Henrico County, VA — May 9, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 2:37 P.M. on I-295.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the afternoon hours of May 9th. According to official reports, a vehicle was traveling on Interstate 295 in the southbound lanes near the Pocahontas Parkway exit, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway and rolled, though the cause of this is currently unknown.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained fatal injuries and they were pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identity of the deceased, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle loses control on a major interstate and results in a fatal rollover—as occurred on May 9th along southbound Interstate 295—the causes are often complex and may involve more than a simple driver error. To determine what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway and overturning, investigators must consider a range of factors. Answering three critical questions is essential to understanding the crash and whether the outcome could have been prevented.

First, has the crash scene been fully analyzed to reconstruct how the vehicle left the roadway? Investigators should assess road conditions at the time of the crash, including surface quality, curvature, and signage. The presence of tire marks, the point where the vehicle began to deviate from its lane, and the final resting position all help establish whether the driver attempted any evasive action. Visibility, weather conditions, and potential obstructions should also be evaluated to determine whether they played a role in the loss of control.

Second, has the possibility of mechanical failure or a system malfunction been examined? A sudden loss of control might stem from issues with the vehicle’s braking system, steering components, or tire integrity. In addition, investigators should evaluate whether the rollover was influenced by the vehicle’s design—particularly if it had a high center of gravity or was carrying uneven weight. An inspection of the vehicle’s safety systems, such as seatbelts and airbags, is also necessary to determine how well it protected the occupant during the crash.

Third, has all available electronic data from the vehicle been retrieved and reviewed? Most vehicles today are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that records vital crash-related information, including speed, throttle input, brake use, and steering movements in the seconds before the incident. This data is invaluable in confirming whether the driver attempted to regain control and how the vehicle responded. If dash cam footage or highway surveillance is available, it can further clarify the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Single-vehicle rollovers on interstates are rarely random events. These three investigative questions—focusing on the crash environment, vehicle condition, and digital data—form the foundation for a thorough and accurate review. Only with a clear understanding of these elements can authorities provide the answers needed to support those affected and inform future efforts to prevent similar tragedies.