Washington County, VA (May 30, 2025) – Traffic was heavily impacted early Thursday morning following a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 81 in Washington County.
Virginia State Police responded to the scene around 7 a.m. on May 29, where two passenger vehicles and a tractor-trailer collided at mile marker 16. The crash took place in the southbound lanes of the interstate, causing significant traffic backups as emergency personnel worked the scene.
Traffic cameras from the Virginia Department of Transportation showed extensive delays stretching along the southbound side of I-81. Crews worked throughout the morning to clear the roadway, with normal traffic flow resuming later in the day. Authorities confirmed that at least one person sustained injuries and was transported for treatment. Virginia State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
We hope those injured in this accident recover swiftly.
Car Accidents in Virginia
Accidents involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks are a serious concern throughout Virginia. The state’s transportation network, particularly highways like Interstate 81, sees a high volume of traffic and collision incidents. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, thousands of injury crashes are reported annually, many involving large trucks. These types of crashes often result in more serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
Crashes involving semi-trucks often lead to wide-ranging effects. Here’s a closer look at some common causes behind these collisions:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can leave commercial truck drivers exhausted. Fatigue affects reaction time, decision-making, and alertness. While regulations exist to prevent excessive driving, violations or unrealistic schedules can still contribute to crashes.
- Improper Lane Changes: When large trucks make abrupt or unsignaled lane changes, they can easily sideswipe smaller vehicles. The truck’s size and limited visibility often make it difficult to spot nearby traffic.
- Mechanical Failures: Blown tires, brake failure, or steering issues can cause sudden loss of control. Routine inspections are required, but not every vehicle on the road is properly maintained.
- Speeding and Tailgating: Large trucks traveling at high speeds or following too closely have much longer stopping distances. These behaviors significantly increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions or pileups.
- Inadequate Training: Not all drivers are properly trained in handling the complex mechanics of a semi-truck, especially under emergency conditions. A lack of proper experience can turn a routine situation into a disaster.
After any serious accident, time matters. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, contact our Washington County car accident attorney at Blank & Marcus to better understand your rights. Early legal guidance can make a significant difference when it comes to preserving evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters, and starting a personal injury claim. Our team is ready to support you and help you explore your legal options.
At Blank & Marcus, we’ve built our practice on representing individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. With decades of combined experience, our team has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our attorneys have earned AV Preeminent ratings and have been consistently recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers. We offer free consultations to help you decide your next steps. Call our team at (866) 207-9823 to get started. Whether you’ve been in a minor crash or a serious collision, we’ll take the time to listen to your story and help you move forward.
Note: The details provided in this article regarding the reported incident have been compiled from publicly available sources. Blank & Marcus has not independently confirmed all aspects of the event. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing details, please notify our team immediately. We are committed to maintaining the accuracy of our reports and will swiftly update any errors to ensure the most reliable information is presented. Furthermore, requests for content removal will be respectfully addressed upon receipt.
Disclaimer: Accessing or utilizing the information provided does not create an attorney-client relationship with Blank & Marcus. We encourage readers to seek personalized advice from a qualified attorney tailored to their specific legal needs. While we make every effort to ensure the information presented is accurate and reliable, we do not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or applicability to individual circumstances.