Six vehicles collide in deadly Stafford County crash

An investigation is ongoing into a fatal wreck that recently took place in Stafford County, one which claimed the life of a Virginia woman. The accident, which took place on July 14 on Route 17, involved a total of six vehicles, one fatality, and two people left injured. These types of numbers often add up to tragedy for the surviving victims of fatal car accidents, and this case was no exception.

According to the Virginia State Police, a pickup truck heading north sideswiped multiple vehicles before running into a tree near Hemp Road. The Ford F-150 first hit a Honda sedan before also swiping a Honda minivan. Both cars had been traveling in the right lanes of Route 17 when they were hit. The next vehicle in the wayward truck’s path was a Volvo station wagon in the left lane, also heading north. The impact sent the Volvo off the side of the roadway with devastating consequences.

After the pickup truck hit the Volvo, the truck ran into a tree. The Volvo, however, was sent through the median and into the opposite lanes. The 50-year-old driver of the Volvo was ejected from her car and was struck by another pickup truck heading south. The Summerdale woman passed away at the scene, while her 8-year-old passenger had to be taken to Mary Washington Hospital for medical attention.

Police say charges are pending. Still, the victims of fatal motor vehicle accidents typically do not have to wait until criminal charges are filed before they seek to hold other drivers accountable. The process usually begins with a thorough investigation of the incident, with a focus on pinpointing the exact cause of both the accident itself and any subsequent injuries or deaths. If negligence is found, shedding light on the negligent parties is another important part of the process. Finally, if a victim has lost their life as a result of such negligence, a wrongful death lawsuit can be pursued.

Source: WUSA9.com, Va. woman dies, 2 injured in 6-vehicle accident,” Meta Pettus, July 15, 2013