Chain-Reaction Accident Wrecks Police Cruiser | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

I’ve often had to stop suddenly because the driver in the car in front of me slammed on the brakes. But because I always leave enough space between myself another vehicle, I can stop safely. After I’m stopped, however, I always look nervously in my rear-view mirror to make sure the person behind me stops in time, as well.

On Tuesday morning someone didn’t stop in time and caused a three-vehicle crash involving a Norfolk, Virginia (VA) police officer’s cruiser. It all started when a silver Lexus smashed into the back of a black Mercury SUV, pushing it into the back of the cruiser. Officers say all three vehicles were moving when the chain reaction crash began in the far right lane of I-264 westbound.

Officer-involved crash closes I-264: wavy.com

The Lexus was going so fast that it pushed the SUV across three lanes of the interstate before it came to a stop at the jersey wall, about 1,000 feet from the initial point of impact. An official at the scene who asked to remain anonymous tells WAVY.com speed was a factor. There’s still no word on whether or not alcohol played a role in the crash or what charges, if any, will be filed.

I’m sure the at-fault driver will be held to the letter of the law since a police officer was involved in this chain reaction crash.  But what happens when a crash like this happens without a police officer present? As a Virginia personal injury attorney I know that multi-vehicle accidents can be confusing and with multiple insurance companies involved often difficult to resolve. Shapiro, Appleton, Washburn, & Sharp is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have handled thousands of car accident cases.

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