Petersburg, VA — April 24, 2025, a pedestrian was killed in a truck accident at about 12:50 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95.
Authorities said a 2024 Kenworth semi-truck hit a pedestrian near the exit for Washington Street and Wythe Street.
The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Pedestrian deaths on interstate highways are always difficult to understand, but when one involves a commercial truck in the early morning hours, the questions quickly shift from why was the pedestrian there to did the driver do everything legally required to avoid the collision? At 12:50 a.m., visibility is reduced, driver alertness is often compromised and the risks of a fatal outcome go up exponentially, especially when an 18-wheeler is involved.
From a legal standpoint, truck drivers are held to a higher standard than ordinary motorists. That means they’re expected to maintain a proper lookout at all times, especially in and around areas where a person might unexpectedly appear, like near highway exits, rest stops or in construction or breakdown zones. Even though pedestrians are not typically allowed on interstates, that doesn’t erase the driver’s obligation to respond appropriately if someone ends up there.
The fact that this crash occurred near the Washington Street and Wythe Street exit suggests the pedestrian may have been entering or exiting the roadway from a nearby access point. If that’s the case, investigators need to examine whether the truck was traveling at a speed appropriate for that area, whether the driver had time to react and whether the vehicle’s headlights and mirrors were in good working condition. Commercial drivers are expected to anticipate low-visibility risks at night; and if the driver didn’t see the pedestrian, the investigation has to determine whether that was truly unavoidable or the result of inattention.
When a pedestrian is hit and killed by a semi-truck on the interstate, it’s easy to focus on why the person was there. But the more pressing legal question is whether the driver, operating a vehicle that weighs 20 times more than a passenger car, was doing everything they were supposed to do under the circumstances. Because when a person ends up on foot in the path of a commercial truck, there may be no second chances. And that’s exactly why professional drivers are expected to be prepared for the unexpected, even when the law says pedestrians shouldn’t be there in the first place.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us