Vehicle crossed centerline and struck loaded dump truck west of Plymouth
December 10, 2025 | Washington, NC
A serious two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Highway 64 in Washington County, leaving a dump truck driver with significant injuries requiring airlift to a medical facility.
Elaine Gregory Bradley, 74, drove a Toyota Corolla that crossed the centerline and hit a Western Star dump truck on U.S. Highway 64 west of Plymouth, seriously injuring the truck driver.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident took place around 2:50 p.m. west of Plymouth when a Toyota Corolla driven by Elaine Gregory Bradley, 74, veered across the centerline and struck a 2020 Western Star dump truck carrying asphalt. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the causes and circumstances.
- Date and Time: Dec. 10, 2025, approximately 2:50 p.m.
- Location: U.S. Highway 64, west of Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina
- Vehicles Involved: 2020 Western Star dump truck, loaded with asphalt, and a Toyota Corolla
- Driver of Car: Elaine Gregory Bradley, 74
- Injuries: The Dump truck driver suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to ECU Health in Greenville
- Status: Investigation ongoing
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Cross-centerline collisions often stem from various factors, posing major risks on highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roadway departures, including lane crossings, contribute to thousands of fatalities annually.
Cause |
Description |
Contribution to Crashes (NHTSA Data) |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Using phones or other distractions |
Up to 25% of serious incidents |
Fatigue |
Driver drowsiness leading to loss of control |
Common in long-haul scenarios like dump trucks |
Driver Error |
Misjudgment of road conditions |
Frequent in rural highways like US 64 |
Speeding |
Excessive speed reducing reaction time |
Involved in 29% of fatal crashes |
Impairment |
Alcohol or drugs affecting judgment |
Leads to 28% of roadway departure deaths |
NHTSA reports that over a recent three-year span, 19,158 fatalities resulted from roadway departures, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving centerline crossings and commercial vehicles, thorough investigations are essential to uncover contributing factors.
“It’s imperative to conduct an independent investigation as soon as possible to preserve evidence for those affected,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “An attorney can review police reports, hire witnesses, check driver histories, find eyewitnesses, and assess insurance coverage, all while supporting victims through recovery.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Independent reviews help identify negligence beyond initial reports.
- Resources like background checks and witness statements strengthen claims.
- Legal guidance protects rights during medical and financial challenges.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader effects:
“The stress from serious injuries can disrupt family, work, and daily life. Victims should know their entitlements, including compensation for medical costs, ongoing care, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.”
For the dump truck driver, pursuing a personal injury claim could address these damages, ensuring accountability.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).