Tractor-Trailer Catches Fire in Three-Vehicle Crash on I-64 [Hampton, VA]

A tractor-trailer caught fire after a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 in Hampton late Monday night, October 5. The crash happened in the eastbound lanes near Hampton Roads Center Parkway, and no injuries were reported. The Hampton tractor-trailer crash kept parts of the interstate closed well into Tuesday afternoon.

What Happened on I-64 Near Hampton Roads Center Parkway

Virginia State Police said troopers were sent to a reported three-vehicle crash on I-64 East shortly before midnight. When they arrived, they found that a white Mercedes, a silver Toyota, and a tractor-trailer had collided. The truck caught fire as a result of the crash. Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue said it received the call at about 11:51 p.m.

Hampton firefighters handled fire suppression with help from the Newport News Fire Department and crews from Joint Base Langley-Eustis. According to the report, no one was hurt.

The crash caused significant delays in both directions. Early Tuesday, all eastbound lanes were shut down, and VDOT set up a detour at J. Clyde Morris Boulevard around 6:10 a.m. Several westbound lanes and the left shoulder were closed as well. The right eastbound lane reopened first, and VDOT said all lanes on I-64 were back open by 1:47 p.m. Tuesday.

State police have not released what caused the crash or whether any charges will be filed. The investigation is ongoing. Pasted markdown

Why Tractor-Trailer Crashes Can Create Additional Hazards

No injuries were reported in this collision despite the tractor-trailer catching fire. Crashes involving commercial trucks can create additional hazards because of their size, weight, stopping distance, and the possibility of cargo or vehicle fires.

Because Virginia State Police have not announced what caused this collision, it would be premature to say whether any driver violated a traffic law. Investigators may examine vehicle positions, witness accounts, available video, physical evidence, and other information before determining what happened.

Commercial motor carriers and drivers operating in interstate commerce may also be subject to federal safety regulations governing matters such as hours of service, vehicle inspection and maintenance, and driver qualifications. Depending on the circumstances, records related to a commercial vehicle may become relevant to a crash investigation.

Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Crash

Responsibility for a truck crash depends on what caused it. Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, cargo loader, maintenance provider, or another driver involved in the collision.

Determining liability may require examining the actions of each driver along with vehicle records, maintenance information, witness statements, and other available evidence. We explain these issues in more detail in our article on who can be held responsible for a truck accident on I-64.

Virginia also follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If an injured person was negligent and that negligence contributed to causing a crash, the rule may bar recovery. Personal injury actions in Virginia generally must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), although exceptions may affect the applicable deadline.

What to Do After a Crash Involving a Commercial Truck

After a serious truck crash, safety comes first. If a vehicle is smoking or on fire, move away from it if you can safely do so and call 911. Anyone who is injured or develops symptoms after the crash should seek appropriate medical attention.

When possible, document information about the commercial vehicle, including the company name, license plate, trailer number, and other identifying information. Photographs of the vehicles and roadway, witness contact information, and the police crash report may also become important.

Commercial truck cases can involve additional evidence that may be maintained by trucking companies or other parties, including driver logs, electronic logging information, inspection and maintenance records, onboard vehicle data, and available video footage. Preserving relevant evidence early can be important.

An injured person should also be cautious about giving a recorded statement to the trucking company’s or another driver’s insurance company before understanding their rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who investigates crashes on I-64 in Hampton?

Virginia State Police generally investigate crashes on interstate highways such as I-64. Local fire and rescue departments may also respond when a collision involves injuries, vehicle fires, or other emergencies.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Virginia?

Personal injury actions in Virginia generally must be filed within two years after the cause of action accrues under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), although certain circumstances can affect the applicable deadline. Evidence relevant to a commercial truck crash may need to be preserved much sooner.

What evidence may matter in a truck accident case?

Relevant evidence can include driver logs, electronic logging information, inspection and maintenance records, onboard vehicle data, available video footage, photographs from the scene, witness statements, and the police crash report. Some records may be maintained by the trucking company or other parties.

Is a trucking company responsible for its driver’s mistakes?

Potentially. Depending on the driver’s employment relationship and the circumstances of the crash, a trucking company may be responsible for a driver’s negligence while acting within the scope of employment. A company may also face separate allegations involving matters such as hiring, supervision, or vehicle maintenance when supported by the facts.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault in Virginia?

Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule. If an injured person was negligent and that negligence contributed to causing the crash, the rule may bar recovery. Determining whether contributory negligence applies requires examining the specific facts and evidence surrounding the collision.

Talk With a Hampton Truck Accident Attorney

Although no injuries were reported in this I-64 crash, collisions involving commercial trucks can raise complicated questions about fault and responsibility. If you or a loved one is injured in a truck crash in Hampton or elsewhere on the Peninsula, The Stellute Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Contact The Stellute Law Firm for a free consultation.

Source: WAVY