UPDATE (May 28, 2025): Recent reports have been released which identify the man who lost his life as a result of this accident as 22-year-old Denzel Owuraku Quaicoo. No additional information is currently available. Investigations continue.
Newport News, VA — November 18, 2024, one person was killed and another was injured in a truck accident at approximately 3:00 a.m. along Interstate Highway 64.
According to authorities, a 22-year-old man and one other person were traveling in a westbound Hyundai Elantra on I.H. 64 in the vicinity of Fort Eustis Boulevard when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the Elantra failed to safely maintain its lane of travel. It reportedly veered off of the road, colliding with an International 18-wheeler that had been stopped in the shoulder of the interstate.
The 22-year-old sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was declared deceased at the scene. The person who had been a passenger in that vehicle suffered severe and apparently life-threatening injuries; they were transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. No other injuries have been reported. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identities of the victims—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Crashes like this one, where a vehicle veers off the road and collides with a parked 18-wheeler, often raise questions about why the truck was stopped on the shoulder and whether the situation could have been prevented. While many may assume fault lies solely with the vehicle that left its lane, in my experience, such incidents often involve contributing factors that require a thorough investigation.
One critical area of focus is why the 18-wheeler was parked on the shoulder. Federal regulations allow commercial trucks to stop on the shoulder only in emergencies, and even then, drivers must take specific steps to ensure their vehicle is visible to other road users. This includes activating hazard lights and deploying reflective triangles or flares. Investigators should determine whether the truck driver followed these requirements and if the vehicle’s presence on the shoulder was truly unavoidable. If these precautions weren’t taken, or if the truck was improperly stopped, responsibility could extend beyond the driver of the vehicle that veered off the road.
Another important aspect to examine is the possible culpability of the trucking company. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained to handle emergencies safely and comply with regulations when stopping along the road. Additionally, if the truck was on the shoulder due to mechanical issues, investigators should review maintenance records to determine whether the company performed regular inspections and addressed potential problems in a timely manner. Any failure to maintain the vehicle or provide adequate driver training could mean the trucking company shares responsibility for the crash.
Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the accident. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to consider every factor to ensure that those impacted by the accident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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