Out of Control Truck Kills Rachel Gradia on I-95 in Prince George County, VA

There are few things on the highways of Virginia more terrifying than an out-of-control truck that jackknifes off of a road.

Although we would like to think this is a rare occurrence it is not uncommon for a truck driver to lose control of a big rig, perhaps due to fatigue or another factor such as a loading issue.

I was saddened to read about how a driver lost control of a tractor trailer on I-95 in Prince George County and crashed into a car, killing the occupant.

The truck driver is facing reckless driving charges, reported ABC 8 News. The news report said at about 4:40 p.m. on May 22, the truck was traveling southbound in the right lane of Interstate 95 approaching mile marker 42 in Prince George County. Suddenly the big rig left the Interstate and crashed into a 2007 Hyundai Elantra, which was parked on the right shoulder of the highway.

The driver of the car, 24-year-old Rachel E. Gradia of Gainesville, was sitting in the passenger side of the Hyundai at the time of the impact. Police say she was thrown from the car as the tractor trailer jackknifed off the right side of the interstate.

Gradia was taken by ambulance to VCU Medical Center for treatment; she succumbed to her injuries on May 24. My thoughts are with her family at this tragic time.

The 65-year-old truck driver from Ahoskie, North Carolina, was not injured in the crash. He has been charged with reckless driving and the case remains under investigation.

If you lose a loved one in an accident involving an out-of-control tractor trailer, you may have strong grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. There are many rules governing big rigs, but sadly companies and drivers often flout them.

In the past I have secured a $3.5 million settlement for the family of a man who was tragically killed when he was rear-ended by a truck in Norfolk, Virginia. All cases are different and we cannot guarantee the same result in your case.

John Cooper is the co-author of The Best Book About Virginia Trucking Accidents. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077.