Drowsy Driver Causes Tractor-Trailer Wreck in Newport News [NEWPORT NEWS, VA]

Drowsy Driver Causes Tractor-Trailer Wreck in Newport News after the operator fell asleep behind the wheel early Tuesday morning. According to Virginia State Police, troopers responded at approximately 3:34 a.m. to a serious incident in the eastbound lanes of I-64 near Oyster Point Road.

Emergency crews found that a fully loaded tractor-trailer had veered off the pavement, collided with a guardrail, and ultimately came to rest in a ditch after plowing into several trees.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the truck’s driver had nodded off while navigating the highway. As a result, the large commercial vehicle drifted onto the shoulder, struck the metal barrier, and careened into a wooded embankment.

At the peak of rush-hour preparation, all eastbound lanes were temporarily closed to allow responders to secure the scene, check for injured motorists, and clear debris. State police have since reopened three of the four eastbound lanes, though investigators remain on site collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities, but several motorists in nearby cars sustained moderate injuries when they swerved to avoid the out-of-control trailer. Paramedics treated individuals at the scene and then transported them to local hospitals.

Damage to personal vehicles and the highway barrier was extensive: both infrastructure repairs and auto body work will be necessary. At this stage, authorities are reviewing logbooks and electronic sleeper berth records to determine exactly how long the driver had been on duty before succumbing to fatigue. Should the investigation confirm that federal hours-of-service regulations were violated, additional charges could be filed against the trucking company.

Victims of this crash may face steep financial burdens, including hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and property replacement. In cases like these, injured parties often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability stemming from the collision.

We at Breit Law Attorneys understand that when another’s negligence upends someone’s life—especially when fatigue-related crashes are entirely preventable—obtaining fair restitution becomes critical.

Our experienced team works tirelessly to compile accident reports, reconstruct events with the assistance of expert witnesses, and negotiate aggressively with insurance providers to secure the maximum settlements. If negligence played a part in this collision, we will pursue all available legal avenues to hold negligent parties accountable.

Commercial trucking accidents often involve multiple layers of responsibility. Beyond the driver, potential defendants include the carrier, vehicle maintenance companies, and even third-party logistics firms. We recognize that each of these entities may bear some degree of liability.

Our attorneys routinely examine maintenance records, driver training protocols, and compliance with federal and state regulations. By thoroughly investigating every aspect—from pre-trip inspections to employer scheduling practices—we ensure that no stone is left unturned when building a case on behalf of our clients.

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

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.

SOURCE: WAVY