Crash Closes Westbound South Military Highway at the Gilmerton Bridge [Chesapeake, VA]

A vehicle crash closed westbound South Military Highway at the Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026. The closure was reported as of 7 p.m., with no estimated time for the roadway to reopen.

City officials did not immediately release information about the number of vehicles involved, whether anyone was injured, or what caused the collision.

The Chesapeake car accident disrupted travel along a major route connecting communities throughout Hampton Roads. Additional details about the crash may become available as authorities continue their investigation.

What Happened at the Gilmerton Bridge?

According to the City of Chesapeake, westbound South Military Highway at the Gilmerton Bridge was closed because of a vehicle crash as of approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday.

At the time of the announcement, officials had not provided an estimated reopening time.

Authorities also had not confirmed how many vehicles were involved or whether the collision resulted in injuries.

The circumstances leading to the crash have not been publicly established. No information about potential citations or contributing factors was included in the initial report.

Why a Crash at the Gilmerton Bridge Can Disrupt Traffic

The Gilmerton Bridge carries South Military Highway across the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, providing an important connection for drivers traveling through Chesapeake and surrounding Hampton Roads communities.

Because the bridge is part of a heavily traveled corridor, a lane or roadway closure can affect commuters, commercial vehicles, and other motorists who rely on the route.

The Gilmerton Bridge is also a vertical-lift bridge, which means vehicle traffic must periodically stop to allow marine vessels to pass.

When an unexpected crash closes the roadway, drivers may encounter delays or need to use alternate routes.

However, officials have not indicated whether bridge operations, traffic congestion, or roadway conditions contributed to the October 13 collision.

Virginia Traffic Laws That May Apply to Car Accidents

Virginia law requires drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and follow applicable traffic regulations.

Depending on how a collision occurs, several state laws may become relevant to determining responsibility.

Under Virginia Code § 46.2-816, motorists may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent under existing traffic and roadway conditions.

Virginia Code § 46.2-804 establishes requirements for lane usage and changing lanes safely.

Additionally, Virginia Code § 46.2-852 addresses reckless driving that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person.

Whether any of these provisions apply to the Gilmerton Bridge crash cannot be determined from the limited information released by officials.

For individuals injured in a collision, identifying the circumstances and gathering supporting evidence can be important when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Our auto accident lawyers help injured individuals understand how Virginia law may affect their options.

How Contributory Negligence Affects Virginia Car Accident Claims

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule that can significantly affect an injured person’s ability to recover compensation.

If an injured person was negligent and that negligence contributed to causing the collision, the rule may bar recovery, subject to applicable exceptions.

This makes evidence about how a crash occurred particularly important.

Photographs, witness statements, vehicle damage, and available police reports may help establish the actions of the drivers involved.

Our article on Virginia’s contributory negligence rule explains how this legal standard can affect car accident claims.

Because the circumstances of the October 13 Gilmerton Bridge crash have not been released, there is no basis to assign responsibility to any driver involved.

What Evidence Can Help Establish Fault After a Crash?

When a collision occurs, responding officers may collect information that helps explain what happened.

Depending on the circumstances, this information may include statements from drivers and witnesses, photographs, vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and other available evidence.

A police crash report can provide important information about the incident, although its contents do not automatically establish legal liability.

In more complicated cases, additional evidence may be needed to determine how the collision occurred.

For someone pursuing an injury claim, useful records may include:

• Photographs of the vehicles and crash scene
• Contact information for witnesses
• The responding agency’s crash report number
• Medical records documenting accident-related injuries
• Vehicle repair estimates and other expense records
• Correspondence with insurance companies

Preserving these records early can help prevent important information from being lost.

Insurance Coverage and Filing Deadlines After a Chesapeake Crash

When a driver causes a collision, the available liability insurance may provide compensation for covered injuries and other losses.

However, insurance disputes can arise when responsibility is contested or available coverage is insufficient.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable policy, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide an additional source of compensation.

Virginia Code § 38.2-2206 governs uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for policies subject to its requirements.

Filing deadlines are another important consideration.

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), most personal injury lawsuits in Virginia must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues, subject to applicable exceptions.

Insurance policies may also impose notice and cooperation requirements that should be addressed promptly.

What to Do After a Car Accident Near a Bridge

Collisions on bridges and other busy roadways can create additional safety concerns because of limited shoulder space, traffic congestion, and nearby moving vehicles.

If you are involved in a crash, the following steps may help protect your safety and preserve important information.

1. Move to Safety When Possible

If your vehicle can be moved safely and the circumstances allow it, follow applicable traffic laws and directions from emergency responders.

If leaving the vehicle would expose you to moving traffic or another immediate hazard, remain in a safer position and wait for assistance.

2. Call 911 and Seek Medical Care

Report the collision and request emergency assistance when necessary.

Seek appropriate medical attention for suspected injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent.

3. Exchange Information

Obtain the names, contact details, vehicle registration information, and insurance information of the drivers involved when it is safe to do so.

4. Document the Scene

Photograph vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and other relevant details when doing so does not create additional danger.

If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information.

5. Keep Accident-Related Records

Save medical documents, repair estimates, receipts, and other records associated with the collision.

Keep the responding agency’s name and any report number provided.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the collision as required by your policy and cooperate with applicable insurance obligations.

Be cautious about providing recorded statements to another driver’s insurance company before understanding your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who investigates crashes on South Military Highway in Chesapeake?

The Chesapeake Police Department generally investigates collisions on city-maintained roadways within its jurisdiction. Other law enforcement agencies may be involved depending on the location and circumstances. The responding agency can provide information about obtaining an available crash report.

What should I do if I feel fine immediately after a car accident?

Some injuries may not produce noticeable symptoms right away. Seek appropriate medical attention if you suspect an injury or develop symptoms after the collision. Medical records may also become relevant if you later pursue an injury claim.

How does contributory negligence affect a Virginia car accident claim?

Under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, an injured person’s negligence may bar recovery if it contributed to causing the collision, subject to applicable exceptions. Determining whether the rule applies requires examining the specific evidence and circumstances.

What if the other driver does not have enough insurance?

Underinsured motorist coverage may help when the legally responsible driver’s available liability insurance is insufficient to cover qualifying losses. Whether coverage applies depends on the policy, applicable Virginia law, and the circumstances of the collision.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Chesapeake?

Most personal injury lawsuits in Virginia must be filed within two years under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), subject to applicable exceptions. Claims involving property damage generally have a five-year limitations period under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(B). Insurance notice requirements may apply sooner.

Speak With a Chesapeake Car Accident Attorney

A collision on a busy roadway like South Military Highway can leave drivers facing vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and uncertainty about insurance coverage.

When the circumstances of a crash are disputed, understanding Virginia negligence law and preserving relevant evidence can be especially important.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, The Stellute Law Firm can help you understand your legal options.

Contact The Stellute Law Firm to request a consultation about your circumstances.

Source: WAVY