Tragic Dump Truck Crash in North Carolina Kills Four Utility Workers 

KBD Attorneys | Fighting for Safer Roads and Justice for Victims

On a quiet Thursday afternoon in Eden, North Carolina, tragedy struck when a city dump truck plowed through a stop sign and plowed into a crew of utility workers installing power lines. Four men were killed instantly, and three others were seriously injured. This horrifying crash serves as a grim reminder of the catastrophic impact large commercial and government vehicles can have when safety protocols are ignored.

At KBD Attorneys, we stay on top of transportation-related tragedies like this truck accident because we’re committed to holding negligent parties accountable and making our communities safer. Whether in North Carolina, Maryland, along the I-95 corridor and beyond, our legal team fights for those devastated by trucking and utility vehicle crashes.

What Happened in Eden?

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon, a dump truck driver employed by the City of Eden, ran a stop sign and entered an intersection without stopping. The truck then struck six utility workers on the ground, fatally injuring four. It continued forward, slamming into an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road into a ditch.

The victims were contractors for Duke Energy and its subcontractors:

• Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield

• Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge

• William Evans, 35, of Randleman

• Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem

Three of the deceased were employees of Carolina Power and Signalization, and Mr. Sides was a veteran contract inspector for Victory Powerline Services. These men were performing vital infrastructure work when their lives were suddenly and needlessly ended.

Two other workers were airlifted to hospitals — one in critical condition, the other in serious but stable condition. The driver of the dump truck suffered minor injuries and has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. Authorities do not believe impairment played a role.

The Dangers of Dump Trucks and Work Zone Negligence

Large trucks like dump trucks present unique dangers on public roads — especially in work zones. They’re heavy, slow to stop, and difficult to maneuver. Drivers must be fully attentive and follow safety procedures without exception. This is the best way to avoid a truck accident.

In this case, the truck was operated by a government employee, yet even under municipal oversight, critical safety rules were disregarded. A simple act — stopping at a stop sign — could have prevented unimaginable loss.

Work zones are especially vulnerable to vehicle-related tragedies. Workers are often focused on technical tasks and may have limited visibility or mobility. One inattentive or reckless driver can cause a multi-fatality disaster in seconds.

The Legal Landscape: Who Is Responsible?

In any fatal commercial or municipal vehicle crash, there are multiple potential parties that may bear responsibility:

• The driver, for operating the vehicle negligently

• The employer (in this case, the City of Eden), for potentially failing to train, monitor, or screen drivers appropriately

• Maintenance providers, if the vehicle was in disrepair

• Contractors, if poor site planning placed workers in unsafe conditions

At KBD Attorneys, we investigate every angle. We consult with specialists, and examine every record — from driver hours to municipal safety policies.

When city governments are involved, filing claims can become more complex due to immunity laws and strict filing deadlines. But victims and their families still have rights. We help them understand those rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Maryland’s Own Risk: The I-270 Tractor-Trailer Crash

Not long before the North Carolina truck accident tragedy, another high-profile truck-related incident occurred right here in Maryland. A tractor-trailer tipped over onto a car on I-270 near Rockville, causing major delays and a massive emergency response.

Though details are still emerging, the crash is a reminder of the chaos that ensues when large trucks are not operated carefully — or when weather, maintenance, or weight issues are ignored. Fortunately, that crash did not result in fatalities, but the risk to Maryland drivers is ever-present.

At KBD Attorneys, we’ve seen time and again how families are changed forever because of a single moment of trucking negligence.

Why These Cases Matter

Every crash like the one in Eden or on I-270 ripples through families, companies, and communities. Children lose parents. Businesses lose workers. Cities lose trust.

And if no one is held accountable, the same deadly patterns will repeat.

KBD Attorneys stands with the victims. Our goal is not only to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — we aim to drive change. That means exposing systemic failures, demanding reform in city transportation practices, and raising awareness of work zone safety.

Your Rights After a Trucking Injury or Death

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a commercial or municipal vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you can pursue:

• Wrongful death claims

• Workers’ compensation (for on-duty employees)

• Third-party liability claims against negligent drivers, employers, or contractors

• Product liability claims if faulty vehicle parts contributed to the crash

Every case is different. That’s why you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to dig deep and fight hard.

Why Choose KBD Attorneys?

KBD Attorneys has a proven record of winning complex truck accident cases across the Mid-Atlantic. Our firm is:

• Relentless in our investigations

• Compassionate with families

• Aggressive in the courtroom

• Committed to public safety

We are proud to represent victims, not corporations. We stay up to date on recalls, transportation laws, and construction safety news because our clients deserve the best legal guidance possible.

Contact Us Today — Justice Can’t Wait

The Eden crash is a tragedy that never should have happened. Our hearts go out to the families of Douglas Sides, Madison Carter, William Evans, and Matthew Lockwood — and to the injured survivors. Their lives matter. Their stories matter.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking or utility vehicle crash, don’t wait. Contact KBD Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience, integrity, and passion to work for you.

KBD Attorneys | Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable. Protecting Families. Fighting for Justice.