William Melville Wash Jr. Killed in Truck Accident in Richmond, V
Richmond, VA -- May 30, 2022, William Melville Wash Jr. was killed after an accident where a semi-truck hit his car after an initial crash.
Investigators reported that the crash took place at around 9:45 a.m. along I-95 near mile marker 72.
Initial reports said that 73-year-old William Melville Wash Jr. was in a Mustang traveling northbound on the interstate. For reasons unclear, Wash's vehicle swerved off-road as it neared a police vehicle with its lights on diverting traffic around a previous crash. Due to this, Wash's vehicle crashed into the jersey wall, then went back into traffic lanes. There, a tractor-trailer hit Wash's vehicle.
Wash was pronounced deceased following the crash. Right now, additional details about the cause of the crash are unavailable.
Commentary on William Melville Wash Jr. Truck Accident in Richmond
This is an unusual series of events, since the news frames this as the driver seeing the officer's car, then swerving off the road. That would be unusual behavior, and I can't help wondering if there was something unusual that led up to the crash.

Were there mechanical issues? A medical emergency? Road hazards? Were any other reckless drivers involved? What's more, did the victim's vehicle bounce into the path of the truck, or did enough time pass that the truck driver should have been able to avoid the car?
Obviously, if there wasn't enough time to react, then it would be ridiculous for the truck driver to take any of the blame. But in situations where a crash is avoidable, a driver failing to avoid it can be a sign they were engaging in negligent behavior. Is that something authorities have considered?
At the end of the day, someone lost their life here. That should at least warrant efforts to ensure their loved ones are getting the answers they deserve.
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