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Northampton County, VA (June 10, 2026) – A deadly crash involving a tractor-trailer left one woman dead and two others seriously injured on Tuesday afternoon, June 9, on Lankford Highway (Route 13) in Northampton County.
Virginia State Police said the crash happened around 4:27 p.m. Investigators said a Honda sedan was traveling southbound when it collided with a northbound Volvo tractor-trailer that was attempting to make a left turn into a business.
Authorities said the impact caused the Honda to become lodged underneath the trailer. Emergency units responded to the scene and found significant damage to both vehicles. The driver of the Honda, identified as 79-year-old Rebecca B. Davis, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers inside the vehicle were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.
Police said the driver of the tractor-trailer, 26-year-old James I. Vallar III, has been charged with failing to yield the right of way. The investigation remains ongoing. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased.
What Investigators Review in Tractor-Trailer Intersection Collisions
Crashes involving tractor-trailers at intersections are often examined closely due to the size and limited maneuverability of commercial vehicles. Investigators typically analyze turning movements, right-of-way decisions, and traffic flow at the time of the collision.
When a passenger vehicle becomes lodged beneath a trailer, it often indicates a severe angle of impact, which can increase injury risk significantly. Roadway design, visibility, and signal timing are also commonly reviewed in these types of crashes.
Authorities may also examine driver actions leading up to the turn, including speed, lane position, and awareness of oncoming traffic. Physical evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle resting positions, can help reconstruct the sequence of events.
