Three Crashes Involving Nine Vehicles Shut Down I-664 [Newport News, VA]

Three separate crashes involving a total of nine vehicles disrupted southbound Interstate 664 at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel on Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026.

According to Virginia State Police, the collisions occurred during the morning commute and temporarily shut down southbound traffic. No injuries were reported, but motorists experienced significant delays while emergency crews responded and cleared the roadway.

The Newport News multi-vehicle crash incidents involved three separate collisions, and authorities are continuing to investigate what caused them.

What Happened at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel?

Virginia State Police reported that three separate crashes occurred at approximately 7:19 a.m. on southbound I-664 at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel.

The collisions involved a total of nine vehicles:

• One crash involved four vehicles.
• A second crash involved three vehicles.
• A third crash involved two vehicles.

Authorities reported no injuries in connection with the collisions.

The incidents caused substantial traffic disruptions during the morning commute as emergency personnel worked to clear the affected roadway.

Southbound lanes were temporarily closed but have since reopened.

Virginia State Police have not publicly identified what caused the three crashes, and the investigations remain ongoing.

Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes Can Disrupt Bridge-Tunnel Traffic

The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel carries I-664 across Hampton Roads, connecting Newport News with Suffolk.

The crossing provides an important alternative to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel for motorists traveling between the Peninsula and Southside communities.

When collisions occur along a bridge-tunnel corridor, responding crews may need to restrict traffic while they assist motorists, assess vehicle damage, and remove disabled vehicles.

Limited access points can make it difficult for drivers to avoid delays once traffic begins backing up.

These conditions can create significant congestion even when a collision does not result in reported injuries.

In the October 21 incidents, three separate crashes involving nine vehicles affected the southbound crossing.

Although the collisions occurred around the same time, authorities have not established that one crash caused another.

The circumstances of each collision must be evaluated independently.

Virginia Following-Distance Laws and Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Virginia law requires motorists to maintain a reasonable distance from vehicles traveling ahead of them.

Under Virginia Code § 46.2-816, a driver may not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent.

The statute considers factors such as vehicle speed, surrounding traffic, and roadway conditions.

Following-distance requirements can become relevant when investigators evaluate collisions involving multiple vehicles.

However, a multi-vehicle crash does not automatically establish that a driver was following too closely.

Investigators must examine the circumstances of each impact before determining whether a traffic violation occurred.

In the October 21 I-664 crashes, police have not publicly identified following distance or any other specific driver behavior as a cause.

How Fault Is Determined in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Determining responsibility for a collision involving several vehicles may require examining the actions of multiple drivers.

In some accidents, one driver’s negligence may cause an initial collision that leads to additional impacts.

Other incidents may involve separate actions by different drivers.

Investigators may consider several forms of evidence, including:

• Vehicle damage: Damage patterns may help identify how vehicles collided.
• Roadway evidence: Debris, tire marks, and final vehicle positions may provide information about the impacts.
• Witness statements: Motorists or nearby witnesses may have observed the events leading up to a collision.
• Available recordings: Traffic cameras or vehicle cameras may help clarify the sequence of events.
• Police findings: Investigative reports may contain observations and other relevant information.

No single piece of evidence necessarily establishes legal responsibility.

In the Monitor-Merrimac incidents, the three collisions were reported separately.

It would be premature to describe them as one continuous chain-reaction accident or to assign fault without additional evidence.

Our auto accident practice area provides more information about motor vehicle injury claims.

Can Drivers File Property Damage Claims When No One Is Injured?

Yes. A collision does not have to cause physical injuries for a motorist to pursue a qualifying property damage claim.

Vehicle damage can create substantial expenses, particularly when repairs are extensive or a vehicle cannot be driven safely.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable insurance coverage, recoverable losses may include:

• Vehicle repair costs
• The fair market value of a vehicle declared a total loss
• Reasonable towing and storage expenses
• Rental vehicle or other qualifying loss-of-use expenses
• Damage to other personal property

The availability of compensation depends on the evidence, the applicable insurance policy, and whether another party is legally responsible.

When multiple vehicles are involved, determining which collision caused particular damage can become an important issue.

Drivers should preserve photographs, repair estimates, receipts, and insurance correspondence.

These records may help document the extent of their losses.

What Happens When Multiple Insurance Companies Are Involved?

Multi-vehicle collisions can involve several insurance policies and competing accounts of how the accident occurred.

An insurance company evaluating a claim may review vehicle damage, witness statements, police reports, and other available evidence.

If another driver’s negligence caused the damage, that driver’s applicable liability coverage may provide compensation for covered losses.

A motorist’s own collision coverage may also be relevant, depending on the policy.

When injuries are involved, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may become an additional consideration.

