Felix Guadalupe Reta Killed in Kenly Truck Accident
A tire blowout caused a construction crane truck to overturn into the median on Interstate 95
Felix Guadalupe Reta, 47, of Landis, was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 near the 106-mile marker in Kenly on Tuesday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
A northbound 2008 Kenworth construction crane truck experienced a tire blowout, causing the vehicle to veer out of the right lane. The truck, owned by Superior Walls Systems LLC, then overturned into the highway median.
Reta, who was a passenger in the truck, died from his injuries at the scene. The driver was taken to WakeMed in Raleigh in critical condition.
Investigators do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash. Troopers indicated that tire failure was the sole contributing cause of the wreck.
The crash blocked one northbound and one southbound lane of Interstate 95 for several hours.
The State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
How do tire blowouts impact commercial vehicle safety?
Tire failures on heavy commercial trucks present severe risks to passengers and other drivers, particularly at highway speeds. When a blowout occurs on a vehicle like a construction crane, the sudden shift in weight distribution often leads to an uncontrollable rollover.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Detailed examination of failed tires following crashes reveals crucial information about failure timing, contributing factors, and mechanical history. Professional forensic analysis distinguishes between pre-crash degradation and post-crash damage, clarifying what circumstances existed before the collision."
"Legal counsel protecting affected families understands the absolute necessity of preserving the failed tire before demolition or disposal, coordinating independent expert evaluation, and securing analysis that documents evidence available for investigation and legal proceedings," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What are the legal options for commercial truck passengers?
Families of passengers killed in commercial vehicle accidents often face a complex web of corporate liability. Investigations must determine whether the tire failure stemmed from a manufacturing defect, improper maintenance by the truck's owner, or road hazards.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), North Carolina averages roughly 1,600 to 1,700 total traffic fatalities per year.
North Carolina wrongful death statute
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. North Carolina applies contributory negligence. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of services and companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.
"Electronic data from vehicle computers records speed, braking force, and acceleration timing immediately before impact occurred during collisions. Legal counsel preserves this crucial data and coordinates forensic review to help families understand the complete sequence of events leading toward collision," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.