Lumberton, NC — May 6, 2025, James Hammonds was killed in a morning truck accident on Sanchez Road near U.S. Route 74.

Authorities said an SUV crashed into the back of a slow-moving semi-truck headed west on Sanchez Road.

SUV driver James Earl Hammonds, 71, died in the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Robeson County crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

One of the first things I look for in a crash involving a rear-end collision with a slow-moving semi-truck is whether the truck had the proper markings and lighting. In low-light or early-morning conditions, when visibility is reduced, even a perfectly positioned truck can pose a hazard if it’s not adequately lit or marked. But if it’s moving slowly without hazard lights, reflective tape or proper taillight function, it may be almost invisible until it’s too late.

That’s why investigators should check whether the truck’s taillights and hazard lights were on, and whether its reflective materials were up to legal standards. They should also determine if the truck had just pulled onto the road and failed to yield to faster-moving traffic. These details make a big difference in understanding who was in the best position to avoid the crash.

Too often, the driver in the back is assumed to be at fault simply because they rear-ended another vehicle. But from what I’ve seen in similar cases, that assumption doesn’t always hold up once all the facts are gathered. If this truck was moving unusually slow or wasn't properly visible, it’s entirely possible the SUV driver never had a chance to react. That's why the focus should be on collecting every piece of evidence, not just writing up the scene.