Interstate 81 in Roanoke County, Virginia proved itself yet again as Virginia’s I-81 death corridor. An all too familiar story unfolded on Monday afternoon when Pennsylvania driver Andy William Himes, 62, slowed the 2021 Chrysler Minivan he was driving behind a Prevost passenger bus that was slowing for traffic stopped for a minor accident 5 miles ahead. Tragically, the driver of a Freightliner tractor trailer that was following Mr. Himes’ minivan failed to slow the big rig and struck the minivan pushing it into the Prevost bus. Mr. Himes succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. A passenger in Mr. Himes’ vehicle and the driver of the charter bus were transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. All were wearing seatbelts. The at-fault driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the I-81 truck accident. He was charged with reckless driving by Virginia State Police. There is no word as to whether the driver was distracted by his phone, driving under the influence, asleep at the wheel, or speeding. All of these are common causes of trucking related accidents. Traffic on the northbound side of the interstate was diverted for several hours to allow first responders to clear the scene. The accident occurred at approximately 4:25 pm and authorities were still reporting an 8 mile backup at 7:30 pm. Our sincere condolences are offered to the family of Mr. Himes.
Trucking Accidents: When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
When a trucking accident occurs and causes serious injuries or even wrongful death, victims and victims’ families need to enlist of the help of a personal injury lawyer immediately. Why? In 2019, the Trucking Industry in the United States was the main provider of overland freight movement. This industry was estimated to be worth 791.7 billion dollars. Yes, that’s billion with a “B”. And that was in 2019, before COVID and delivery services became a mainstay in our lives. That means that industry leaders have even deeper pockets and will do everything in their power to keep it that way. Because long haul trucking accidents are so common in this business, many companies keep lawyers, crash reconstruction experts, and investigators on the payroll 24/7. These teams can be deployed within hours of the crash to “investigate the crash” on behalf of the company. These people are not there to help victims. They are simply there to manipulate facts and mitigate costs. Hiring a lawyer early is the best way to protect and preserve evidence such as the black box data, cell phone records, and the pieces of the vehicles involved. A truck accident lawyer can get access to all of these. I strongly advise you not to talk to anyone about the accident until you have hired an experienced personal injury lawyer in Roanoke. If someone approaches you and introduces themselves as a police investigator, verify their identification and get a business card. Do not talk to anyone until you have discussed it with your attorney.
I’m from Out of State, do I need a Virginia Lawyer?
Yes, you will need to hire a lawyer in the state where the accident occurred.
How do I Know What My Trucking Case is Worth?
An experienced personal injury lawyer will collect your medical records and bills, documentation of lost wages, documentation of pain and suffering, determine the cost of future medical care, determine availability of insurance coverage and give you an accurate valuation of your case.
How Much Will Hiring an Attorney to Handle My Truck Accident Lawsuit Cost?
I represent my clients on a contingency fee basis so they do not have to pay anything up front. I advance the costs of hiring all experts including accident reconstruction experts, life care planners, ordering medical records, filing lawsuits and all other costs associated with your case. My team and I are paid according to the outcome of your case, so it is in my best interest as well as yours to get the maximum amount of compensation.
My Case Involves a Wrongful Death. How Can a Lawyer Help?
First, let me say, I am sorry for your loss. I have worked with numerous grieving families and I know the feelings of despair that accompanies the loss of a loved one. And I can’t fix what’s broken. But I can make sure that those who are at fault for the loss of your family member are held accountable. I can make sure that the family is compensated for that unimaginable loss.
I Want to Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer. What do I need to have with me when I call?
Nothing. Nada. Zip. You just need to be able to tell us what happened. That is all. If you have a police report or pictures of the accident scene, they are helpful, but you do not have to have them when you call. We can get those for you if needed. Call a Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer today at (540) 777-4900. Paul Thomson is a personal injury lawyer with over 26 years of truck accident experience. He is currently a member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the Ted Dalton Inns of Court, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, the American Association for Justice Traumatic Brain Injury Group and the Virginia State Bar and the West Virginia State Bar. He has also been nominated for Superlawyers, Best Lawyers, and Best Law Firms. He resides in Roanoke, Virginia with his wife and two children. Learn more about his $21 million dollar settlement against a trucking company here.
