When the days are short and the temperature drops below freezing, driving hazards are increased exponentially. Snow, ice, and foggy conditions make driving treacherous, often causing vehicle wrecks and injuries. When winter driving is made even more dangerous by debris on the road, the results can be fatal.
Three Fatal Wrecks on I-68
Recently, a young New Jersey man was killed and several others injured in a chain-reaction accident on Friday, December 19, 2014, on Interstate 68 in Preston County near the Monongalia County line close to the Coopers Rock exit. While it was originally reported that six other vehicles were involved, later reports indicated that seven vehicles were involved in the collisions.
The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. and closed both east and westbound lanes of the interstate for several hours, creating a several-mile-long traffic backup.
The next day, on Saturday, December 20th, another bad wreck hit down I-68 again at mile marker 29. On I-68 Eastbound, both lanes were closed from Hazelton Exit to Friendsville Exit in Garrett County, MD, and the closure was expected to last for 3-4 hours.
Two people died, one Morgantown man, following the chain of wrecks on Interstate 68 in Garrett County near the West Virginia state line. The initial wreck was the cause of the death of the first accident victim, and the police reported that while traffic was stopped in the eastbound lanes to allow a helicopter to land at the scene, there was a chain reaction accident that claimed the life of a young Maryland woman.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the crash victims, families, and friends who have been directly affected by these tragic accidents. Grief and recovery were not in their plans; the holiday season will never be the same for these families.
Drivers need to take into account that a different climate and weather exist up on these elevated mountain passes and take precautions accordingly. The unexpected is more likely to occur, so heightened vigilance and attention to the road are required during these winter months.
Authorities in the Preston County sheriff’s office said the initial wreck was caused by debris in the roadway. A witness to the accident reported that a truck topper was on the interstate and may have been the initial cause of the collision. Investigations into all the causes of the wrecks are ongoing.
In a multi-car pileup, the fault may be harder to prove because of the multiple vehicles involved. Anyone involved in such a collision should contact their insurance company right away and provide information about the effects of the accident on the vehicle and health, and any information gathered from other drivers at the accident scene.
If a person has any reason to believe he was injured and hasn’t seen a doctor, he should go immediately. Sometimes the adrenaline produced immediately after the accident can mask symptoms which can later cause a great deal of pain, and early treatment can eliminate a lot of future medical problems and pain.
Often, early intervention with physical therapy eliminates a need for surgery later – so one should get a medical opinion right away and follow all doctor’s orders, document everything, and keep records and receipts from all medical office visits, as well as receipts from all expenses related to the crash.
When a person has been severely injured, it is important when filing an injury insurance claim to keep personal notes about how these injuries are affecting your daily life and your family.
Contact our Morgantown car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Sources:
WVMetronews, “Chain-reaction crash on I-68 claims one life” by Jeff Jenkins, December 20, 2014.
Topix, “Chain Reaction on I-68 claims one life, backs up traffic,” December 20, 2014.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
