Dodge Charger left roadway on wet pavement near milepost 14
April 26, 2026 | Alma, AR
A tragic early-morning collision on Interstate 40 claimed the life of Christopher Marshall, 40, from Ozark, while injuring his passenger in Crawford County near Alma.
Faye Ward, 39, was injured after a Dodge Charger crash on Interstate 40 near milepost 14 west of Alma in Crawford County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. when a 2018 Dodge Charger traveling eastbound lost control on wet pavement near milepost 14, west of Alma. The vehicle veered off the roadway and collided with a guardrail, resulting in fatal injuries to the driver and harm to the passenger.
- Date and Time: April 26, approximately 5 a.m.
- Location: Interstate 40, milepost 14, west of Alma, Arkansas
- Vehicle Involved: 2018 Dodge Charger
- Driver: Christopher Marshall, 40, of Ozark, deceased
- Passenger: Faye Ward, 39, of Ozark, injured, extent unspecified
- Contributing Factor: Wet pavement conditions
- Investigating Agency: Arkansas State Police
Why Do Wet Road Crashes Happen?
Rain-slicked surfaces pose significant dangers to motorists by reducing tire grip, extending braking distances, and increasing hydroplaning risks. Even minor precipitation can displace oil and debris, creating hazardous conditions that demand adjusted driving behaviors.
Drivers may underestimate the need for reduced speeds or cautious maneuvers, leading to loss of control from abrupt actions like hard braking.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “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 collision.”
- Wet roads contribute to about 75% of weather-related crashes, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
- Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to water buildup, often at speeds over 35 mph.
- Light rain is particularly deceptive, as it creates a slippery film before heavier downpours.
Factor |
Impact on Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Reduced Traction |
Increases skidding risk by up to 50% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Longer Stopping Distance |
Can double from 100 feet to 200 feet in rain |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Hydroplaning |
Affects vehicles at speeds above 35 mph |
CDC Highway Safety Reports |
Visibility Issues |
Contributes to 20% of rainy day incidents |
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes on highways, thorough investigations are crucial for understanding contributing elements like weather and road conditions.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the challenges faced by those affected: “The stress and worry following a serious injury could be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life.”
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client,” Formica added. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
- Pending investigation outcomes, injured parties like Faye Ward may pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Legal representation helps counter lowball settlement offers from insurers.
- Reconstruction experts can clarify fault in weather-related incidents.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(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).