Maddie Benson, 13, killed in Jones County pedestrian
Maddie Benson, 13, was found dead after being struck by a dump truck on 10 Mile Fork Road.
Maddie Benson, 13, of Trenton, died after a dump truck hit her on 10 Mile Fork Road in Jones County, North Carolina, early Tuesday, the N.C. Highway Patrol said.
Deputies found Benson's body shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday. The crash scene was discovered at that time, according to authorities.
The Jones County Sheriff's Office began searching for Benson after she was last seen around 10 p.m. Monday. Benson was a nonverbal, autistic teenager, the sheriff's office said.
The State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Troopers have not released details about how the crash happened.
The investigation will examine road conditions, visibility and the driver's actions, the patrol said. The exact time of the crash remains under investigation.
Authorities have not released the name of the dump truck driver or said if charges will be filed.
Why are civil investigations necessary in commercial crashes?
As the N.C. Highway Patrol investigates the fatal crash, civil liability investigations often run parallel to law enforcement reviews. Families of victims frequently face complex insurance claims involving commercial policies after a fatal collision.
What factors contribute to pedestrian collisions?
The loss of a child in a pedestrian collision is a deep tragedy, leaving families searching for answers about how the crash could have been prevented.
Stefano Formica, of Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a pedestrian accident"
Insurance adjusters often contact grieving families within days of a fatal commercial vehicle crash, seeking to resolve claims before the full scope of liability and available coverage is understood.
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.