Tragedy on I-77 Underscores the Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents in Charlotte, NC

Trucking accidents happen every day, and the results are often tragic. Whether it’s a fatigued truck driver, a mechanical failure, or another motorist making a fatal mistake, the highways of North Carolina — including the busy interstates around Charlotte — are dangerous places for both truck drivers and everyday motorists. If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious crash, a Charlotte trucking attorney at KBD Attorneys can help you navigate the legal road ahead.

Sadly, a recent crash on Interstate 77 serves as a reminder of how quickly things can turn deadly.

Wrong-Way Crash on I-77 Leaves One Dead, One Injured

On May 16, 2025, Eric Pompa, a 31-year-old man who had recently relocated from Utah to Charlotte, North Carolina, lost his life in a catastrophic crash on I-77 in Iredell County. According to a report by Charlotte Alerts, Eric was driving his pickup truck in the wrong direction when he collided head-on with an 18-wheeler around 2 a.m.

The collision was devastating. The impact crumpled Eric’s vehicle and triggered a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles. Eric died at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler — who was doing nothing wrong and simply driving along the interstate — suffered serious injuries but miraculously survived. The truck was overturned in the wreckage, and emergency responders had to bring in a crane to lift the 18-wheeler off the road.

Authorities suspect that alcohol intoxication may have played a role in this heartbreaking incident.

Our hearts go out to Eric Pompa’s family. He had just purchased a new home in Charlotte and was at the beginning of a new chapter in life. This story is tragic from every angle.

The Harsh Reality of Truck Accidents in Charlotte and Beyond

As NC trucking lawyers, we at KBD Attorneys regularly witness the life-changing consequences of commercial truck crashes. While many people think of truck drivers as the most likely cause of accidents — and in many cases they are — the truth is that these accidents can impact anyone, including innocent truck drivers and unsuspecting motorists alike.

This case is an example of how quickly things can go wrong when even one person makes a critical mistake on the road. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Colliding with one at highway speeds can be like crashing into a building. Even in cases where truck drivers are not at fault, the dangers associated with such massive vehicles are undeniable.

Unfortunately, Charlotte is a major hub for interstate commerce. With I-77, I-85, and I-485 running through the city, thousands of commercial trucks pass through the region daily. The risk of collisions — from distracted driving, fatigue, intoxication, mechanical failure, or simple driver error — is ever-present.

Legal Help After a Truck Accident

At KBD Attorneys, we know that the aftermath of a trucking accident is overwhelming. If you or your family has been involved in one — whether as a truck driver or as someone hit by a commercial vehicle — we want you to know you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team of North Carolina trucking lawyers and personal injury attorneys can investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We also assist families with wrongful death claims. When someone is killed in a trucking accident due to another person’s negligence — whether that’s a truck driver, a negligent motorist, or even a trucking company that failed to maintain its vehicles — surviving family members may be entitled to financial recovery for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Prevention Through Awareness

KBD Attorneys is committed to using real stories — like the heartbreaking accident involving Eric Pompa — to raise awareness about highway safety. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and understand that everyone makes mistakes. We also recognize the ripple effect that these accidents have on other families, other drivers, and entire communities.

By shedding light on these cases, we hope to encourage safer driving practices, improve public awareness, and advocate for better road safety policies.

As NC trucking accident attorneys, we’ve seen far too many families destroyed by preventable crashes. Sometimes it’s a speeding truck, a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, or a trucking company that violated federal safety regulations. Other times, it’s another motorist who made a devastating decision. This includes driving the wrong way on the highway while impaired.

The results can be catastrophic. The legal challenges that follow can be just as difficult to navigate as the physical and emotional trauma.

We Handle Trucking Accident Cases Across North Carolina and the U.S.

Our trucking litigation team at KBD Attorneys handles cases not just in Charlotte, but across North Carolina. This includes Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Asheville, and beyond. We also represent clients nationwide, especially in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles. Click here to learn more about our truck accident services.

Whether you are a local resident, a long-haul trucker, or a family dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one in a trucking crash, we are ready to help.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck crash, it’s important to take immediate action:

• Seek medical attention.

• Report the accident to authorities and get a copy of the police report.

• Preserve any evidence (photos, videos, witness names).

• Do not speak to insurance companies without legal advice.

• Contact an experienced Charlotte truck accident attorney.

Truck accident cases can be extremely complex. Multiple parties may be involved, including drivers, trucking companies, insurers, and even manufacturers of defective vehicle parts. You need a law firm with the resources, experience, and dedication to take on these powerful opponents and fight for your rights.

Contact KBD Attorneys Today

Whether you were hit by a negligent truck driver or seriously injured in a crash like the one that occurred on I-77, KBD Attorneys is here to help you seek justice. We have North Carolina trucking accident attorneys who understand the legal, physical, and emotional toll these crashes take.

We will fight for the compensation you deserve while treating you with dignity and compassion every step of the way.

If you or your loved one needs legal help after a truck accident, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are proud to serve clients across North Carolina and the United States.

Contact us today.