The Thomson Law Firm

Interstate 81 is one of the most dangerous highways in Southwest Virginia — and for drivers traveling through Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and Montgomery County , that danger is all too real. Serious crashes, including multi-vehicle and tractor-trailer accidents, happen here far too often. Understanding why these crashes occur — and where they are most common — can help drivers stay safer and help accident victims know when to seek legal help. A Major Trucking Corridor Never Designed for Today’s Traffic Interstate 81 is one of the busiest freight routes on the East Coast. It carries an exceptionally high percentage of commercial truck traffic , much of it passing straight through Southwest Virginia. The problem? Much of I-81 was built decades ago for far less traffic and fewer heavy trucks . Today, passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers are forced to share limited space at highway speeds, increasing the likelihood of: Rear-end collisions Unsafe lane changes Chain-reaction cr...

A recent I-81 trucking accident in Roanoke County, Virginia underscores how devastating highway crashes involving commercial trucks can be. In this tragic incident, a disabled vehicle was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 81 when a tractor-trailer crashed into it . Three people were killed. All of the victims were from out of state , traveling through Virginia when their lives were cut short. For the surviving family member, grief is often compounded by confusion — especially when the crash happened far from home. If you are navigating the aftermath of a wrongful death caused by a truck accident on I-81 , the information below is meant to help guide you through what comes next. Take Care of Yourself First The sudden loss of a loved one in a fatal trucking accident is traumatic. There is no timeline for grief and no requirement to “handle everything” immediately. Surround yourself with family support and allow time to process what has happened. Ask friends and family for help ...

Your Safety. Your Rights. Your Recovery. Pedestrian accidents are among the most severe and life-altering crashes on Virginia roads. Whether you were struck in a crosswalk, a parking lot, a neighborhood street, or a busy Roanoke or Blacksburg intersection, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian accident can greatly impact your physical recovery and the strength of your injury claim. At The Thomson Law Firm , we represent injured pedestrians across Roanoke, Blacksburg and all of Virginia. This guide outlines exactly what to do after a pedestrian accident and how to protect your legal rights. Get to Safety and Call 911 Your health and safety always come first. If possible, move out of the roadway and call 911. A police report is essential for documenting what happened, identifying the at-fault driver, and creating an official record for your case. Even if your injuries seem mild, get medical attention immediately. Many pedestrian inj...