll
> give you a hint. You will not be able to Google
> the address of the manufacturer of the
> tree...............

Sure there is a difference, but there is also a similiarity. My point is that both have responsible parties who maintain them.

Options: ReplyQuote
Re: Giant Tree Fell On a Car Tonight in Great Falls- Fatality
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: July 25, 2012 06:51AM

@Ivy - "similarities" (between a tree and a gas main...................ROFLMAO@that LoLz)

Ivy, VDOT does not go around checking all the trees, ok?
As I've tried to point out to you - IN REAL LIFE, THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY TREES TO EXPECT VDOT TO BE ABLE TO CHECK THEM ALL. THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO CALL VDOT IF YOU FEEL THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY CAN CHECK IT OUT!!!

And we already know by now that there is no record of anybody calling in about this tree. And if you ask around there (like the 7-11 ppl or the dentist office there or the gasstop across the street) they will tell you ppl WANTED TO KEEP THE TREES THERE!

or have you even bothered to go ask ppl..........................

edit - if you do, you will also notice opinions on other trees around the Pike/Walker Rd light are prolly gonna come down as well sooner or later as well.............and this was different that the vibe on them this time last year, that's for sure...........



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2012 07:03AM by Gordon Blvd.

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