Rockingham County, North Carolina (November 25, 2025) — A collision between a passenger car and a tractor-trailer on U.S. 29 South claimed the life of Philip Straughan III, a 27-year-old Greensboro resident, Tuesday afternoon, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. on U.S. 29 South near Benaja Road. State troopers reported that a tractor-trailer hauling mulch collided with a Toyota Corolla. The impact caused the Corolla to become wedged beneath the tractor-trailer. Straughan, who was the sole occupant of the Toyota, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released details regarding the direction of travel for each vehicle immediately prior to the collision or what led to the impact. No other injuries were reported.
Investigation: The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. In fatal collisions involving passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers, investigators typically examine lane positioning, speed, and whether either driver failed to maintain a proper lookout or yield the right of way.
Because the collision involved a passenger car becoming lodged beneath a commercial truck, investigators are expected to review the point of impact closely, braking evidence, and vehicle damage to reconstruct how the crash unfolded. Troopers have indicated that they will meet with the District Attorney to discuss the investigation’s findings and determine whether charges against the tractor-trailer driver are warranted.
The investigation’s goal is to produce a detailed accident reconstruction report that establishes a clear timeline and identifies all contributing factors and statutory violations, which is essential for any potential criminal proceedings or civil litigation that may follow.
Legal Considerations: Crashes between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the extreme size and weight disparity between the vehicles. From a civil perspective, determining liability involves evaluating the driver’s conduct, compliance with commercial driving regulations, and whether the tractor-trailer was operated in a safe and lawful manner at the time of the crash.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the Straughan family may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of future financial support, and the profound emotional impact of losing a young family member. Though no legal action can reverse the loss, achieving accountability is often a vital step toward finding answers.
I sincerely offer my condolences to Philip Straughan III’s family and loved ones during this difficult time of loss.
Source: WFMY News 2