Fatal Truck Accident May Result in Wrongful Death Claim

At around 3:42 a.m. this morning, a crash involving multiple semi trailers on I-64 in Newport News resulted in the death of 69-year-old William E. Robinson of Staunton, Virginia.  Robinson, who was operating a 1999 Mack truck, died at the scene.

It appears that the accident happened when another tractor trailer, a 2009 International, struck the rear of a VDOT truck that was stopped in the right travel lane.  On impact, one or both vehicles moved into the left travel lane, where Robinson’s Mack tractor trailer was.  It seems that Robinson swerved to avoid striking the International truck and/or the VDOT truck, before he lost control of the vehicle.  Ultimately, Robinson’s Mack truck ended up in a wooded area on the right side of the interstate, upside down.

Police cited the driver of the International tractor trailer with reckless driving.  Even though this driver’s negligence may seem obvious, there is no guarantee that his insurance company will take responsibility.  Wrongful death cases, which compensate families of persons killed by negligence, can and do go to trial in Virginia.  If they are handled improperly, the victim’s family can lose.  If you or a loved one need help in a tractor trailer or other car accident matter, contact Norfolk wrongful death lawyer Ed Atkinson for a free consultation before you speak with the negligent driver’s insurance company.