The Virginia State Police say that the 21-year-old driver of a car recently involved in an accident got behind the wheel of the car after drinking. Making matters worse is the fact that six people — including the driver — suffered injuries in the car vs. truck crash, and two of those six died as a result. The only person not injured was the driver of the truck.
Reports indicate that the car was on Route 629 headed east. At the same time, a tractor-trailer was on Route 301 traveling southbound. As both vehicles approached the intersection of these two roadways, the driver of the car apparently failed to obey the stop sign posted in his direction of travel. When the car entered the intersection, the truck was already there, and the car ended up underneath the truck. None of the six occupants of the car was wearing a seat belt at the time.
One of the backseat passengers suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. The other five occupants of the vehicle survived the crash and were taken from the scene to receive medical attention. All of the injuries were considered serious, and the driver’s injuries were life-threatening. Another of the backseat passengers ultimately died due to her injuries. Reports on the current conditions of the remaining three passengers and the driver were unavailable.
Virginia State Police say charges are pending against the driver. He could also face wrongful death and personal injury claims from the families of the deceased victims and the other injured passengers. Successfully litigated civil claims would provide financial restitution to relieve the monetary burdens that typically accompany a car crash.
Source: hamptonroads.com, “2 women dead after crash involving tractor-trailer in Va.”, June 21, 2014