Driver in Dodge Ram struck a woman and child on a westbound ramp and fled
December 02, 2025 | Burlington, NC
A woman and her child suffered injuries after a hit-and-run incident involving a vehicle on an Interstate 40 ramp in Burlington, North Carolina.
Authorities identified the driver and took action following the early morning collision.
Jose Lopez, 51, of Graham was arrested after his Dodge Ram struck a woman and her child on the Interstate 40 on-ramp in Burlington and fled.
What Happened in the Crash?
The pedestrians were en route to a local school around 7 a.m. on Dec. 2 when a white Dodge Ram pickup truck struck them while turning left onto the westbound on-ramp near Maple Avenue. Both victims received medical attention for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
- Date and Time: Dec. 2, 2025, approximately 7 a.m.
- Location: Interstate 40 westbound on-ramp near Maple Avenue, Burlington, NC
- Vehicle: White Dodge Ram pickup truck
- Driver: Jose Lopez, 51, of Graham, NC
- Injuries: Non-life-threatening to woman and child
- Charges: Misdemeanor hit-and-run against Lopez
Police noted that Lopez briefly stopped at the scene before fleeing. He was later apprehended and charged.
Details of the Investigation
The Burlington Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials encourage witnesses or those with relevant information to come forward by contacting the department directly. Such cooperation can aid in piecing together the full sequence of events and ensuring accountability.
Hit-and-Run Statistics Overview
Hit-and-run incidents represent a significant concern on roadways, with data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighting their prevalence.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes involving hit-and-run drivers |
Approximately 11% |
NHTSA |
Annual hit-and-run fatalities in the U.S. |
Over 2,000 |
NHTSA |
Common factors in hit-and-runs |
Fear of consequences, impaired driving |
CDC |
Pedestrian involvement in hit-and-runs |
60% of cases |
Federal Highway Administration |
These figures underscore the need for thorough investigations to address negligence and support affected parties.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving pedestrians and hit-and-run drivers, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing facts and protecting those harmed.
“Conducting a detailed examination right away is essential to safeguard victims' interests in hit-and-run scenarios,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Elements like road conditions, visibility of signs, and lighting must be evaluated to demonstrate negligence and secure appropriate compensation.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:
- Prompt attorney involvement helps navigate insurance negotiations effectively.
- Comprehensive reviews of scene factors can reveal contributing causes beyond driver error.
- Victims may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Insurance providers often push for low settlements, making experienced advocacy vital.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, emphasized the broader impacts:
“Injuries from such accidents extend far beyond physical harm, affecting daily life, employment, and family dynamics. Retaining legal support ensures fair treatment and maximizes recovery options against insurers.”
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(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).