Driver fled after vehicle struck pedestrian near Peed Road in Raleigh
December 11, 2025 | Raleigh, NC
A 61-year-old man from Wake Forest lost his life in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident on Dec. 11 along North Carolina Highway 98 near Peed Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
Phillip Keith Spence, 61, of Wake Forest, was pronounced dead at the scene following the pedestrian hit-and-run on North Carolina Highway 98 in Raleigh.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that Phillip Keith Spence was walking when struck by a westbound vehicle around 6:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver fled without stopping.
Key details include:
- Victim: Phillip Keith Spence, 61, of Wake Forest
- Location: North Carolina Highway 98 near Peed Road, Raleigh
- Time: Approximately 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2025
- Vehicle Involved: Suspected late-1990s or early-2000s Ford Econoline Van or Ford F-250
- Outcome: Fatal, driver at large
- Agency: North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal consequences, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or outstanding warrants. Nationally, these crashes claim thousands of lives annually, with rates rising steadily.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities in U.S. |
Approximately 2,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Yearly Increase Since 2009 |
About 7% |
NHTSA |
Hit-and-Run Crashes per Minute |
More than one |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, conducting a thorough independent investigation is crucial to protect victims' families and hold drivers accountable.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Key takeaways:
- Investigate environmental factors like lighting and road conditions promptly.
- Families may pursue compensation for medical, funeral, and emotional losses.
- Hit-and-run drivers can face civil and criminal liability.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
The family of Phillip Keith Spence may be eligible for a wrongful death claim covering expenses and non-economic damages.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation 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).