dump truck struck the girl as she walked in the roadway
April 14, 2026 | Jones, NC
A tragic incident in Jones County claimed the life of 13-year-old Maddie Benson when she was struck by a dump truck on 10 Mile Fork Road.
Maddie Benson, 13, died after she was struck by a dump truck on 10 Mile Fork Road in Jones County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office reported the fatal pedestrian accident occurring around 4:30 a.m. on April 14. Benson, who had autism and was nonverbal, had been reported missing the previous evening.
Key details include:
- Victim: Maddie Benson, age 13
- Location: 10 Mile Fork Road, Jones, NC
- Time: Approximately 4:30 a.m.
- Vehicle Involved: Dump truck
- Circumstances: The driver initially believed he had struck an animal and searched the area with another motorist, but found nothing. The body was discovered later that morning in a deep ditch by the second driver after sunrise. The dump truck operator returned to the scene upon learning of the discovery.
How Was the Incident Discovered?
The search efforts intensified after sunrise, leading to the heartbreaking find in a nearby ditch. Investigators continue to examine factors such as visibility, road conditions, and the driver's actions in this early morning collision.
Why Do These Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, reaching alarming levels. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), an estimated 7,508 people were killed in pedestrian crashes in 2022, the highest since 1981.
Common contributing factors include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road designs favoring vehicles over walkers
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Speeding |
Excessive speeds reduce reaction time in low-visibility conditions like dawn. |
GHSA |
Distracted Driving |
Use of phones or other distractions impairs awareness of pedestrians. |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol or drugs affect judgment and braking. |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Road Conditions |
Inadequate lighting, signage, or shoulders increase risks on rural roads. |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
These elements highlight the need for enhanced safety measures to protect vulnerable road users.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, national legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations to uncover negligence and support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways:
- Pedestrians generally have the right of way at intersections and streets, even outside marked crosswalks.
- Drivers must always yield to pedestrians to prevent tragedies.
- Independent investigations can identify issues like poor infrastructure or driver error.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending the ongoing investigation, the family of Maddie Benson may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
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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).