Reckless Driving Leads to Fatal 3-Vehicle Crash on I-64 in Newport News, VA | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A 19-year-old woman is facing reckless driving charges in the wake of a deadly three-vehicle accident on I-64 in Newport News, Virginia (VA). The wreck involved the woman’s Nissan, a tractor-trailer and a Buick, the driver of which lost his life either in the collision or the ensuing fire.

The identity of the deceased victim could not be immediately determined, and the Nissan’s driver did not suffer injuries. The man behind the wheel of the semi was taken to a nearby hospital with serious, but not life-threatening, injuries.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, the stage for the fatal accident was set when the young woman lost control of her car shortly before 5 am as she approached the intestate overpass for Merrimac Trail. She rammed into a guardrail and exited her vehicle to flag down assistance. The big rig, perhaps due to poor road conditions caused by snow and ice that had accumulated hours earlier, could not stop or change lanes in time to avoid hitting the disabled Nissan.

The tractor-trailer then veered, struck the Buick, and pinned the second smaller car against the guardrail.

 


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The Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyers’ Perspective

All drivers must maintain control of their vehicles at all times. While winter weather and driving at night can make doing so difficult, failing to meet that responsibility too often creates situations that lead to injuries and deaths. Sadly, the pileup on I-64 on a wintry mid-January predawn morning illustrates the deadly consequences of not driving as carefully as conditions demand.

Both the injured truck driver and the family members of the man who lost his life may have grounds for filing claims for compensation. Depending on what the complete report on the accident investigation reveals, the trucker could seek damages through the Nissan driver’s automobile insurance policy. Wrongful death claims might also be merited against both the Nissan driver and the tractor-trailer operator or trucking company.

All the victims are well advised to consult with Virginia personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.

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