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

However, the availability of coverage depends on the particular circumstances and policy terms.

The October 21 collisions reportedly caused no injuries, so property damage and applicable vehicle insurance coverage may be the more immediate concerns for affected motorists.

Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule that can affect personal injury claims.

Under this rule, an injured person’s own negligence may bar recovery if that negligence contributed to causing the collision or resulting harm, subject to applicable exceptions.

This makes the determination of fault particularly important in accidents involving several vehicles.

However, merely being involved in a multi-vehicle collision does not establish contributory negligence.

A legally relevant connection must exist between a person’s negligent conduct and the resulting accident or injuries.

The application of contributory negligence to property damage claims also depends on the facts and applicable law.

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

Can Injuries Appear After a Crash With No Initial Injury Reports?

Although Virginia State Police reported no injuries in the October 21 collisions, some motorists may experience symptoms after leaving an accident scene.

Certain injuries may not produce noticeable symptoms immediately.

For example, neck discomfort, back pain, headaches, or other symptoms may develop or become more noticeable after a collision.

The absence of reported injuries at the scene does not establish that every person involved will remain symptom-free.

However, there is no confirmed reporting that anyone involved in the October 21 incidents later developed injuries.

Motorists who experience concerning symptoms following a collision should seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Keeping records of medical visits and treatment may also become important if an injury claim is later pursued.

What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash

A collision involving several vehicles can create confusion, particularly when it occurs on a busy interstate or bridge-tunnel crossing.

Several steps may help motorists protect their safety and preserve important information.

1. Prioritize Safety

Call 911 when emergency assistance is needed.

Follow instructions from emergency responders and traffic-control personnel.

On a bridge or inside a tunnel, avoid entering active traffic or leaving a vehicle in an unsafe location. Follow posted emergency procedures and responder directions.

2. Exchange Information

When it is safe to do so, obtain contact, vehicle, and insurance information from the other motorists involved.

In a multi-vehicle collision, identifying all potentially involved drivers may be important.

3. Document Vehicle Damage

Take photographs of vehicle damage, roadway conditions, and other relevant details when it is safe.

Avoid interfering with emergency crews or traffic.

4. Obtain the Crash Report Information

Ask responding officers how to obtain the report and record the investigating agency’s information.

Virginia State Police generally investigate interstate collisions, including those on I-664.

5. Preserve Financial Records

Keep repair estimates, towing receipts, rental expenses, and insurance correspondence.

These documents may help establish the financial impact of the collision.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident as required by your insurance policy.

Provide accurate information and avoid speculating about the cause of the collision before the relevant facts are established.

Virginia Deadlines for Property Damage and Injury Lawsuits

Virginia law establishes different filing deadlines depending on the type of claim.

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(B), lawsuits involving injury to property generally must be filed within five years after the cause of action accrues, subject to applicable exceptions.

For personal injury lawsuits, Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A) generally establishes a two-year filing period, also subject to exceptions.

These statutory deadlines are separate from insurance policy requirements.

Insurers may require notice or cooperation well before the deadline for filing a lawsuit.

Preserving relevant evidence early can help motorists evaluate their options if disputes arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I See a Doctor if I Wasn’t Hurt at the Scene of a Crash?

If you develop pain, dizziness, headaches, or other concerning symptoms after a collision, seek appropriate medical care. Some injuries may become noticeable after the initial accident. Medical records can also help document symptoms and treatment if an injury claim becomes necessary.

Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Virginia?

Fault depends on the circumstances of each collision. Investigators may examine vehicle damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, and available recordings to determine whether one or more drivers acted negligently. Responsibility should not be assumed solely because several vehicles were involved.

Who Investigates Crashes at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel?

Virginia State Police generally investigate crashes on interstate highways, including I-664 at the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Motorists can contact the investigating agency to ask about available crash reports and the status of an investigation.

Can I File a Property Damage Claim if No One Was Injured?

Yes. A qualifying property damage claim may be available even when no physical injuries occur. Depending on the circumstances and insurance coverage, compensation may include vehicle repairs, total-loss value, towing expenses, and other recoverable losses.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Crash in Virginia?

Most personal injury lawsuits in Virginia must be filed within two years, while lawsuits involving injury to property generally have a five-year deadline under Virginia Code § 8.01-243. Exceptions may apply, and insurance policies can impose earlier reporting requirements.

Speak With a Newport News Car Accident Attorney

A multi-vehicle collision can create questions about insurance coverage, vehicle damage, and responsibility, even when no injuries are initially reported.

When several vehicles are involved, determining how each collision occurred may be important to understanding the available legal options.

If you or a loved one was affected by a car accident in Newport News, Hampton, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, The Stellute Law Firm can help you understand your rights under Virginia law.

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

Source: WAVY