81-Year-Old Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Collision on I-64 [CHESAPEAKE, VA]

The Virginia State Police are currently investigating a tragic two-vehicle collision on I-64 that occurred late Sunday night and led to the death of an 81-year-old man. The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m. in the westbound express lanes of I-64 near George Washington Highway. The collision has left investigators piecing together the events that led to this devastating outcome.

The investigation so far has revealed that the victim, John Francis Duff, was driving a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu westbound on the express lanes of I-64. For reasons that are still under review, Duff’s vehicle veered off the road and collided with a jersey wall.

The impact caused the Chevrolet Malibu to spin out, prompting Duff to exit his vehicle. It was at this point that a second vehicle, a 2019 Dodge Challenger, entered the scene. The Challenger, driven by 19-year-old Dahnna Renita Meno, was reportedly traveling at a high speed. Meno lost control of her vehicle, which ran off the roadway and tragically struck both Duff and his Chevrolet Malibu.

Duff was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where, despite efforts by medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, Meno, has been charged with reckless driving, and police have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming. Meno was traveling with four passengers at the time of the incident, none of whom reported any injuries.

Compensation at Stake for Victims

In a case like this, where a tragic fatality occurs as a result of reckless driving, the potential for legal action involving compensation is significant. The family of John Francis Duff may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver responsible for the crash. Wrongful death claims are designed to compensate surviving family members for the loss of their loved one, as well as the financial burden caused by the untimely death.

Compensation in wrongful death cases typically covers a range of damages, including medical expenses incurred before the victim’s passing, funeral and burial costs, and loss of companionship or consortium. In addition, if the deceased was a primary provider for the family, compensation may also account for lost income and financial support. Beyond these tangible losses, compensation may be awarded for emotional pain and suffering endured by the victim’s family.

In cases of reckless driving, punitive damages may also be pursued. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior and serve as a deterrent for similar conduct in the future. Given the nature of the incident on I-64, it is possible that Meno’s actions could meet the threshold for punitive damages, especially if further evidence reveals that her driving was excessively negligent.

How Breit Law Attorneys Can Help

Navigating the complexities of a wrongful death claim requires experienced legal representation. Breit Law Attorneys handle cases involving car accidents and wrongful death claims. Our team of seasoned lawyers can offer guidance and support to victims’ families, ensuring that justice is served and that fair compensation is secured.

Breit Law Attorneys will carefully review every detail of the accident, from the police investigation to any potential witness statements. We will also work to establish liability and seek out all available avenues for compensation, including the possibility of filing claims against insurance policies and pursuing punitive damages where applicable.

Understanding that a loss like this is both emotionally and financially overwhelming, Breit Law Attorneys take on the heavy lifting, allowing families to focus on healing. Our dedication to achieving maximum compensation for victims’ families ensures they get the support they need during such trying times.

It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, and online chat.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.

Source: WAVY