Fatal I-95 Truck Crash in North Carolina Claims Five Lives: A Tragedy That Demands Accountability

Last summer, what should have been a routine drive on Interstate 95 turned into an unimaginable tragedy. A deadly chain-reaction crash involving a tractor-trailer took the lives of five people and forever altered the lives of their loved ones. The wreck shut down northbound I-95 in Wilson County, North Carolina, for more than nine hours and left a community mourning.

At KBD Attorneys, we extend our deepest condolences to the families affected. This crash—like so many involving large trucks—demonstrates just how devastating a moment of negligence can be.

The Crash: What Happened?

According to the Associated Press, published on July 26, 2024, the crash occurred in an area where one lane of I-95 was closed for maintenance. A Freightliner tractor-trailer hauling orange juice failed to slow down as traffic bottlenecked near a work zone.

The truck barreled into a Chevy Tahoe, a Toyota RAV4, and two other tractor-trailers. The impact was so severe that the Freightliner caught fire. By the time the flames were extinguished and the wreckage cleared, five innocent lives were lost.

The victims are identified as:

• William and Elizabeth Tucker of Hephzibah, Georgia

• Edward and Martha Davis of Greenville, North Carolina

• Linda Whitehurst of Robersonville, North Carolina

All five were occupants of the two SUVs. Their lives were cut short in a horrifying instant.

Charges Filed: Seeking Justice for the Victims

The truck driver was treated for minor injuries and later arrested. He now faces five counts of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, a serious charge under North Carolina law. According to the Highway Patrol, the primary cause of the crash was excessive speed in a construction zone. There was no suspected alcohol or drug use, but the consequences of inattention and recklessness are no less severe.

There was a $25,000 bond set. While the legal system will determine this driver’s future, the tragic loss suffered by these five families is irreversible.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Large commercial trucks like the Freightliner involved in this crash weigh tens of thousands of pounds when fully loaded. Their size and momentum mean that even at moderate speeds, they can cause catastrophic damage in a collision. On highways like I-95, where vehicles often travel at 65 mph or more, a split-second decision—or failure to make one—can lead to mass casualty events.

In construction zones, drivers need to slow down and pay extra attention. When truckers violate these basic safety principles, the results are often deadly.

The Legal and Emotional Aftermath for Families

Losing a loved one in a preventable crash is an unimaginable burden. The emotional trauma is overwhelming, but families also face:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of income and companionship

• Grief and mental health challenges

• Legal confusion over insurance claims and potential litigation

At KBD Attorneys, we know the road ahead can feel impossible. That’s why we’re here—to offer compassionate, knowledgeable legal help when families need it most.

Our team of North Carolina truck accident attorneys and Raleigh accident attorneys have the experience and resources needed to investigate crashes, prove fault, and pursue compensation on behalf of victims. We will work with accident reconstruction experts, review electronic logging data, and examine trucking company safety records, etc. to make sure that we hold negligent parties accountable.

The Importance of Holding Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable

This crash isn’t just about one driver’s mistake—it’s also about the systems that allow it to happen. Trucking companies have a responsibility to:

• Hire experienced, safe drivers

• Train drivers on safety protocols

• Monitor driver fatigue and hours of service

• Ensure vehicles are properly maintained

If they fail in those duties, and a crash occurs, they may also be legally liable. We fight to uncover the full story and ensure that victims get the justice they deserve.

Safety Reforms and Public Awareness Matter

Every year, thousands of people die in large truck crashes across the U.S. These are not just statistics—they’re families torn apart.

Public awareness and safety reforms are essential to preventing future tragedies. That means:

• Better signage in construction zones

• Stricter enforcement of speed limits for commercial drivers

• Improved driver training standards

• Enhanced use of collision-avoidance technology

As a law firm committed to public safety, KBD Attorneys supports any regulations that will prevent these accidents from happening. No family should have to experience the tragic results of unsafe driving practices. No one should die because someone else was speeding in a work zone or driving distracted.

What to Do If A Truck Crash Has Affected You

If you or a loved one has been injured—or worse, killed—in a truck accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

KBD Attorneys is here to:

• Investigate your case

• Deal with insurers and corporate defendants

• Help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death

• Provide guidance with empathy and integrity

Our consultations are free.

Remembering the Victims

This crash took the lives of five people whose families now face a future filled with grief. We remember William and Elizabeth Tucker, Edward and Martha Davis, and Linda Whitehurst as more than just names—they were loved ones, friends, parents, and neighbors. Their loss is a stark reminder of what’s at stake when trucking safety is compromised.

We grieve with their families and vow to continue fighting for others who have suffered as they have.

Contact KBD Attorneys for Help

Have you or someone you care about been in a truck accident in North Carolina? Don’t wait to get the help you need.

Contact KBD Attorneys today for a free consultation
Serving clients across North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and surrounding areas

Let us help you protect your future—and honor the memory of those lost by holding the responsible parties accountable.