One Dead, Several Injured in I-81 Multi-Vehicle Accident

A horrific multi-vehicle accident on I-81 South in Rockbridge County involving four tractor-trailers and four passenger cars has killed at least one person and sent several other people to area hospitals with injuries. No information has been given regarding the extent of injuries and conditions of the surviving victims.

According to Virginia State Police, the crash occurred near mile marker 198 around 6:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. Police shut down I-81, detouring traffic at exit 200, however, reports say at one point traffic was backed up for miles. Police could not estimate how long the road would be closed, citing the extensive cleanup needed. Witnesses report massive cargo spills from the tractor-trailers, including lumber and water bottles, strewn about the accident site.

Multiple media reports stated that one victim was trapped inside an overturned tractor-trailer, however, it is not known if that was the victim who died. As of this writing, Virginia State Police have also not released any details on how the deadly crash occurred. There is no doubt troopers will be conducting a major investigation to determine what caused this tragic multi-vehicle accident.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents Involving Tractor-Trailers

Due to their massive size and weight, it is not uncommon for tractor-trailers to collide with multiple vehicles when there is a truck accident. In addition to death and severe injuries victims suffer, multi-vehicle accidents often present complex legal and factual challenges for victims. This is why it is critical to the success of any claim to have a Virginia personal injury attorney advocating for you and your family in order to get the financial compensation you are entitled to under the law for the losses you have suffered.

There are a number of reasons why a multi-vehicle accident happens. One of the most frequent causes of any vehicle accident is a person who drivers in a negligent or reckless way. But when you add in any of the following factors, the risk of multi-vehicle crash spikes dramatically:

  • Drivers who tailgate
  • Drivers traveling too close together
  • High traffic density
  • Drivers who lane jump
  • Bad weather
  • Speeding

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Multi-Vehicle Wreck

When an accident involves multiple vehicles, the result may be multiple claims against one driver. When this happens, that driver may not have enough insurance coverage to pay all the claims in full, especially in accidents involving victims who have suffered severe injuries or families of victims who were killed in the crash.

For example, in the crash that occurred on I-81, if it is determined that the crash was caused by one of the truck drivers, the trucking company the driver worked for may or may not have enough coverage and/or resources to cover all damages. If it turns out that one of the passenger vehicle drivers caused the accident, getting full compensation will be much more difficult.

There are also situations where there may be multiple at-fault parties. Your Virginia personal injury attorney will know exactly how to determine who is liable for your losses, as well as knowing all options available to obtain full compensation, including potentially filing a claim with your own insurance company, if needed.

You Are Not Alone

The Virginia accident attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been fighting for injured victims for almost four decades. We have successfully represented many victims of multi-vehicle accidents, working diligently to get our clients the compensation they and their families deserve.  Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what your legal options may be.

If you have lost a loved one in a multi-vehicle accident, our firm can also help your family pursue a wrongful death claim against the party or parties responsible.

 

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