A fatal tractor-trailer crash on Friday morning claimed the lives of 2 motorcyclists and injured 4 other riders. The crash – which took place on Interstate 85 in Greensboro, North Carolina on Friday, July 17th – involved a large commercial truck that had collided with the group of six riders, all of whom were residents of the DC Metro area.
Here are some additional facts about the crash:
- Authorities report that the riders – en route from Northern Virginia / Southern Maryland to a motorcycle rally in Georgia – had stopped on the side of the highway to address a mechanical issue when they were struck by the tractor-trailer. One of the riders – 37-year-old Woodbridge, Virginia resident Arnie M. Morris – was killed in the crash. Another victim, 51-year-old Kenneth N. Jefferson of South Chesterfield, died Sunday morning.
- The other four motorcyclists involved in the crash were also treated for their injuries. The victims have been identified as Jerome D. Howard and Michael A. Robinson Sr. of Woodbridge, Caroline Campbell of North Chesterfield, and Gregory D. Harmon of Bowie, Maryland.
- The tractor-trailer did not remain at the scene and came to a stop about a half mile later on I-85. Troopers suspect the driver only stopped due to a flat tire from the crash.
- Because he did not remain at the scene, the truck driver has been arrested and charged with felony hit and run and a misdemeanor charge involving death, and is currently being held on $100,000 bond.
- Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation, authorities believe the tractor-trailer driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
The crash is a tragic reminder of the constant dangers motorcyclists face while sharing public roads with larger vehicles. Depending on what investigators find, the crash may also help raise awareness about federal trucking regulations – specifically rules designed to prevent tired drivers from getting behind the wheels of large commercial trucks.
Truck accidents involving tired drivers are certainly not new, and we see how driver fatigue can often result in the most tragic of consequences. This was precisely the case in the high-profile fatal crash involving comedian Tracy Morgan settled in May. When drivers or trucking companies fail to abide by rules designed to keep the public safe, they should be held fully accountable for the damages they cause.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has a proven track record in helping truck accident victims and their families secure the justice and compensation they deserve. If you would like more information about your rights following a tractor-trailer accident anywhere in the DC Metro area or beyond, contact us to request a FREE consultation.
