Questions Linger over Why Trucker Lost Control in Fatal West Norfolk Bridge Accident

More details have been released into a fatal tractor trailer accident that caused traffic chaos on West Norfolk Bridge in Portsmouth on Wednesday morning.

Portsmouth police said two big rigs were involved in the accident. The two vehicles collided in the eastbound lane of the Western Freeway around 8:50 a.m.

WAVY.com reported on how first responders found a crash victim with life-threatening injuries at the scene. He was pronounced dead shortly after. The driver of the second tractor trailer was taken to a local hospital after he complained of back pain, according to police.

The WAVY report stated the truck driver who later died, lost control of his rig before hitting a jersey wall and hitting the other truck. Police say the 59-year-old driver’s trailer detached from his truck and overturned, sending boxes of sardines spilling across the roadway.

Virginia Department of Transportation detailed damage caused by the crash. VDOT reported a light pole was struck and fell into the water, as a result of the wreck. An overhead sign structure was also hit and damaged. VDOT stated the bridge itself did not sustain any damage.

There are a number of lingering questions about this accident, in particular what caused a trucker to lose control of his vehicle.

Truckers face long and arduous hours and fatigue can be a common cause of morning crashes. Many drivers also have medical conditions. However, in this case Portsmouth Police have released few details about what caused the truck accident and the identity of the deceased driver has been withheld.

Although the federal authorities have hours of service regulations and other rules intended to improve safety, trucking accidents occur with an alarming regularity on the highways of America. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Virginia, include excess speed, fatigue, inadequate supervision of truckers and medical conditions.

A trucking company can be held liable for wrecks that are caused by its truck drivers. We explain some of the circumstances in The Best Book About Virginia Trucking Accidents. Stretches of road such as the West Norfolk Bridge see a considerable number of tractor trailers due to their proximity to ports in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

If you have been hurt in a trucking accident, either as a truck driver or another motorist, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. Families of those who have lost their lives in trucking accidents, may have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a trucking company or another party. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077.