BMW struck disabled Toyota on Interstate 40 exit ramp
May 17, 2026 | Winston Salem, NC
What happened in the crash?
Shawn Dereck Arthur, 54, and Karen Bibb Arthur, 36, were killed early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash.
Shawn Dereck Arthur, 54, and Karen Bibb Arthur, 36, died after a BMW struck their disabled Toyota on the U.S. 311 exit ramp in Winston-Salem.
- Date and time: May 17, around 1:59 a.m.
- Location: U.S. 311 at the Interstate 40 westbound exit ramp
- Vehicles involved: 2008 Toyota (disabled on the right shoulder) and 2013 BMW
- Injuries: Both Toyota occupants pronounced dead at the scene; BMW driver, 32, uninjured
The Winston-Salem Police Department reported that the BMW veered off the road and struck the disabled Toyota for reasons still under investigation.
Why do these accidents happen?
Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are factors frequently examined in similar incidents. An independent review often helps clarify contributing elements.
In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
— Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal
Key statistics on fatal crashes
The following data comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System:
| Year | Fatal Crashes | Deaths | Deaths per 100,000 People | Deaths per 100 Million Miles |
|---|
| 2018 | 33,654 | 36,560 | 11.2 | 1.13 |
Source: Federal Highway Administration and CDC.
Legal insights
Families facing the aftermath of fatal collisions may explore available legal options once the official investigation concludes.
The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation.
— Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal
Takeaways for readers:
- Contact law enforcement promptly with any information
- Document all details related to the incident
- Understand that an independent review can support evidence preservation
Anyone with information should contact the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or via Text-A-Tip at 336-276-1717.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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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).
Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, North Carolina, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, U.S. 311, Interstate 40,