Martinsburg, WV — March 12, 2025, Two people were killed following a car accident that occurred at around 4:30 P.M. on I-81.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left two people dead during the afternoon hours of March 12th. According to official reports, a Dodge pickup operated by Steven Souders was travelling on I-81 in the northbound lanes near Apple Harvest Dr. when for unknown reasons the vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes where it struck a Dodge pickup operated by David Cain with Catherine Cain as a passenger. The pickup driven by Souders continued on and struck a Ford pickup operated by Ronnie Dick.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that both Souders and Dick had sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased, while transported Catherine Cain was transported to the hospital for injuries. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including the status of Cain's injuries as-well-as what caused the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that the people affected deserve clear answers about what happened. A pickup truck unexpectedly crossing into oncoming traffic and striking multiple vehicles is not something that happens without a cause. While authorities continue their investigation, three key questions must be addressed to fully understand what led to this devastating incident.

First, did law enforcement conduct a thorough investigation? In complex crashes involving multiple vehicles, a proper accident reconstruction is critical. Authorities need to examine whether road conditions, visibility, or external factors—such as another vehicle’s movement—may have contributed. Witness statements, skid marks, and any available surveillance footage can provide valuable insight. Given that reports say the pickup crossed the median "for unknown reasons," determining the cause of that sudden movement is essential.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect played a role? When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic without an obvious explanation, mechanical failure should always be investigated. Issues like steering malfunctions, brake failures, or tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control. Unfortunately, these possibilities are often overlooked unless the vehicle is carefully examined before being scrapped or repaired. If a defect was involved, identifying it could be crucial—not just for understanding this crash, but also for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Finally, has all available electronic data been preserved? The vehicles involved may have electronic control modules (ECMs) that store key crash-related data, such as speed, braking activity, and steering inputs. Authorities should also check for traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, or surveillance video from nearby businesses. One often-overlooked piece of evidence is cell phone data—was the driver using their phone before the crash? Preserving all possible digital evidence is vital to ensuring that no detail is missed.

At the end of the day, crashes like this leave families searching for answers. Understanding what caused the northbound pickup to enter oncoming traffic is critical—not just for those directly affected, but for the broader community as well. Whether road conditions, a mechanical issue, or some other factor played a role, a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the search for the truth.