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SPRINGFIELD, Fairfax County, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 — A tow truck driver suffered serious injuries Saturday morning, October 24, after a tractor-trailer struck him while he was changing a tire on southbound Interstate 495 near the Mixing Bowl, according to Virginia State Police.
The crash happened around 5:16 a.m. on southbound I-495, north of southbound Interstate 95, state police said in a preliminary report. The tow truck driver had reportedly stopped to change a tire when the tractor-trailer hit him.
He was taken to a hospital with injuries described as serious.
The collision also caused a fuel leak, according to the report.
The investigation remains active. We wish those injured a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Springfield, VA
This pedestrian crash happened on I-495 in Springfield, VA. We cover crashes across Fairfax County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Fairfax County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to avoid hitting someone stopped on the shoulder or roadway?
Slow down and move over when possible for any vehicle stopped on the side of a highway, flashing hazards or not. Most states, including Virginia, require drivers to change lanes away from stopped vehicles when it's safe to do so.
What injuries are common when a pedestrian is struck by a large vehicle?
Pedestrians hit by trucks or tractor-trailers often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries. The size and weight difference between a person and a commercial vehicle typically means more severe outcomes than a crash between two passenger cars.
How much does a vehicle's speed affect survival for someone on foot?
Survival chances drop sharply as striking speed rises. A pedestrian hit at lower highway speeds has a much better chance of survival than one struck at higher speeds, since the force of impact increases with speed.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Springfield, VA
If you witness or are involved in a roadside pedestrian crash, call 911 immediately and, if it's safe, turn on hazard lights to warn other traffic. Try not to move an injured person unless they're in immediate danger from passing vehicles.
Anyone involved, even someone who feels fine afterward, should still get checked by a medical provider, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions don't always show symptoms right away. Keep records of any treatment and follow up with your doctor if new symptoms appear in the days after the crash.
If you were working roadside, as a tow operator or in another job that puts you near moving traffic, report the incident to your employer and keep documentation of what happened. Residents of Springfield and the wider Fairfax County area dealing with the aftermath of a highway crash should keep copies of police reports and medical records for their own files.
