Richmond, VA - Teen Killed After Standing on I-95 Following Crash
Richmond, VA (May 7, 2025) – A sequence of events unfolded late Sunday evening when a teenager lost her life after being struck on Interstate 95 following a multi-vehicle crash.
The incident occurred on May 4, just before 8:45 p.m., when two vehicles—a Toyota and a Honda—collided in the left lane of I-95 in Richmond. According to Virginia State Police, the Toyota pulled over onto the shoulder, while the Honda came to a stop partially in the left lane. Moments later, a 17-year-old girl who had been riding in the Honda exited the vehicle, likely to examine the extent of the damage.
As she stood near the vehicle, an oncoming driver traveling in the left lane was unable to avoid her and struck her. After hitting the teen, the vehicle veered off the roadway and slammed into a nearby guardrail. Tragically, the young woman, a resident of Crewe, Virginia, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that her family members were present at the time of the accident and were informed of her passing on-site. No other injuries were reported among the occupants of either vehicle or the driver who struck the teen. The crash is currently under investigation by the Virginia State Police. It is not yet known if any charges will be filed or if additional contributing factors are involved.
We offer our sympathies to the family of the teen who lost her life in this accident.
Pedestrian Accidents in Virginia
Pedestrian accidents in Virginia remain a pressing issue, particularly on major highways. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 1,400 pedestrian-related crashes were reported statewide last year, with over 160 resulting in fatalities. Many of these incidents occur at night or along high-speed roadways like Interstate 95, where visibility and reaction time are limited.
Understanding what commonly leads to pedestrian incidents on roadways can help raise awareness:
Reduced Visibility at Night: Low lighting conditions, especially along highways, make it harder for drivers to see individuals on or near the road. Reflective clothing or lights can help, but in emergencies, people often don’t have time to prepare.
Stopped Vehicles in Travel Lanes: When cars are disabled in or near active lanes, the risk of secondary crashes increases significantly. Individuals exiting vehicles can inadvertently step into the path of oncoming traffic.
High-Speed Traffic Flow: On roads like I-95, the high speeds involved leave drivers with little time to react, particularly when unexpected obstacles or people appear.
Disorientation After a Crash: Victims of a crash may be disoriented or panicked, leading them to exit their vehicles without fully assessing the risks around them.
Driver Inattention or Distraction: Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from reacting in time to avoid a pedestrian on the road, especially at night.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of a pedestrian accident, calling a qualified Richmond wrongful death attorney as soon as possible is essential. Legal teams can begin collecting evidence right away, including traffic camera footage and witness statements. Time is critical, especially in cases involving loss of life or disputed fault. An attorney can also help protect families from dealing with insurance representatives alone, allowing them to focus on healing and remembrance while ensuring the legal side is handled with care and attention.
At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we understand how traumatic and overwhelming pedestrian accidents can be. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a crash, our team is here to help guide you through the legal process. We offer free consultations and are ready to evaluate your case with compassion and experience. You don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you may be entitled to. Call our Richmond pedestrian accident attorneys at 703-879-5910 today to get started. We are here to help you take the next step forward.
Note: When creating these blog posts, our team of writers utilizes external sources, including local and state news sources, social media platforms, police accident incident reports, state police accident reports, and at times, eyewitness accounts. Please contact us immediately if you discover any incorrect information so that we can update the post with the most current, accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided in this blog post should be interpreted as medical or legal advice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. This post's featured image was not captured at the actual accident scene.