Montgomery County, VA — April 5, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 3:38 P.M. on I-81.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the afternoon hours of April 5th. According to official reports, a William Curtis II was traveling on Interstate 81 in the northbound lanes near mile-marker 110, when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and left the roadway and struck a guardrail.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Curtis had sustained critical injuries and he was transported to the hospital for treatment where he later succumbed to his injuries. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, including what caused the vehicle to lose control, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When someone loses their life in a single-vehicle crash and there’s no clear explanation why, it’s essential that the investigation goes beyond surface assumptions. Early reports state the vehicle left the roadway and struck a guardrail, but without knowing what caused the driver to lose control, three critical questions must be asked to ensure the full picture is brought to light.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A loss of control at highway speeds demands a comprehensive review of all contributing factors—road conditions, visibility, possible obstructions, and mechanical evidence from the scene. In many cases, especially when only one vehicle is involved, investigations can be brief or incomplete depending on the resources available. That’s why it’s so important to confirm whether the scene was reconstructed properly and key physical evidence was documented before it disappeared.

Second, has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Mechanical failure—whether it involves brakes, steering, tires, or suspension—can cause a vehicle to veer off course unexpectedly. These problems are often underdiagnosed because people assume the driver simply lost control. But unless someone inspects the vehicle before it’s altered, repaired, or salvaged, that evidence could be lost forever. A thorough inspection may reveal issues that had nothing to do with driver behavior but everything to do with what led to the crash.

Third, has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? The engine control module (ECM) can provide crucial information about how the vehicle was operating in the seconds before the crash. Was the driver braking? Was the steering input normal? These data points help determine whether the car was responding as it should have. Beyond that, cell phone records and nearby surveillance footage might add context, but only if those data sources are preserved promptly.

In cases like this, the cause isn’t always immediately visible. But for the family left behind, vague answers aren’t good enough. A proper investigation must look at every angle to ensure no piece of the puzzle is missed. That starts by asking the right questions and committing to finding answers rooted in evidence—not assumptions.