A two-vehicle crash on New Year’s Day in Hampton, Virginia tragically resulted in one fatality and left three others injured near the entrance to NASA Langley Research Center.
According to Hampton Police, the crash happened around 9:57 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the intersection of Commander Shepard Boulevard and Floyd Thompson Drive.
The intersection sits at the entrance to the Langley Mobile Home Village and is located near both NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base.
Police reported that one vehicle carried three people, while the second vehicle had a single driver. A passenger in the three-occupant vehicle was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
One Fatality & Three Injured in Crash
The driver of that vehicle was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, while a third passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the second vehicle also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Early investigation indicates that the vehicle carrying three occupants was traveling northbound on Commander Shepard Boulevard and attempting to make a left turn onto Floyd Thompson Drive when the collision occurred.
Hampton Police’s Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the circumstances of the crash.
Intersection Crashes and Liability
Intersection collisions represent one of the most common and dangerous types of car accidents. These wrecks often involve complex factors including traffic control devices, driver actions, visibility conditions, and right-of-way determinations.
When a crash occurs at an intersection, particularly one involving a turning vehicle and another vehicle traveling through the intersection, establishing fault requires a thorough investigation.
Factors that may be examined include whether traffic signals or stop signs were present, whether drivers obeyed traffic control devices, the speed of the vehicles involved, visibility and lighting conditions at the time, and any evidence of driver distraction or impairment.
The severity of intersection crashes often stems from the angles at which vehicles collide. Side-impact collisions, sometimes referred to as T-bone or broadside crashes, can be particularly dangerous because the sides of vehicles typically offer less protection than the front or rear.
Fatal Accident Claims in Virginia
When a motor vehicle crash results in a fatality, Virginia law provides certain family members with the ability to pursue compensation through a Virginia wrongful death claim.
These claims are separate from any criminal charges or traffic citations that may result from the crash.
Wrongful death claims in Virginia must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate.
The personal representative acts on behalf of the deceased’s beneficiaries, who may include surviving spouses, children, parents, and other close family members. Virginia wrongful death claims may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and financial support
- Loss of services, care, and guidance
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
The value of a Virginia wrongful death claim depends on multiple factors, including the age and health of the deceased, their earning capacity and employment history, the nature and closeness of family relationships, and the specific circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Multiple Injuries and Insurance Considerations
Crashes that result in both fatalities and serious injuries to multiple people can involve complex insurance issues.
Multiple claims may be pursued against the same insurance policy, and Virginia’s insurance requirements may not always provide adequate coverage for all losses.
Injured victims may have personal injury claims, while the family of the deceased person may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Families and injured victims should be aware that insurance companies may attempt to minimize their exposure by disputing fault, questioning the extent of injuries, or offering quick settlements that do not fully account for long-term medical issues.
Working with an experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer can help ensure that rights are protected.
Hampton Roads Car Crash Attorneys
Losing a loved one in a car crash brings unimaginable grief and often creates financial hardship for families. Simultaneously, other family members may be dealing with serious injuries and mounting medical bills.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC understands the challenges families face after a devastating collision caused by someone else’s negligence.
We can investigate the circumstances of the crash, work with accident reconstruction experts when needed, handle communications with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your family’s losses.
If your family has been affected by a serious or fatal crash in Hampton Roads, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.
