Newport News, Va. – A collision involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 64 resulted in one fatality and left a woman with critical injuries, according to Virginia State Police. The incident happened on Monday morning.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Denzel Owuraku Quaicoo of Woodbridge, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the 2013 Hyundai Elantra he was operating veered off the road and struck a 2023 International tractor-trailer stopped on the highway shoulder near Lee Hall.
A female passenger in the vehicle sustained severe injuries and was airlifted for emergency care.
Semi-truck Shoulder Parking: A Dangerous Practice That Demands Accountability
It’s easy to attribute driver error to an incident like this one. However, this is not always the case. When the collision involves a truck parked on the shoulder of a highway, it’s important to examine the situation more closely. Parking a full-sized semi-truck near moving traffic is dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible.
The trucking industry has clear safety guidelines warning drivers against parking on busy shoulders because of the significant risks this poses. These risks are well-documented, and trucking companies are fully aware of the potential for catastrophic accidents. When drivers park in hazardous locations, they shouldn’t be able to shift responsibility onto others when their actions create dangerous conditions.
Unfortunately, these types of crashes happen far too often. In a recent case we handled, a young husband who was also a father lost his life after his vehicle collided with a semi-truck parked dangerously close to moving traffic. The truck driver claimed he had stopped due to a flat tire, blaming the victim for the crash. However, our investigation revealed the tire had been underinflated for some time. Rather than replacing the tire, the trucking company repeatedly inflated it temporarily, prioritizing cost over safety. This preventable decision led to a tragic loss, leaving a child without a father.
In another case, a man died after his car hit the back of a semi-truck parked on the left shoulder of a busy highway. The truck driver admitted he pulled over to use the bathroom, positioning his vehicle just inches from the traffic flow. This reckless choice cost a man his life.
In every case, victims and their families deserve to understand why these trucks were parked where they were. When negligence or misconduct plays a role, those responsible must be held accountable. No one should face losing a loved one due to someone else’s careless actions.
An investigation by trained experts can uncover the truth and ensure justice. Those who suffer because of unsafe practices deserve answers and the assurance that preventable tragedies like these will not happen again.
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The Ammons Law Firm represents clients nationwide in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
Disclaimer: This post is not legal advice. Information contained in this blog was compiled from third-party sources or is the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if false or misleading information is contained in this post.
