Petersburg, VA (September 28, 2025) – A crash between two tractor-trailers on Interstate 95 left one driver hospitalized and caused significant traffic delays Sunday afternoon.
Accident Details: The collision occurred shortly after 1:25 p.m. in the northbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 52. State police said two tractor-trailers, both hauling furniture, were traveling when one vehicle struck the rear of the other.
Emergency crews responded, and one driver was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Though initial concerns stated that the bridge structure may have been damaged, police later confirmed that the bridge itself was not struck.
Investigation: Virginia State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the rear-end collision. Troopers documented the final positions of both tractor-trailers, reviewed skid marks and debris, and collected statements from the drivers and any witnesses in the area.
Investigators will examine whether speed, following distance, or driver attentiveness contributed to the crash. Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks often raise questions about whether the driver had adequate time and space to avoid impact. Electronic logging devices and “black box” recorders in the vehicles may provide data on speed, braking, and steering in the moments leading up to the crash.
Authorities will also review vehicle maintenance and load records to ensure both trucks were in proper operating condition. Since the trailers were carrying furniture, investigators may consider whether the weight or distribution of the cargo contributed to braking distances. Roadway conditions at the time of the crash will also be taken into account in the analysis.
State police stated that charges are pending, but no further details have been released.
Legal Considerations: When two commercial trucks collide, determining liability requires a careful look at both driver behavior and compliance with federal trucking regulations. Drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance and remain alert to changing traffic conditions. If a driver fails to do so and causes a crash, they may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries and damages.
In this case, the injured driver may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Compensation in such cases can cover medical treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, and wages lost during recovery. Victims may also seek damages for pain and suffering and the long-term effects of their injuries.
The findings of the state police investigation will be critical in establishing fault and determining whether legal accountability follows.
I offer my sincerest thoughts to the injured driver. I wish them a fast recovery.
Source: WRIC