Suffolk, VA — March 4, 2025, Corey Knight was killed in a truck accident at about 1:15 a.m. on southbound Interstate 664 near College Drive.
Authorities said the driver of a 2023 Volkswagen GTI pulled to the side of the highway and got out of his car after turning on its hazard lights. He and the car were hit by a semi-truck that veered onto the shoulder.
Driver Corey L.B. Knight, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash, but they said intoxication or excessive speed were not factors. The accident remains under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
A crash like this raises an important question: Why did the semi-truck veer onto the shoulder in the first place? The shoulder is meant to be a safe area for stopped vehicles and their drivers, yet I’ve seen too many cases where a truck drifts off the road and turns it into a danger zone.
There are several possibilities investigators should consider. Driver fatigue is a common factor in late-night and early-morning truck crashes. Was the truck driver nodding off behind the wheel? Federal regulations limit how many hours a trucker can drive before resting, but those rules only work if they’re followed, and some drivers or companies cut corners.
Distraction is another real concern. Was the truck driver looking at a phone, adjusting controls or otherwise not paying full attention? Many commercial trucks today have in-cab cameras and GPS tracking that can help determine whether distraction played a role. Investigators should be reviewing that data.
Mechanical failure is also something that can’t be ruled out. A tire blowout, brake issue or steering malfunction could have forced the truck onto the shoulder. Trucking companies are responsible for regular inspections and maintenance, but I’ve litigated cases where neglected equipment led to deadly crashes.
No matter the cause, a truck veering onto the shoulder is almost never just an accident: it’s usually the result of a preventable issue. A proper investigation needs to look beyond the immediate crash scene and dig into the truck driver’s condition, company policies and vehicle maintenance records. Anything less risks leaving crucial questions unanswered.
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